One in Hope & Doctrine: Origins in Baptist Fundamentalism

by Kevin Bauder

Baptists played a formative role in the fundamentalist/modernist controversy, but their contributions have never been studied in-depth until now. One in Hope and Doctrine offers a long-overdue narrative history, seen through the eyes of two leading characters, Oliver van Osdel and Robert Ketcham.
The authors discuss the formation of the General Association of Regular Baptists, Conservative Baptists, the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship, the World Baptist Fellowship, the Bible Baptist Fellowship, the Sword of the Lord, and the movement that became known as Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Carefully developed after years of research, personal interviews, and primary sources, the book will valuable to scholars, pastors, and ordinary church members.

Genres: Church History

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally a very interesting book that addressed many questions from my church background. It repeatedly confronts the reader with the degree of sinful behavior that seems to be rampant in the story of church history. It is clear that much of what we see in public politics today was present in church politics over a hundred years ago (and long before). While I understood that before reading this book, this brings it much closer to home. Such realities attests to the fact that a sovereign God can providentially accomplish His will through very fallen men. I found the quotation and attitude of Dr. Ketchum a breath of fresh air when he declared that the GARBC had "no great men among them, but a group of men that served a great God." Certainly the book serves as a warning to every church to fully consider the philosophy of leadership, theology, and associations that they choose.

The final epilogue provides a fine summary of the book for those interested in the very distilled version of the history detailed within the rest of the book.

While the book was well written, and engaging, I found that the dual authorship was evident in areas were material was repeated. This did distract from the flow a bit. I have the greatest respect for both of the authors and look forward to the next volume.

[Rick Shrader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Bauder and Robert Delnay have delivered a long awaited story of fundamentalism written by fundamentalists. Both men are contemporaries and well known among today’s associations, fellowships, schools, and churches. The book is a 2014 Regular Baptist Press volume.
If the book has a primary focus it is the history of the fundamentalists in the north, primarily the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, followed by some significant interaction with prominent fundamentalists in the south. Of the 387 pages of text, the first 262 pages are a history of the men who formed the GARBC from their departure from the Northern Baptist Convention through the Baptist Bible Union years, to the formation of the GARBC and beyond.

Read my longer review on my website

[Dave Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I had hoped this book would answer questions dating to the 1950s, I must wait for Vol.2, This book is from 1870 to 1950 of Baptist history with it's various associations, conventions and agencies. Authors put a lot of research into the book, with numerous notes and references.