The intent of this guide is for the sole purpose of assisting those persons desiring an honest and informative study on the subject of the history of the Baptist people.
There are numerous Baptist histories on the market, both books in print and those that are out of print and very rare indeed. Most books that you will find on the subject have been written by protestants or what I term as Protestant Baptists. Their view places the Baptist peoples arrival at the reformation. I contend strongly that although as a Baptist I protest the Catholics, I am not a protestant. As a Baptist, I also protest the protestant. You may ask why and how I would have that attitude? The Baptists are not protestant. As you study the subject closely you will find a common thread that always runs within the Baptist history, whether called Baptist, Anabaptist, Donatists or by some other name.
That thread is found in 2 major Bible doctrines that have always set the Baptist people apart. The first is their position on the Word of God. Simply, it is their final authority. They take no other writing, or authority over it. The second is their position on baptism. Here is where Baptists and all others take separate roads. With baptism, the authority, the subject and the method are of vital importance, but also what is in the water? All protestant and catholic groups believe that the water has special qualities - if you do not believe me, study their creeds, statement of faith, and their church doctrine. Baptists believe that it is simply obedience to the command of God, picturing the death, burial, and resurection of Christ according to the scriptures.
Hopefully this is of some help to those just beginning their studies. May the Lord bless you!
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