I’ve had a really hard time choosing which topic I wanted to do, and an even harder time specifying exactly what my final research question will be. I would start with one question, research it and get a dead end. But after doing light research, I think I landed on a solid question/topic to use for this assignment.

I’ve chosen to analyze the Baptist community and its literate practice. The question I’m going to use is “How do different Baptist families communicate the values of the Baptist church to their families to influence them to become Baptist?”. I decided on this subject because it’s really interesting me to figure out the “what” and the “why” of the people and defend their beliefs. This topic is very personal to me. I was raised Baptist, my dad was brought up Baptist, my daughters family on her fathers side are EXTREMELY active in their Baptist church, and I never understood why the congregation landed here. What inspires them so deeply to where they adjust their lives, their views, their demeanor to conform to Baptism? I don’t feel like I see or hear this question ever being asked, maybe its because you’re not supposed to question someones faith and beliefs (which isn’t what I’m doing, by the way), but I do want to know.

The history of religion is extremely interesting to me, not just Baptist but all religions. I felt that the Baptist faith would be the best religion for me to use for my assignment because I have first hand experience with it. I have gone to church and sat through Sunday sermon multiple times, although that was years ago.

I feel like this essay could interest a variety of people. I’m sure there’s other people out there who, like me, grew up in the church and never really thought anything about it until I was old enough to make the decision whether I did or didn’t believe what was being practiced and preached. It could also interest anyone who wants to know the history or even the psychology of people who are Baptist.