Journal of European Baptist Studies

On Good and Bad Theology

Ruth Gouldbourne — 2026-10-20

Despite the challenges posed by contextual relativism, it is both possible and necessary to distinguish between better and worse theologies — and doing so matters academically, ecclesially, and in the political and ethical life of the world. This article acknowledges the postmodern challenge before identifying two forms of technical failure: theology that violates rational discourse, and theology severed from its own recognised sources. Beyond the technical, good theology is characterised by humility and openness to questioning and correction; any theology that forecloses such questioning is, by that fact, impoverished. Bad theology can be identified by its effects — its tendency to harm, to serve existing power structures uncritically, and to silence other voices. Reflexivity is proposed as a key criterion of adequacy. Finally, the article develops the concept of productive theology: rooted in Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, oriented towards human flourishing, and generative of genuine questions — a matter primarily of method and attitude, and thus compatible with deep faithfulness to the tradition.

Another Possible World

Tim Noble — 2026-10-20

This article looks at the four gospel accounts of the resurrection experiences of Mary Magdalene and sees in them stories of imaginative responses to the challenges of transformative mission. It shows how each story offers different emphases on relating to the other. It also argues that missionaries should not seek to stay in the centre of the story but be ready to disappear from the scene when their job is done.

The Priesthood of All Believers and Centring Prayer

Nicholas DiMauro — 2026-10-20

This article argues that Centring Prayer helps mitigate the individualism often associated with the Baptist doctrine of the priesthood of all believers (priesthood) by rebalancing personal devotion with the believer’s call to mediate God to others. It also proposes that Centring Prayer offers a promising point of evangelistic connection with New Age practitioners in Estonia. To establish the negative effect of individualism on priesthood, this article traces the historical and biblical development of the doctrine, and critiques nineteenth- and twentieth-century shifts that overemphasised personal spirituality at the expense of community. It then introduces Centring Prayer as capable of strengthening the communal dimensions of priesthood and serving as a point of connection with New Age adherents in Estonia. To assess the viability of applying Centring Prayer evangelistically, the article proposes a four week convergent mixed methods study examining Centring Prayer’s impact on community formation among Christians and New Age practitioners, positioning the practice as a promising model for evangelism.

Nils J. Engelsen’s Baptismal Theology

Linda Margaret Aadne — 2026-10-20

This article examines how the baptismal theologies of Emil Brunner and Karl Barth generated renewed mid twentieth century debate and how their influence shaped Nils J. Engelsen’s constructive theological synthesis. Brunner’s emphasis on the divine–human encounter and personal correspondence, together with Barth’s christological grounding of baptism and their shared critique of infant baptism, catalysed fresh reflection across Europe. These discussions resonated strongly within Nordic Baptist contexts, where questions of ecclesial identity, discipleship, and the meaning of baptism were particularly acute in predominantly Lutheran cultures. Engelsen’s description of baptism as a ‘relational symbol’ represents a distinctively Norwegian Baptist response to these wider theological developments. By integrating Brunner’s personalism with Barth’s christocentrism and prophetic symbolism, he articulates a theology of believers’ baptism that affirms both divine agency and human response, offering valuable insight for contemporary Baptist reflection on the triune God’s agency within the realm of the sacramental practices of the church.

A Story of Estonian Baptist Theological Education, 1922–1989

Toivo Pilli — 2026-10-20

The Estonian Baptist Preachers’ Seminary was established in 1922 and renamed the Estonian Baptist Theological Seminary in 1932. However, self-study, opportunities to study abroad, and local short-term Bible courses remained significant. Based on archival materials and published sources, this article argues that theological education remained an integral part of Estonian Baptist identity even during the Communist period, when the seminary was closed. Instead, Baptist leaders organised study groups, conducted correspondence courses between 1956 and 1960, published mimeographed study materials, and provided opportunities for individuals to take examinations independently. A number of former seminary graduates continued to serve faithfully in local churches despite external pressures. In addition, the article argues that informal friendship circles, such as the so-called Haraka Institute, functioned as contexts for theological learning. These circles were more flexible than the study groups led by the ECB Union leadership, and their agendas were determined by the participants themselves. Maintaining theological education during these years paved the way for the re-establishment of the seminary in 1989.

Book Reviews

Daniel Hutton — 2026-10-20

Editorial

Toivo Pilli — 2026-10-20