Reviewed by Martine Bates Fairbanks
Dan Nelson. North Fort Myers, Fla.: Faithful Life Publishers, 2016. 124 pp. (Paperback).
Pastor Dan Nelson is concerned that our pragmatic culture and increasing lack of denominational affiliation may have caused Baptists to lose sight of our history and to take our beliefs too lightly.
He wrote this book to present Baptist beliefs in a clear and understandable manner and to show why the beliefs are biblical.
The book begins with a short account of Anabaptist history, focusing on Balthasar Hubmaier’s life and martyrdom and setting the stage for contemporary Baptist beliefs and practice. The book focuses on seven basic Baptist beliefs, from the importance of the local assembly to baptism by immersion, freedom from governmental control of religion, local church autonomy, soul competency, to the priesthood of the believer and biblical authority.
Nelson maintains that delineating Baptist beliefs “does not put people in a straitjacket theologically.” Instead, presenting the principles of Baptist belief can breathe new life into the church’s mission.
The book was an informative and interesting reading, laying out the tenets of Baptist beliefs clearly, supported with scriptural and historical references. No real surprises here. It is a well-written and engaging reminder of who we are, how we came to be Baptists and what we believe.
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Martine Bates Fairbanks, Ed.D., reviews books and movies for The Alabama Baptist. She is a university professor and retired principal. She is a member of Central Baptist Church, Decatur.
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