When the answer is Yes: SDBs, Calvinism and Arminianism by Nick Kersten, Librarian-Historian As we work to correct common errors and misconceptions about Seventh Day Baptist history, this month we look to frequent assertions about our doctrine. This one relates to one of the most prevalent Protestant theological divides—Calvinism and Arminianism. We...
A Westerly By Any Other Name
A Westerly By Any Other Name by Nick Kersten, Librarian-historian As promised in this space several months ago, this column (and others in following issues) will be devoted to help clear up common misconceptions and errors in Seventh Day Baptist history. This month’s misconceptions surround the oldest surviving Seventh Day Baptist congregation in North...
Desperation and Urgency “Under the Sun”
Desperation and Urgency “Under the Sun” by Nick Kersten, Librarian-historian The global scene was bristling with danger as world powers waged war. America’s forces were stretched perilously thin, engaged in minor conflicts in many locations. The ideological landscape was rapidly changing as the standard ways of thinking about life, morality, and faith...
Where We All Begin
Where We All Begin by Nick Kersten, Librarian-historian “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past and bridge to our future.” –Alex Haley “This is the written account of Adam’s family line.” (Genesis 5:1 NIV) “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of Abraham, the son of David.” (Matthew 1:1 NIV) When...
The Perils of Crowdsourcing History
The Perils of Crowdsourcing History by Nick Kersten, Librarian-historian crowdsourcing (n): the practice of obtaining needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of people and especially from the online community rather than from traditional employees or suppliers. (www.merriam-webster.com) In the fall of 2012, I had...
The value of stopping to think
The value of stopping to think by Nicholas Kersten Only by acceptance of the past, can you alter it. –T.S. Eliot The Historical Society’s vision involves the key acts of remembering, informing, and envisioning. The purpose of these acts is to lend a sense of perspective to the events that have shaped us into who we are. To oversimplify this somewhat,...