A History of the Baptists

This book is considered an extremely helpful reference work on Baptist History. The book was originally published in 1950, successive editions have included new scholarship and interpretations of that scholarship. Torbet holds the view that the Baptist Church originated in English Separatism in the Seventeenth Century. A sober examination of Baptist history, Torbet's fine work relies solidly on documentary evidence and classical norms of historical reasoning and avoid the prevalent but shaky origins theories that contend for the hearts and minds of Baptists. Geared more for the serious students rather than the general reader.

First of all, I don't know what book the reviewer from South Carolina read. Torbet distances himself from so-called Baptist successionism in the very first chapter of the book. He traces the developement of the modern Baptist church to the Particular Baptists in England.This is an outstanding overview of not only the history of the denomination, but the developement of the "Baptist Distinctives" that set Baptists apart from other evangelical denominations. There is a rich history behind the Baptist church -- it is unfortunate that the Trail of Blood advocates have clouded that heritage in questionable historiography.If you want to know what the truth is behind the Baptist church's history, read this book -- not Carroll's fantasy work.

Mr. torbet does his very best to try to make us believe that somehow other groups were really Baptist (maybe they didn't know it). I often feel sorry for the Baptist in their efforts to get past the 16th century as a church. I have been around long enough to realize they were born out of the reformational era and are a very radical offshoot of the Anglicans. I can well agree with them on their desire to cleanse the temple and make things simple in the way of worship and faith. However, I wish they just be honest and open about their real lack of ancient historical roots. Over all the book is a interesting read

Mr. Torbet has done an excellent job detailing the often misunderstood history of the Baptists. His comments are supported by numerous references and sources so that the serious student may research his conclusions on their own. The history of Baptists, as shown by the author, did not begin in the Reformation, but their roots go back to the first Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River. Mr. Torbet traces the roots of the Baptists through the Montanists, Novatians, Paulicians, Anabaptists and others, who though not called Baptist by name, hold the same historical doctrinal beliefs as today's Baptists. This is an excellent book for anybody searching for a credible Baptist history book without the modern leanings toward ecumenicalism.