Baptist Political Theology

Baptist ideals like the separation of church and state have indelibly shaped Western democracies, and Baptist thinkers continue to influence public policy and political engagement today. Yet the historical contours, enduring commitments, and current contributions of Baptist political thought are little understood.

Baptist Political Theology, edited by scholars Thomas Kidd, Paul Miller, and Andrew Walker, introduces readers to the full sweep of Baptist engagement with politics. Part 1 reviews the life, writings, and political activity of important figures in Baptist history, as well as Baptist involvement in key historical eras and episodes. Part 2 presents a collective effort at applied political theology, with essays relating Baptist principles to a range of contemporary issues. This monumental volume sheds light on the history and contemporary practice of Baptists in the public square, offering context and clarity for Baptist political thought in the years to come.

Andrew T. Walker (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian ethics and director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Paul D. Miller (PhD, Georgetown University) is professor in the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Thomas S. Kidd (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is research professor of church history at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and senior research scholar at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University.