Sinclair Ferguson argues for infant baptism, while Bruce A. Ware argues against it. Having held, at one point or another, well known Calvin scholar, Anthony N.S. Lane argues that both positions lack merit. Thus, for him the issue remains open. All of us probably have some bias toward one position or the other, and because of this bias may be interested in what the other position believes. If this describes you, then you will find this book illuminating and helpful in coming to terms with this often sensitive topic.

Product Information

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Title: Baptism: Three Views
By: Anthony N.S. Lane, Sinclair B. Ferguson, Bruce A. Ware
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 160
Vendor: IVP Academic
Publication Date: 2009

Dimensions: 8.25 X 5.50 (inches)
Weight: 11 ounces
ISBN: 0830838562
ISBN-13: 9780830838561
Stock No: WW838561

Publisher's Description

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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 Spectrum Multiview volume 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.

Spectrum Multiview Books offer a range of viewpoints on contested topics within Christianity, giving contributors the opportunity to present their position and also respond to others in this dynamic publishing format.

Author Bio

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Sinclair B. Ferguson is senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and serves as professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary in Dallas, Texas.

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.

Tony Lane (DD, University of Oxford) is professor of historical theology at the London School of Theology. He is the author of A Concise History of Christian Thought and Justification by Faith in Catholic-Protestant Dialogue. A world-class Calvin scholar, he abridged the Institutes into a popular student edition and also edited the translation of Calvin's Bondage and Liberation of the Will.

Editorial Reviews

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"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