Welcome to The Elephant of Kettering. This new blog is dedicated to disseminating the life and thought of Andrew Fuller to a new generation. Fuller, a British Particular Baptist, served as a pastor first in Soham and then in Kettering during the late 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. He was instrumental in the founding the Baptist Missionary Society which sent out William Carey to India. He served as Secretary of the BMS until his death in 1815.
As a theologian he was key in moving Particular Baptists from Hyper-Calvinism to a more Biblical, “Evangelical Calvinism” with the argument that unbelievers have a responsibility to turn to Christ in faith and therefore we must offer Christ to the fallen so that they can respond in faith. His influence and legacy amongst Baptists and other Evangelicals is unquestioned. Yet, he has fallen out of notice amongst many historians and theologians.
This blog then believes that studying the life and thought of Andrew Fuller is incredibly useful and important in the life of the church of Jesus Christ today. In conjunction with the newly renamed Andrew Fuller Centre for Reformed Spirituality under the auspices of Toronto Baptist Seminary and the beginning of the release of a new critical edition of The Works of Andrew Fuller from Paternoster Press this blog will serve as a sounding board for Fuller scholars.
Blog contributors are those who are currently studying Fuller in a detailed way or have in the past and continue to have an interest in the life and theology of Fuller. The posts then that will be offered will be those that are designed to spread their desire to offer Fuller and his theology in the midst of the church. While only contributors can post, any one can discuss the posts in the comments section.
Other things like the promotion of new books, articles, conferences, etc. on Andrew Fuller will be noted here. If you have any questions or comments please direct them to Allen Mickle, the blog master.
10 Comments
November 13, 2006 at 10:39 am
looking forward to this one!
November 14, 2006 at 2:22 am
Thanks Crawford. We hope it will be quite profitable for those who read it! May we never forget those who went before us!
Allen Mickle
November 14, 2006 at 3:28 pm
And thanks for the invitation to participate too.
November 14, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Crawford,
Not a problem at all. I figured you should probably be involved since you’re involved in the editing process for the Works of Andrew Fuller!
Allen Mickle
November 15, 2006 at 7:04 pm
Say, this looks great!
November 15, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Ian,
Thanks! We hope it will be a helpful resource for those with an interest in Fuller.
Allen Mickle
November 15, 2006 at 11:39 pm
Awesome!!
November 16, 2006 at 1:30 am
Perry,
Thanks for the warm comment! I checked out your stuff. Glad to see the “Elephant of Kettering” has had an influence on your life and ministry as well. God bless you in your ministry. Hope to see you interacting with the posts when they start rolling in.
Allen Mickle
November 28, 2006 at 3:58 pm
I’m glad to be part of these discussions. Does anyone have any idea ‘when’ the first volume of the critical edition of Fuller’s Works is being released?
November 28, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Chris,
I believe the diary is anticipated to be released in February of 2007 although Dr. Haykin would know better than I.
Allen Mickle