A new resource exists out there on the WWW for the study of Baptist History. It is called Baptist Studies Online. It includes an annual peer-reviewed journal (The Journal for Baptist Studies), primary documents, relevant links for Baptist Studies, and announcements from the academic world of Baptist Studies. I am including below the information from the website regarding “About Baptist Studies Online.”
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Introduction
Baptist Studies Online (BSO) is a website dedicated to the study of Baptist history and thought, with special emphasis on Baptists in North America. The purpose of BSO is to facilitate the scholarly study of Baptists by making available to researchers and students an online journal, a primary source library, a comprehensive collection of Baptist history-related links, and a regularly updated list of announcements related to the field. BSO is a collaborative effort by Baptist scholars from a variety of traditions, with technical support provided by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
The Journal of Baptist Studies
At the heart of BSO is The Journal of Baptist Studies (JBS). JBS is an electronic, peer- reviewed journal dedicated to the study of Baptist history and thought. The journal is produced under the editorial oversight of a Board of Editors representing numerous Baptist denominations and both religious and secular institutions. JBS does not advocate a particular theological or denominational agenda, but rather reflects the scholarship of individuals who identify with a number of positions and affiliations. The editor of JBS is Keith Harper, professor of Church History at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Unlike many print journals, JBS is not a biannual or quarterly publication. Rather, JBS publishes articles as they clear the peer-review process. Every year of publication represents a single volume of JBS, similar to an annually published print periodical. JBS welcomes article submissions related to any field of Baptist history. For more information about the article submission process, please see our Submission Policies or email JBS editor Keith Harper.
One of the unique features of JBS is the book reviews. Whereas most journals focus on recent publications in their chosen field of study, JBS reviews significant books in Baptist studies that are both current and “classic,” as well as works that are broader than Baptist studies but have direct bearing on the craft of Baptist history. If you are interested in reviewing a book for JBS, please see the appropriate section under our Submission Policies or email JBS associate editor Nathan Finn.
Primary Source Library
Baptist Studies Online is more than just an online journal. One of the most helpful features of the website is an ever-expanding library of primary source material related to Baptist history and identity. The site will eventually include confessions, circular letters, sermons, biographies, and a variety of other materials helpful to researchers. The ultimate goal is to provide a library that is representative of every branch of Baptists, particularly in North America. If you would like to suggest a primary source to be added to BSO, please email JBS editor Keith Harper.
Baptist Studies Links
The ongoing growth of the internet has greatly enhanced the ability of researchers to connect with various historical societies, study centers, and archives/repositories related to Baptist history. BSO is building a comprehensive list of helpful links as a guide to the wealth of Baptist studies-related material available on the internet. If you would like to suggest a link to be added to BSO, please email JBS associate editor Nathan Finn.
Announcements
Like many print journals or study center websites, BSO is committed to keeping scholars and students of Baptist history informed about happenings in the field of Baptist studies. To that end, BSO will regularly alert readers to upcoming conferences, funding opportunities, and other information of interest. If you would like to add a forthcoming event or other announcement to BSO, please email JBS associate editor Nathan Finn.
Join Our Email List
We want to keep you informed about what we are doing at BSO. If you would like to receive email updates from BSO whenever new JBS articles, book reviews, and primary sources are added to the website, please send an email to JBS editor Keith Harper. Your confidentiality is guaranteed; BSO will never share your email address or any other personal information with any third party for any reason.
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This will prove to be an invaluable resource for the study of Baptist History. Keith Harper and Nathan Finn should be commended for providing this to the online community. I hope to submit my own paper to the JBS in the near future!
Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling 