Paul Jewett, author of the creative and highly provocative book, Man As Male and Female, now turns his critical attention to the practice of infant baptism. Jewett does not accept the traditional “covenant” argument for baptizing infants, and this book explains why he believes this argument fails. / Infant baptism is not a subject which can be isolated. For, as Jewett would have his readers understand, one's view on this issue is integrally related to one's view of the sacraments in general and thereby to the whole doctrine of the church and salvation. Thus it is understandable that what appears to be a minor theological question has had such divisive effects on the church. / A discussion of the historical source of infant baptism begins Jewett's critique, and introduces such issues as the distinction between infants and children, the silence of certain early church fathers on the subject, infant communion, and catechetical instruction. / The second and major portion of this book examines the theological issue, focusing specifically on the covenant argument, which suggests that baptism replaces circumcision as the sign of the covenant and thereby is given to infants. This argument, Jewett claims, fails to take into account the historical character of revelation, and contains certain contradictions. / Jewett concludes with a creative defense of believer baptism, one which is theologically responsible and which recognizes the profound truths of covenant theology.
Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace
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About the Author
Paul K. Jewett (1919–1991) was professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He also wrote Man as Male and Female and God, Creation, and Revelation.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By M. J. Keel
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have examined the Scriptures and read books on both sides of this complex issue trying to find the truth (see my listmania list to follow my journey), but this book is by far the most thorough, biblical, and thoughtful book I have read on the subject of baptism. Jewett comes at the discussion from a distinctly Reformed view due to his adherence to covenant theology (a view I share) so this book may not be useful for those of Anglican, Lutheran, or Catholic persuasions.
Starting with church history , Professor Jewett examines infant baptism back to the time of the Apostles examining sources and the defense of some of the best defenders of infant baptism like Joachim Jeremias. Then he moves on to theological questions concerning the covenant of grace, the definition of baptism in Reformed creeds, and the actual practice of baptism in Reformed tradition in their light. What he finds is: weak evidence for the Apostolic foundation of infant baptism and foundational inconsistencies between the definition of baptism given by the Reformers and their disciples and their practice of infant baptism.
Even if you disagree with Professor Jewett's conclusions this is a must read for baptists and paedobaptists who want to make sure they are true to the bible and the biblical principles of the Reformation.
Starting with church history , Professor Jewett examines infant baptism back to the time of the Apostles examining sources and the defense of some of the best defenders of infant baptism like Joachim Jeremias. Then he moves on to theological questions concerning the covenant of grace, the definition of baptism in Reformed creeds, and the actual practice of baptism in Reformed tradition in their light. What he finds is: weak evidence for the Apostolic foundation of infant baptism and foundational inconsistencies between the definition of baptism given by the Reformers and their disciples and their practice of infant baptism.
Even if you disagree with Professor Jewett's conclusions this is a must read for baptists and paedobaptists who want to make sure they are true to the bible and the biblical principles of the Reformation.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is incredibly thorough, well researched, and well presented. Jewett analyzes the practice of infant baptism from a theological and historical standpoint. I found his detailed historical analysis to be particularly beneficial, as the historical record is often muddled and partial. The book is well worth purchasing if for no other reason than its look at the history of infant baptism.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.
32 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By Kevin Rogers
Format:Paperback
Dr. Jewett's book is something that anyone interested in infant baptism should read. This book examines the historical evolution of infant baptism, the scriptural arguments, and the theological arguments. It is highly informative and reads like a thesis. If you are at all interested in infant baptism, READ THIS BOOK.
The problem with this work is that Dr. Jewett makes conclusions where the evidence is not necessary conclusory. For instance, he analyzes history and concludes that infant baptism was not a practice of the apostles, yet such a concusion is just one INFERENCE that could be made after taking in all the evidence. However, it should be noted that such conclusions are probably the best that anyone could do in reaching a definitive answer to an age-old issue.
The reason for Dr. Jewett's approach is clearly that he has made his decision from the beginning. This book reads like he has already made his decision, and whatever it takes, he is GOING to push the round peg into a square hole.
However, I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. First, the sheer amount of research and information provided by the author is worth taking a look at. Second, his arguments will better help anyone to refine their thoughts, from either an experienced theologian or a novice.
My lone criticism of this book, other than I believe it reaches an incorrect conclusion, is that he should have tried to be more objective, and avoided any language that would indicate his view was already biased from the start.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing, lacking
I purchased this book for the good reviews, and came to it more of a Baptist than anything else. But I left it thinking maybe the Baptists have it wrong. Read more
Published 3 months ago by B. Whitestone
4.0 out of 5 stars
The 'other' evangelical perspective
I have found the general evangelical public's ignorance of Reformed Theology, the theology that lead the church away from centuries of superstition and corruption, to be a bit... Read more
Published on October 13, 2009 by Billy Tucker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good presentation and defence of Credobaptism in light of Covenant...
As a Pedobaptist, I must say that I am impressed with Dr. Jewett's work on this subject. Though his Baptist bias shines through the work at various places, and there are some of... Read more
Published on December 15, 2008 by Daniel Chew
5.0 out of 5 stars
simply excellent
Fantastic book- all arguments for and against infant baptism are thoroughly evaluated, and Jewett's stellar writing style makes it a pleasure to read.
Published on December 11, 2003 by mdmckendrick
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