Title: Isaac Backus and the Second Reformation:
Baptists in Colonial America
By: Bruce Snavely
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars
For those who appreciate and love American religious history, the author states that he hopes that, “…this volume encourages you along in your journey.”
He asks a few poignant, yet profound questions: “Whatever happened to the Christian Reformation that began under Martin Luther? When did it end? Or better yet, where did it end?”
Bruce Snavely writes with authority and subsequent verified research, relaying that the Martin Luther Reformation of 1517 led to many paths that resulted in a Second Reformation. The author offers a fun and interesting read, covering the historical period that seems to have birthed the modern Evangelical movement both here and around the world. With that said, Snavely points to the movements that led up to this: The Great Awakening, the Puritans, and the Colonial Baptist movement that sprouted from this awakening to God, as seekers sought to find a biblical church.
Fascinating, the author takes readers on a biblical journey through history, offering a comprehensive read on the Colonial Baptists that led to the Second Reformation. Focusing on Isaac Backus and his exceptional leadership, this book will inspire all Christians and Evangelists. Readers will learn of the continuing Reformation, Separatism, and the Standing Order that led to a revival and a new confession. Perspectives of New England Baptists plays a profound historical perspective, as the author takes the readers through time to the early development of SBBM (The Separate-Baptist-Backus Movement), including the Puritan Orthodoxy and the development of SBBM. From there, readers will see the movement mature and blossom that branches out to many across the land. With a glossary of Literary Abbreviations and research backed by many footnotes, this read is invigorating for the time period.
A highly intelligent read, giving the history of the young America, the idealists, the Puritans, the Separatists, and the birth of revival through the new birth. Bruce Snavely has encompassed in this book a long history worthy of recounting and knowing for those so interested in history and religion that formed the Second Reformation.
You may get your copy of Isaac Backus and the Second Reformation at Amazon. For more information about the author, his books, training, equipping, and multiplying, visit Global Baptist Training Foundation.
