On the Use of Scripture in Discussions on Unity among Russian Baptists

This paper analyses the way Russian Baptists have used Scripture texts and images in discussions on unity. The discussions intensified during three historical periods: early attempts at finding unity (1880–1907); inter-denominational discussions (1908–1920); and apology of the Union (1944– 1966). This paper is limited by discussions on unity reflected in surviving early Baptist official documents and publications in two confessional periodicals, Baptist and Bratskii vestnik [Fraternal herald]. In particular, it concentrates on three questions: What key Bible texts or images are used to substantiate the concept of unity? In what way are these texts and images read and interpreted? What sort of logical force, if any, is ascribed to the texts and images to which appeal is made (command, analogy, example, etc.)?