In one volume, this work covers the theological heritage of Baptists over four centuries. The emphasis is upon Baptist theologians in Britain and North America. Based upon a polygenetic understanding of Baptist identity, the discussion is organized by unique types of theological discourse: confessional documents, hymns, pastoral publications, academic theology, and several contextualized categories, including Southern Baptists, African American Baptists, Canadian Baptists, and European Baptists. In addition, there is an appendix addressing a contemporary issue: Baptist sacramentalism and Baptist catholicity. A summary chapter reinforces Baptist theological "genes" and makes a case for what all Baptist theology has in common. The bibliography is the most comprehensive Baptist bibliography in print. From a biographical perspective, careful attention has been given to personal and educational data for each theologian.

The analysis here is in search of clear description of theological positions as revealed in primary sources, plus relationships and influences between and among Baptist theologians. Of special value are the crosscurrents of transatlantic theological discourse. The coverage of Baptist theologians is uniquely broad, including traditionalists, evangelicals, liberals, charismatics, and radical thinkers, all of whom espoused some form of Baptist identity. The second, revised edition updates contemporary sources and published works and expands the scope of the book to include European Baptists in Germany, Switzerland, and Romania.