In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, the majority of Baptists concentrated predominantly on the mode and subjects of baptism (immersion and believers), understanding the rite merely as an ordinance - the believer's personal profession of faith in Christ. But a number of scholars and ministers saw the inadequacy of this theology of baptism, and this view developed and grew throughout the century. Anthony Cross examines the theology and practice of believer's baptism among the twentieth-century Baptists associated with the Baptist Union of Great Britain and identifies the major influences which have led to its development.