Anthony R. Cross and Ruth Gouldbourne (eds.), Questions of Identity: Studies in Honour of Brian Haymes (Centre for Baptist History and Heritage Studies Vol. 6; Regent's Park College, 2011), 272pp
This is an excellent set of essays written in honour of the Baptist theologian Brian Haymes. Gathered together are a range of Baptist voices, as well as a Mennonite in the form of Alan Kreider and an Anglican in Chris Rowland.
Here's a flavour of what you can find. John Colwell's essay builds on his contribution to Nigel Wright's FS and further tests the Baptist belief in freedom of conscience. Paul Fiddes historically shows the Baptist involvement in the founding of University College London and explores the role of academic theology in the church. Nigel Wright attempts to build on the atonement debate following Chalk-gate. Sean Winter offers a study of 2 Cor 5.20, which in some ways is a promising taster of a larger piece of work he is doing on 2 Corinthians. Steve Holmes offers some rare, but welcome thoughts on the practice of church meetings - by rare I mean, although Baptists like to moan about church meetings, in recent times they have offered little in the way of constructive contributions to their renewal and their practice.
The collection demonstrates that Baptist theology has come a long way since Haymes short essay on A Question of Identity in 1986. While we don't - and dare say ever will - have the depth of theologians like the Church of England, we do have a number of theologians working on creative, interesting theology, which serves the church, as can be seen in this collection. The question of identity for Baptists will be whether we as churches are willing to listen and engage as we seek to be faithful to the Baptist way of being church. A good place to start would be to read this book, which is a fitting tribute to Brian and his theology.
Questions Of Identity
How much is it ? How do I get a copy ?
(I am a personal friend of Brian .....)
Posted by: Revd Rowland G Cole | September 01, 2011 at 03:32 PM
Contact Anthony Cross at Regent's Park College, Oxford, anthony.cross [at] regents.ox.ac.uk
Posted by: Andy Goodliff | September 01, 2011 at 10:45 PM