Snapshots from my library 28 – Sacred Betrayal (The coming destruction of the Baptist People) By James Beller

Jim Curran 02/09/2021

Snapshots from my library 28 Sacred Betrayal (The coming destruction of the Baptist People) By James Beller

Considering yesterday’s discussion on why we do not teach Baptist History in schools and churches I thought this would be a perfect time to review this little book. Originally it was called The Coming Destruction of the Baptist People- either title fits the scope of this book. (The pic is of the current cover mine is the older title) When you look at most Christian School curriculum or history that is taught even among Baptist Churches we see a real problem. There is a lack of Baptist history content. There are often things on the history of fundamentalism or the revivalist movements but Baptist history is neglected. What happened- this book traces that issue. Neglecting Baptist history and doctrine has resulted in a generation (or two) that do not know that there is a Biblical distinctiveness to being a Baptist and many have rejected the name and doctrine to become non-denominational or community churches. This started in education. While we may have given children in our Christian schools and home schools a Biblical education that was different from the secular God less education they would have received in the Public schools we generally failed to help them understand that Baptists were often those that drove freedom in America. One example given in the book was that according to one curriculum the Presbyterians were largely responsible for religious freedom. Nope sorry what about John Clarke and the Rhode Island Charter (by the way look at the Wikipedia article on the Charter- just mentioned as Dr John Clarke- no mention that he was a Baptist Pastor!) This was the first granting of absolute religious freedom not toleration!! Isaac Backus and many others are ignored. As a note there is still a need for such Baptist education in our homeschooling and Christian schools. Most curriculums ignore it. Freedom Baptist Curriculum from Landmark does include it at the High School level and has a Baptist history class. (I believe 10th grade) We need it in earlier grades. (By the way Prairie Fire Press has a coloring book with Baptist history lessons in it) The book is available only in print from Prairie Fire Press http://prairiefirepress.com/ for $15 (as of this writing it is even on sale for less) If you don’t have them I would also suggest you get America in Crimson Red (already reviewed) as well as the Collegiate Baptist History Workbook. I picked up my copy at a book table at a fellowship meeting a while back while it still had the old title- I will note that this book has been almost prophetic in what has happened.