Baptist

The name Baptist was not a self-chosen one.Smith baptised himself and his followers, thus forming the first Baptist church.Baptists because they believed that Christ died for everyone, and not an elect few.In 1638 a Baptist church was formed in Southwark, London whose theology was Calvinistic.Baptists because they believed that only a particular elect group would be saved.The Baptist church grew steadily during the first half of the17th century.During this time the Baptist preacher John Bunyan spent 12 years in prison.Baptist churches were also set up throughout central and eastern Europe.The twentieth century has witnessed a growth in international cooperation among Baptist churches.Today there are Baptists in all continents of the world.