More Witnesses to the Baptist Heritage: Twenty-four More Baptists Every Christian Should Know
Edited by Michael E. Williams Sr. (Mercer University Press)
Mike Williams, professor of history at Dallas Baptist University, has edited a worthy companion to his 2015 book, Witnesses to the Baptist Heritage: Thirty Baptists Every Christian Should Know.
The latest book follows the same format as its predecessor. It features two dozen essays about Baptists, ranging from 17th century religious liberty champion Obadiah Holmes to 20th century ethicist and peacemaker Glenn H. Stassen. Most are about 10 pages in length—short enough to read in a brief time but long enough to provide engaging anecdotes from lives well-lived.
Williams wrote two biographical sketches in this edition. Karen O’Dell Bullock, distinguished professor of Christian heritage with the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, and David W. Music, professor emeritus in the School of Music at Baylor University, each contributed two profiles.
Writers of the remaining 18 essays include a significant number of scholars with Texas Baptist ties, including Larry Ashlock of the Baptist Center for Global Concerns in Arlington; Jack Goodyear, Michelle Henry and Philip Irving Mitchell from Dallas Baptist University; David Holcomb at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; Mandy McMichael and T. Laine Scales of Baylor University; and Kelly Pigott of Hardin-Simmons University.
More Witnesses to the Baptist Heritage offers greater diversity than its predecessor. Ten of the 24 individuals profiled in the latest volume are women, compared to only four out of 30 in the first book. It includes profiles dealing with key figures related to religious liberty, theology, missions, worship, ministry, social justice, education and ethics.
Witnesses to the Baptist Heritage is substantive enough to be required reading for a church history or Christian studies class in college. But the essays in it also are accessible and inspiring enough to be enjoyed as part of a daily devotional. Read this book to gain a greater appreciation for Baptists who have made a difference.
Ken Camp, managing editor
Baptist Standard
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