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.



David F. Wright (1937-2008) was professor of patristic and Reformation Christianity at New College, University of Edinburgh. He wrote a number of books on both historical and theological topics.







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.







Professor of Historical Theology at the London School of Theology. His previous publications include Exploring Christian Doctrine (SPCK), A Reader's Guide to Calvin's Institutes, A Concise History of Christian Thought, The Lion Christian ClassicsCollection and Justification by Faith in Catholic-Protestant Dialogue. Most of his scholarly writings have been on Calvin, including his John Calvin: Student of the Church Fathers.



Abbreviations



Introduction: Daniel G. Reid



1 Believers' Baptism View: Bruce A. Ware



Infant Baptism Response



Dual-Practice Baptism Response



Believers' Baptism Concluding Response



2 Infant Baptism View: Sinclair B. Ferguson



Believers' Baptism Response



Dual-Practice Baptism Response



Infant Baptism Concluding Response



3 Dual-Practice Baptism View: Anthony N. S. Lane



Believers' Baptism Response



Infant Baptism Response



Dual-Practice Baptism Concluding Response



Contributors



A Bibliography of David F. Wright's Publications on Baptism



Scripture Index