Beyond 400 - Paperback

by David J. Cohen (Editor), Michael Parsons (Editor)

Baptists worldwide recently celebrated 400 years of history and witness. This volume is a collection of papers presented at the "Beyond 400" conference held in Perth, Western Australia, as part of these celebrations. Contributors have written from a broad range of perspectives reflecting biblically and theologically on the thinking and practice of Baptists in the past and present. These reflections form a basis for exploring how Baptists can function more effectively in our contemporary world situation and imagine themselves in the future. Chapters range from providing historical perspectives to biblical and theological reflections on issues that have been critical to Baptist belief and ministry. They examine the core values that, historically, have distinguished Baptists within the broader context of the church and explore how these values might both underpin and play out in Baptist churches today. Contributions reflect a firm belief among both the presenters and attendees at the "Beyond 400" conference that Baptists not only have a future but also offer a necessary voice to our world. This voice is firmly based on the issues that first precipitated the Baptist movement some 400 years ago, and the continuing relevance of these issues as they are reimagined for our contemporary situation.

Author Biography

David Cohen is Head of Biblical Studies and Lecturer in Hebrew Bible, at Vose Seminary, Perth, Western Australia. He has written about the relevance of lament Psalms for worship and pastoral care in Text and Task: Scripture and Mission (2005) and, together with Michael Parsons, edited On Eagles' Wings: An Exploration of Strength in the Midst of Weakness (Wipf & Stock, 2008).

Michael Parsons, formally Director of Postgraduate Research at Vose Seminary, is now Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College, London. He is the author of Luther and Calvin on Old Testament Narratives (2004), Reformation Marriage (2005), Calvin's Preaching on the Prophet Micah (2006), and Martin Luther's Interpretation of the Royal Psalms (2009), and editor of Text and Task: Scripture and Mission (2005).