Baptism: Three Views (Spectrum Multiview Book Series) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830838562 ISBN 13: 9780830838561

Publisher: IVP Academic, 2009

Synopsis

The Christian church confesses "one baptism." But the church's answers to how, whom and when to baptize, and even what it means or does, are famously varied. This book provides a forum for thoughtful proponents of three principal evangelical views to state their case, respond to the others, and then provide a summary response and statement. Sinclair Ferguson sets out the case for infant baptism, Bruce Ware presents the case for believers' baptism, and Anthony Lane argues for a mixed practice. As with any good conversation on a controversial topic, this book raises critical issues, challenges preconceptions and discloses the soft points in each view. Evangelicals who wish to understand better their own church's practice or that of their neighbor, or who perhaps are uncertain of their own views, will value this incisive book.

About this title

About the Author

David F. Wright (1937-2008) was professor of patristic and Reformation Christianity at New College, University of Edinburgh. Among his many published studies on historical and theological topics are several on baptism, including What Has Infant Baptism Done to Baptism? An Enquiry at the End of Christendom.

Review

"If you're undecided on when baptism is proper, or if your mind is made up but you want to understand why equally faithful Christians have an opposite position to yours, read Baptism: Three Views." (Marvin Olasky, WORLD, August 15, 2009)

"Regardless of one's theological stance on baptism, the essays in this volume will serve to sharpen and challenge. . . This volume can be very helpful in a variety of venues and climates if people are willing to engage the issue openly and to give an honest hearing of divergent opinions." (Brian Allred, Mid-America Journal of Theology, October 2010)

"This book can help Christians understand their church's practice and the practice of other churches in baptism." (Roy B. Zuch, Bibiolotheca Sacra, April-June 2010)

"Baptism engages the reader by using etymological examples, contextual examples from Scripture, historical examples, and many other illustrations to draw conclusions, challenge preconceived notions, and point out weaknesses in each argument. The book is geared toward seminary students or pastors seeking to clarify their positions and better understand the positions of others, but is equally engaging for the average reader who has perhaps never fully investigated his personal beliefs on the subject. (Rachel Lonas, Pulpit Helps, August 2009)

"If one is looking for a good read on the issues surrounding believer's baptism versus infant baptism, with a hybrid third option thrown in for good measure, then Baptism: Three Views is a recommended place to start." (Rustin Umstattd, Midwestern Journal of Theology, 2009)

Edition details

• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0830838562
• ISBN 13: 9780830838561
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 200
• Editor: David F. Wright