Theologians of the Baptist Tradition

by Timothy George (Editor)

Baptists' Timothy George and David S. Dockery update and substantially reshape their classic book in an effort to preserve and discover the Baptists' “underappreciated contribution to Christianity's theological heritage.” George and Dockery have re-arranged this volume—considerably abbreviated from the seven-hundred page first edition—in light of the Southern Baptist identity controversy.

Genres: Theology, History, Biography, Christianity, Christian, Church History

432 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.


Timothy George is Dean at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He is also editor, together with his wife Denise, of the Library of Baptist Classics series. He previously was an associate professor of church history and historical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the books I read are a chore or mandatory, especially dealing with theology and Church History. However, this one was sheer delight. There have long been jokes about the ignorace of Baptists, for instance, "Whatis the difference between a Presbyterian and a Baptist? A Presbyterian is a Baptist that can read?" We Baptists may be known for our evangelistic fervor, but not for our Theological heritage. This book introduces the reader to minds that have been rivaled only by Calvin, Luther and the rest. The purpose of the book is to move the reader to study Baptist theology and, if a Baptist, to appreciate one's heritage. If not a Baptist, then to understand, evualuate, and appreciate this denomination's contribution to orthodox Christianity. Nor, are all these theologian's academicians, George and Dockery to a great job of combining mighty pastors (Spurgeon and Criswell, for a few) and Classroom theologians (Garret, Erickson and others). Of special interest are the chapters on A T Robertson, J Broadus, Spurgeon, and Criswell.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theologians of the Baptist Tradition is a valuable and much-needed work that introduces readers to key figures who have shaped Baptist theology over the centuries. Timothy George and David Dockery do more than just summarize the thoughts of well-known theologians—they give us a window into the historical, cultural, and spiritual landscapes that gave rise to their work.

This volume helps us to trace the nature of Baptist theology and will enable us to recover the best from the past. These theologians, despite their differences, shared a deep commitment to the authority of Scripture and the life of the church. They also wrestled honestly with the challenges of their time—something we are called to do today.

Reading this book moved me—not just intellectually, but personally. I felt challenged to reflect more on my own theological commitments and inspired to contribute, even in a small way, to the ongoing work of thoughtful, grounded faith within the Reformed Baptist tradition here in the Philippines.It reminded me that theology isn’t just for the academy; it’s for the local church, the pulpit, and even our daily conversations. This book stirred in me a desire to study more carefully, teach more intentionally, and live out the gospel more faithfully in my own context.

[Austin Wynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book highlighting some Baptists who have impacted many. I enjoyed the biographical section as it was a refreshing break from the theological ones. I also appreciated the evaluation sections where a man’s doctrine and leadership were evaluated seriously so the reader can see both the good and bad of each. Last chapter seemed redundant and unnecessary.

[Tyson Guthrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A respectable attempt to demonstrate--contrary to all appearances--that Baptists possess both a tradition and theologians.
The book showed a remarkable level of continuity for a collection of essays--a credit to the editors.

[Scott Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acceptable introduction to the history of Baptist theologians. Needs revision to keep up with the times. Fairly bland, but that might just be our tradition.

[Rick Shrader]

This is a revised edition from the 1990 edition titled Baptist Theologians by the same editors. I enjoy books like this that give us a short biography of well-known men in history plus some important facts about their theology. Familiar names appear such as John Gill, Andrew Fuller, Charles Spurgeon, A.H. Strong, and even B.H. Carroll, and then some not-so-familiar names such as John Dagg, Walter Conner, and Frank Stagg. I have not yet had time to read the original edition which contains many more names and, some readers have told me, contains a less bias view toward Southern Baptist theologians who were heavily Reformed in theology. An example in the present edition is the extended negative critique of A.H. Strong’s theology, though much of it may have been justified, compared to the brief overlooking of B.H. Carroll’s heavy leaning toward Landmarkism. Still, facts are facts and we take the good with the bad in anyone’s history. It all helps us be more balanced and true with our own views. Baptists have a very rich history in theology, education, local church ministry, and evangelism. I appreciate every addition to that heritage.

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