Father Mercer
One of the things that we believe sets Credo Magazine apart is not only its evangelical and reformation emphasis but its baptistic perspective. Therefore, from time to time we seek to write on theological matters and publish reviews from a Baptist perspective. We also try to take a look at the past, particularly with reference to some of the Baptist fathers who have come before us.
Today Ryan West has written a review of Anthony Chute’s new book, Father Mercer: The Story of a Baptist Statesman
Over the past decade, Anthony Chute has emerged as a respected church historian, particularly in the area of Baptist Studies. Presently, he serves as the associate dean of the School of Christian Ministries and associate professor of Church History at California Baptist University. Having examined Jesse Mercer for his dissertation, Chute brings a depth of knowledge to this work that supersedes many biographers.
The purpose of the James N. Griffith Series in Baptist Studies is to advance Baptist studies on various levels to various audiences by promoting “the exploration and investigation of Baptist history; publish classics of Baptist literature including letters, diaries, and other writings; offer analyses of Baptist theologies; and examine the role of Baptists in societies and cultures both in the US and abroad.” As part of the Griffith Series, Chute’s biography seeks to tell the story of Jesse Mercer who was a key figure in establishing Baptist thought and culture which may be considered ‘givens’ today. In his official acknowledgments, Chute indicates his interest in Mercer “not as a topic of research but as a fellow pilgrim whose company I think I would have enjoyed had I lived in his day.” Mercer thus serves as an opportunity for personal encouragement for Chute and his readers while also fulfilling the purposes of the Griffith Series.
Father Mercer is divided into two sections. In the first section, Chute provides a relatively short biography of Mercer through a nice division of his early life and ministerial beginnings (“Son of Silas”), his rising role as a leader of southern Baptists (“Father Mercer”), and the fruit of his leadership (“The Old Man”). The second portion is a lengthy one that includes Mercer’s own writings such as sermons, letters to church members, and position articles. In this section, Chute provides a short introduction to each text in which he shows the significance of the material at hand. The end of the book includes a detailed timeline of Mercer’s life as well as a two-page summary of existing literature on Mercer for anyone interested in examining Mercer on a deeper level.
Read the rest of Ryan’s review here.
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