John the Baptist is a
unique figure, weird clothes, weird food, and even a strange location, as he
made his home in the desert. But he is hugely important as he prepares the way
for Jesus. Charles Croll, minister of Southwold United Reformed Church, has
produced a fascinating and well researched biography – John the Baptist:
A Biography by Charles Croll (Malcolm Down, 2019). I have just finished
reading it, and found myself into John’s world, as the book takes the reader
through all the references to John, especially, of course, focussing on his
baptising ministry. The book begins by considering the different ways in which
the church has depicted John by offering diverse perspectives. It goes on
through his life and ends by considering the impact and legacy of John’s
ministry.
John certainly plays a
critical role. As Charles notes: “John was crucial to the early Christians as a
guide to help them through their formative years as they grappled with the big
issues of the day, giving them, among other things, a framework for
understanding what happened on the Day of Pentecost, and for the inclusion of
Gentile converts in the Church.”
I found it a worthwhile
read, taking me to new depths in my understanding and appreciation of the one
so often known as ‘the Baptist’.
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