The third in a denominational series of books published by Westminster John Knox Press (Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers and United Methodist Questions, United Methodist Answers); Dr. Leonard successfully completes the daunting task of writing a 120 page reference book about a group of 40 million people who span an extremely broad theological spectrum.  He begins with the foundations of Baptist life in Amsterdam, explaining the difference between General (Arminian) and Particular (Calvinist) Baptists. He then lists the multitude of Baptist groups that exist today, explaining the idea that Baptists “multiply by dividing.” 

Leonard asks and answers questions about God (the Trinity, suffering, creation); Jesus (Christocentric nature of Baptists, incarnation, virgin birth, Virgin Mary, the meaning of Jesus’ death, the resurrection of Christ, the question of a second coming); Holy Spirit (baptism, presence and work of the Holy Spirit).  Leonard then covers questions about Humanity, Salvation, Theology, the Bible, Church Life, and many others in the subsequent chapters.

Leonard raises challenging questions and answers them on a wide ranging Baptist spectrum, from the most fundamentalist to the most liberal and everything in between. While aiming for objectivity when explaining historical and theological issues, he does indicate his opinion on a few issues.  Because Leonard is a renowned, seasoned, and thorough Baptist scholar, I believe this is an asset to the book and its readers.  As someone who would like to see the Baptist church reconnect with Mary, I was glad to see him state, “Baptists would do well to recover Mary’s ‘voice’ as a guide for praising God and acting prophetically in the world.  We neglect her witness for and with her Son at our peril” (24).  He ends his chapter on salvation with Rauscenbusch’s assertion that faith without works is not only dead, but impossible for followers of Christ.  Leonard also encourages churches to consider using the lectionary. 

Easily readable in question and answer format, it is a great educational resource for churches who want to understand their tradition.  Perhaps more importantly, in this 400^th year of the Baptist faith, we glimpse a snapshot of Baptists around the globe and the issues we are facing and will continue to face in the coming years—questions about polity, liturgy, ordination of women, gay marriage, continuing arguments on the separation of church and state, and others.  Whether someone is new to the church or has been there for years, there are many topics covered that would be valuable to Baptist clergy and congregant alike.