Distinctly Baptist: Proclaiming Identity in a New Generation

Brian C. Brewer, ed. Valley Forge, Pa.: Judson Press, 2011. 192 pp. (Paperback).

This book is a compilation and expansion of a series of sermons presented by the faculty of George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University. The series, presented in 2010, was presented to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Baptist “distinctive tradition.”

The introduction recognizes that, even though there will be disagreement among Baptists on some of the finer points of the distinctives (“It is even possible that the contributors to this volume will disagree with one another.”), most Baptists will agree “in principle to these basic core convictions.” Except for a mild swipe or two at the conservative leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention, the writers seem to make an attempt to distance themselves from the differences among Baptists and concentrate more on areas of broad agreement. 

The book, which is primarily intended “to encourage and equip Baptist preachers,” is also accessible enough to benefit the Baptist layperson. The style of writing is simple and clear, and the concepts are explained carefully and referenced heavily in footnotes at the end of each chapter. In the various chapters 14 Baptist distinctives are discussed, including the priesthood of the believer, the authority of Scripture, salvation by faith and the autonomy of the local church.