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.



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.



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.



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



"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."



"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."



"This book can help Christians understand their church's practice and the practice of other churches in baptism."



"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 beliefson the subject.



"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."