The Encyclopedia of Christianity.

Volume 1, A-D. Edited by Erwin Fahlbusch et al. Translated and edited in English by Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1999. 893 pp.

Originally published in Germany (with copyrights in 1986, 1989, 1992, 1996, and 1997), this multi-volume work containing more than 1,700 articles is now available in English. The English edition includes new features: (1) articles on all but the smallest countries of the world; (2) the latest statistical information, compiled by David Barrett, on the religious affiliation and ecclesiastical breakdown of each country and continent; (3) the addition of more than seventy biographical articles; and (4) many expanded or entirely new articles on topics with special interest to English-speaking readers.

The Encyclopedia of Christianity is a monumental, international, ecumenical, contextually written collection of articles dealing with 2,000 years of Christian history. Writers represent many countries and Christian traditions. An extraordinary accomplishment, the work belongs in the libraries of Baptist pastors, churches, associations, conventions, fellowships, and colleges and universities--but only in those serious about church history.

Volume 1 includes 465 articles. Covering A-D, this volume offers three articles that deal either totally or partially with Baptists: "Baptism," "Baptist World Alliance," and "Baptists." Bill J. Leonard, dean of the Wake Forest Divinity School, wrote the section of the baptism article headed "Baptism in the United States"--almost two pages long. Eduard Schutz of Germany wrote the BWA article--only one paragraph long.

And Eduard Schutz with Edwin S. Gaustad of California prepared the three-page article titled "Baptists." The article on Baptists includes nine subheadings: Name and History, Numbers, Doctrine, Church and State, Mission and Evangelism, Catechumenate, Church Life and Worship, Ecumenical Relations, and Social Structure. Minor references to Baptists appear in a few other articles.

Readers interested in Baptist backgrounds will appreciate the two-and-one-half-page article "Anabaptists," by Heinhold Fast of Germany. This article focuses on four topics: the term Anabaptists, their threefold origin, various groups, and theological positions.

This volume helps view Baptists in the context of worldwide Christianity. Lest Baptists think too highly of themselves as the dominating force in worldwide Christianity, pages about them occupy .0055 percent of the book. Why review this volume in Baptist History and Heritage when so little of its content deals with Baptists?

First, it can help open-minded readers discover a wide world of Christian faith, highly varied in its expression. So it opens doors of ecumenical understanding. This volume can enhance the understanding that Christians do not read the Bible the same ways, develop their organizations and doctrinal statements the same ways, or practice their faith the same ways. Therefore, it beckons more respect both for Christians who differ (even Baptists who differ) and for the right of Christian groups to make their own choices.

Second, it advances general knowledge about Christian developments on an international scale and can help readers move past provincial outlooks. --Reviewed by Charles W. Deweese, Executive Director-Treasurer, Southern Baptist Historical Society, Brentwood, Tennessee.