The theology and practice of baptism amongst British Baptists, 1900-1996

Cross, Anthony R

Abstract

This study sets out to examine the theology and practice of believer's baptism amongst Baptists associated with the Baptist Union of Great Britain in the twentieth century and to identify the major influences which have caused both the theology and practice of baptism to develop. As such, this study aims to be a complementary study to that by Dr. Michael Walker, Baptists at the Table. The Theology of the Lord's Supper amongst English Baptists in the Nineteenth Century (1992), and Dr. J. R. C. Perkin's unpublished Oxford DPhil, 'Baptism in Non-Conformist Theology, 1820- 1920, with special reference to the Baptists' (1955). The thesis recognizes throughout that both discussion of the theology and practice of baptism have taken place within the context of the developing ecumenical movement.

After a brief introduction to the theology and practice of baptism amongst nineteenthcentury Baptists (Part 1. Chapter 1) there is a summary discussion of those areas of twentieth-century baptismal theology on which Baptists have either spoken with one voice or which have not been contentious (Part 2. Chapter 2).

This is followed by Part 3 covering the period 1900-1937, when, as in the nineteenth century, Baptists consistently emphasized the issues of the mode and subjects of baptism. A few scholars, however, began to see the inadequacy of this position, and turned to the investigation of the theology of baptism. Chapter 3 discusses the ecumenical developments which took place, including the beginnings of the Free Church movement and Faith and Order, and how Baptists were affected by them. Chapter 4 sets out the Baptist theology of baptism during this period.

Part 4 examines the period 1938-1966. Chapter 5 discusses the ecumenical developments, which were marked by a new phase in the discussion of the theology of baptism inspired by the studies by Emil Brunner (1938) and Karl Barth (1943) and taken up by biblical scholars and theologians from various denominations. It also discusses the effect of the establishment of the British Council of Churches and World Council of Churches. Chapter 6 discusses the Baptists' response to these developments, whilst Chapter 7 details the establishment and consolidation of a Baptist sacramentalism.

Part 5 deals with the period 1967-1996. Chapter 8 investigates the ecumenical developments, which included the establishment of Local Ecumenical Projects/Partnerships and the work leading up to Baptise^ Eucharist and Ministry (1982), and the effect these have had on the baptismal rite amongst Baptists. Chapter 9 sets out new perspectives and developments which have resulted, including the shift in emphasis to Christian initiation, changed attitudes towards infant baptism, the charismatic movement and the present move within Churches Together in England advocating a 'common baptism'.

Part 6 concludes with Chapter 10's discussion of the practice of baptism in the twentieth century, which includes discussion of liturgical developments.

The study concludes that there is no single Baptist theology or practice of baptism, only theologies and practices, and that the main influence upon the development of these has been the ecumenical movement, but also, to lesser extents, changes within society, such as increased population mobility and attitudes to change, and the continued influence of individualism. Two final Appendices briefly set out the study's use of sources and a discussion of Baptist Trust Deeds.

Citation

Cross, A. R. (1997). The theology and practice of baptism amongst British Baptists, 1900-1996. (Thesis). Keele University. Retrieved from https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/880039

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 26, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 26, 2024
• Keywords: Department of History
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/880039
• Award Date: 1997