Baptist

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Abbreviation
Type	Christian
Classification	Protestant
Orientation	Evangelical
Scripture
Theology
Polity	Congregationalist
Governance
Structure
Moderator

Baptists are members of a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers (believer's baptism) and that it must be done by complete immersion (as opposed to affusion or sprinkling). Baptists generally recognize two ordinances: baptism and the Lord's Supper.

History

The Baptist movement traces its origins to the early 17th century in the Dutch Republic, where John Smyth led a group of English Separatists. Smyth's congregation, which had fled England to escape religious persecution, rejected infant baptism and began to practice believer's baptism. This marked the beginning of the Baptist tradition.

In 1609, Smyth baptized himself and then the others in his congregation, forming one of the first Baptist churches. Smyth later sought to join the Mennonites, but his followers, led by Thomas Helwys, returned to England and established the first Baptist church on English soil in 1612.

Beliefs

Baptists hold to a number of key beliefs that distinguish them from other Christian denominations:

• Believer's Baptism: Baptists believe that baptism is only for those who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ. This is in contrast to infant baptism, which is practiced by many other Christian denominations.

• Baptism by Immersion: Baptists practice baptism by full immersion in water, symbolizing the believer's faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• Congregational Polity: Baptist churches are typically governed by a form of congregational polity, meaning that each local church is autonomous and self-governing.

• Religious Liberty: Baptists have historically been strong advocates for religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

Denominations

There are numerous Baptist denominations worldwide, each with its own distinct beliefs and practices. Some of the largest Baptist groups include:

• Southern Baptist Convention
• American Baptist Churches USA
• National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
• Baptist World Alliance

Influence and Spread

Baptists have played a significant role in the religious and cultural history of the United States. The First Great Awakening and the Second Great Awakening were periods of religious revival that saw significant growth in Baptist membership.

Baptists have also been active in missionary work, spreading their beliefs to many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

See also

• Anabaptists
• Protestant Reformation
• Evangelicalism

References

• Bebbington, David W. Baptists Through the Centuries: A History of a Global People. Baylor University Press, 2010.
• McBeth, H. Leon. The Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness. Broadman Press, 1987.

External links

• Baptist World Alliance