{Book Review} Understanding Four Views on Baptism

Understanding Four Views on Baptism is a book produced by Zondervan Publishers as part of the “Counterpoints Church Life” series. This series “provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians.” 

This book is seeking to help Christians understand the differing views on the topic of baptism. Issues include: What is the significance of baptism? Who should be baptized? Is infant baptism biblical? What is the proper mode for baptism (immersion, sprinkling, or pouring)? What about rebaptism? What about membership and its connection to baptism? These questions as well as others are discussed throughout this book. 

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Four Views on Baptism

There are four historic views on baptism that are considered: 

1. Baptist position: Only professing believers are to be baptized 
2. Reformed: Believers and their children are to be baptized (covenantal)
3. Lutheran: Believers and their children are to be baptized (regenerative act)
4. Christian Churches/Churches of Christ (Believers baptism as the occasion of salvation) 

Understanding Four Views on Baptism begins with an introduction by John H. Armstrong, who is also the general editor of this series of books. He provides the background of the division amongst the different views as well as the explanation of his dream that this discussion of differences would lead to a deeper experience of unity within the church and her many denominations.

He also notes something very important about all of the contributing authors: every single one of them believes that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone, and that the Holy Scriptures are the “norming norm” or the rule of all faith and practice. In other words, this entire discussion is based upon the Word of God. 

The format of this book, along with all the others in the series, is as follows:

1. View 1 is given, followed by a response from the other 3 views.
2. View 2 is given, followed by a response from the other 3 views, etc.

I am personally a big fan of this approach. After reading a specific view, you may come away feeling quite convinced of it. But then you read the responses and realize that there are arguments against the very view that you may have found persuading. In essence, I believe that this approach assists Christians in becoming critical thinkers who deal with arguments in a logical and biblically faithful manner. 

I am thankful that Zondervan included both the Lutheran view and the Churches of Christ view. There are some other good multi-view books on baptism, but some of them leave out the Lutheran view. Considering Lutheranism is a very important Protestant denomination historically, it is deserving of an explanation of its understanding of baptism. All four of the contributing authors provided a good case for their respective views. I believe that they argued in a way that is very understandable for most Christians to understand. The responses that were given were always critical and yet very gentle and kind. The authors exhibited wonderful Christ-likeness in their engagement with one another. 

Appendices

One of the most unique and helpful parts of this book is actually found in the appendices.

• Appendix 1 provides all instances of the words for baptism in the New Testament.
• Appendix 2 provides statements on baptism that are found in creeds, confessions, and catechism (i.e. The Augsburg Confession; Belgic Confession; Westminster Confession; Heidelberg Catechism; etc.).
• Appendix 3 provides quotations on the topic of baptism from men throughout church history.

I really enjoyed reading through these appendices, and found them to be very helpful and interesting. 

My Conclusion

I highly recommend Understanding Four Views on Baptism to all Christians as a wonderful introduction to the topic of baptism. It is very wise to understand not only one’s personal view, but also the opposing views. This not only gives an opportunity to listen to others’ positions, but it may also solidify your already existing view as you seek to better understand what others are teaching and believing as well. 

Disclaimer: My thanks to Zondervan Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book on behalf of an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.