All of us are shaped in many ways by unseen markers in our DNA. Unknown ancestral traits contribute to determination of such things as eye and hair color, height, and even a certain propensity or susceptibility to certain diseases. To some extent religious bodies are similarly the product of their beliefs and doctrines, at times and in certain ways, to beliefs and doctrines buried in the inherited make-up of that body or denomination. Landmarkism is such a genetic-like marker in the Southern Baptist Convention yet is largely unknown, and its influence is barely recognized today as a contributing factor in much of Baptist practice and belief. This book seeks to trace the origin and transmission of landmark beliefs from the time of its greatest influence to the present day when it is largely unknown but certainly present in beliefs and practices that have developed and become part of the Southern Baptist body in many instances. ""There is no doubt that Satan, in his assault upon the Glory of God, delights to attack the God-ordained foundational institutions of marriage, family, and the church. His schemes and strategies are incessant. Jim Maples has reminded us that some of those heretical attacks have been forgotten but they are not gone, and this work will again heighten your awareness and equip you to respond."" --Harry L. Reeder, Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama James Hoyle Maples Jr. is Pastor of Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church (PCA). He also serves as Professor of Historical and Practical Theology at Birmingham Theological Seminary where he is also the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Pastoral Leadership.
