Customer Reviews

Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace

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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.

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.

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 the typical Baptist errors in argumentation throughout (ie attempting to find evidence for infant baptism instead of looking at it correctly from the direction of Infant inclusion in the Covenant), the work as a whole attempts to analyze the subject of Infant Baptism in a holistic manner. I must say that if your view of Pedobaptism cannot pass the muster of Jewett's work in a consistent biblical manner, it is not worth holding onto.

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.

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 astounding. The evangelical church in America has largely embraced a Baptist perspective on the meaning of conversion and water baptism. Many, if not most, have no understanding whatsoever of any view other than their own.

This book presents the `other' evangelical perspective, the Reformed perspective, on water baptism. With Reformed Theology's resurgence in recent years, it would be to every evangelical Christian's advantage to read this book in order to gain an elemental understanding of their Christian kinsmen's faith.

Fantastic book- all arguments for and against infant baptism are thoroughly evaluated, and Jewett's stellar writing style makes it a pleasure to read.