Baptists and the Bible
by L. Russ Bush, Tom J. Nettles
Revised and Expanded

Since its publication in 1980, Baptists and the Bible has become one of the most complete and oft quoted sources for reliable, incisive, and detailed information on the history of Baptist attitudes towards the doctrine of the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. Now this newly expanded edition makes it even more useful in understanding what baptists believe about the scriptures - and why. Baptists and the Bible explores the origins of the modern Baptist faith, traciing its beliefs from 17th Century England to the controversies of today. Through their studies of 18th and 19th century scholars, Bush and Nettles uncover how today's Baptists arrived at their current doctrinal positions. They also investigate the sources of uncertainties in scriptural interpretation and relate their new findings to present day issues in Baptist Life.

Meticulously researched, this revealing study brings the Baptist legacy to life, providing today's Baptists with a look at their past, and a resource for the future life. ―Backus Books

We are always hesitant to label a book as a "must have". Too many books that sit on the shelves of Christian book stores in our day will not stand the test of the ages much less the coming year. This is not one of those books. L. Russ Bush and Tom J. Nettles have done a masterful job of presenting the beliefs of Baptists from John Smith in the 1600's to the present day. Truly, this is a "must have" and will stand the test of time.

Bush and Nettles focus on the basic views various Baptists held and how those views have effected the church. There is also a good section of the many Baptist confessions which have been written through the years. Chapter 17 is good companion to our own Distinctive/Confessions section.

Their concluding chapters are very helpful in understanding what is really meant by literal interpretation of Scripture. No Baptist, who is serious, about their faith and heritage should be without Baptists and the Bible. These words from the preface of the 1980 edition says it all:

"Baptists have had their share of battles over the Word of God; not all of then have ended yet. But when such "evil befalls the faith," it seems appropriate to call our Baptist leaders together to hear their wise counsel. Our forefathers "being dead yet speak," and we shall do well to hear them." (p. xv) ―The Baptist Page

Providing a comprehensive overview of Baptist thought from the Puritan era to the present day, Tom Nettles cogently demonstrates the unmistakably Calvinistic roots of Baptist theology and calls for a wholehearted return to the "old paths" by contemporary Baptist believers. ―Trinity Book Service

"Since its initial publication in 1980, 'Baptists and The Bible' has become one of the most complete and often quoted sources for reliable, incisive, and detailed information on the history of Baptist attitudes toward the doctrine of the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. Now this newly expanded edition makes it even more useful in understanding what Baptists believe about the Scriptures- and why." ―BROADMAN & HOLMAN PUBLISHERS

The Reformed Reader Home Page  Copyright 1999, The Reformed Reader, All Rights Reserved