America In Crimson Red The Baptist history of America

By: James R. Beller

I love history and the book  America In Crimson Red is one of the best Christian history books that I have ever read! It goes through each and every aspect of the Baptists.  I would highly recommend this book for history lovers, for Baptist Christians who have ever wondered the history of where their “religion” came from, and to every high school and college student as a “must” for part of their history course. I must say that being a history lover and a Baptist did inspire me to read through America In Crimson Red . I would also recommend that even non-history lovers should take the time and read though this book. I do understand that reading history can be dull at times but this is definitely worth every bit of your mind and time and you will not regret the effort you made to sit and read !!!            

You will develop a deeper knowledge of the Baptist history as well as high admiration for our Baptist forefather’s who took a firm stand for their faith and trust in God. They left England to come to a new land where they might gather together and worship freely without the demanding and commanding Church of England. They had no idea that within years of coming to America they would become banished and imprisoned, tortured, and hanged for their beliefs; mainly their belief in believers baptism. Baptists, unlike many other Christian groups or movements, do not trace their origins to an individual or event. Through the centuries, several groups or movements became known for their strong stand on Bible doctrines such as salvation by grace through faith alone, the Trinity, the inerrancy of Scripture, the local church, and ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Table. Their enemies gave them the name “ana-baptist” of which the word “Baptist”  is a shortened version of ''ana-pedo-baptist'' meaning ''against infant baptism''

The Baptists read the Bible for themselves and found that the infant baptism is not a requirement for “salvation”  and came to the point of questioning such as one section of the book points out on  p.305 – Edmund Batsford a baptized evangelist had been on his way to preach at Kiokee when he stopped at the pioneer home of Loveless Savage to ask for directions but God had His own purposes.

“Mr. Savage said, “I suppose you are the Baptist minister, who is to preach today at the Kiokee.”

Mr.Botsford asked, “ Will you go?”

Typical of the frontier at the time Savage said, “ No, I am not fond of the Baptists; they think nobody is baptized but themselves.” Unfazed, Mr. Botsford retorted, “ Have you ever been Baptized ?”

“Yes, to be sure,” was his answer.

Botsford’s logical question was, “How do you know?”

Savage answered, “ How do I know? Why, my parents have told me I was.”

“Then you do not know,” answered Botsford, “only by information.”

Botsford rode on to Kiokee, but the question, “ How do you know?” permeated the mind of Loveless Savage.” Later he was saved, baptized and began to preach the gospel that very day. God loves everyone even the “Loveless Savage” and has a purpose for everything.

The American people, and the entire country is in need of a revival. A true revival – one that begins in the heart of each person and that spreads from the west to the east. Let us pray for an awaking to the truth and for God to open the hearts and eyes of the American people so they may see their need of a Saviour.

“A great evangelist of that era said “ The churches are asleep –only a loud voice can wake them out of it.” P.104

            This book has motivated me to stand firm in what I believe and in whom I believe. It also will stir you to take a further look as to the trouble the nation of America is in and  to daily pray for a revival.

If you have a must-read book list, add America in Crimson Red near the top! Once you start reading you’ll not want to put it down ‘til you’ve finish it. Just remember to have a pen and paper in hand to jot down many of the thoughts that will come as you flip the pages of this wonderful book. As you turn the pages be ready for an out pour of history – James Beller truly has done a terrific job of researching the history of the Baptist and really knows his stuff.

 ~ Heather Gray    

11-18-04