A Braided River

This book traces the history of Baptist involvement in public debate within New Zealand. It analyses ten significant public debates to have occurred since the 1880s, comparing the Baptist contribution with that of other denominations. This study provides significant insights into the evolving nature of Baptist identity.

As both dissenters and evangelicals, Baptists have had an intriguing and often complex relationship with society. This book casts light on that relationship by tracing the history of Baptist involvement in public debate within New Zealand. It analyses ten significant public debates to have occurred since the 1880s, comparing the Baptist contribution with that of other denominations. By showing how Baptist approaches to public issues have changed over time, this study provides significant insights into the evolving nature of Baptist identity. It argues that evangelical theology fundamentally shaped the Baptist movement's engagement in public debate. On the other hand, it also shows how Baptist involvement was influenced by the interaction of various theological ideas and a changing social environment. A particular feature of this book is the way it places the story within a wider transnational context, highlighting early English influence on the New Zealand Baptist movement and the growing impact of North American Baptist models of church in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Autorentext

John Tucker is Director of Ministry Training at Carey Baptist College in Auckland, New Zealand, where he teaches in pastoral theology, preaching, and Christian spirituality. He has worked as a lawyer and pastor and has a particular interest in the history of preaching in New Zealand.

Inhalt
Contents: Christ or Moloch: The Prohibition Crusade, 1882-1930 'A many-headed hydra': The Battle to Slay the Gambling Monster, 1890-1940 An Intolerable Agony: The Struggles of Labour, 1882-1919 Great Depression or Great Watershed? Social Justice and Economic Depression, 1920-1939 'An utter solemnity': The Defence of Conscientious Objectors, 1899-1945 'The burning problems of our time': Questions of Defence Policy, 1965-1986 Heads in the Sand: Racism and Rugby, 1960-1985 A Matter of Life and Death: Abortion Law Reform, 1970-1989 'Here we stand': The Homosexual Law Reform Debate, 1967-1986 Prophets at the Gate? Social Justice and the New Right Revolution, 1990-1998.