Teaching on Christian baptism - what it is and what it signifies. Robert Letham reflects sensitively on historic Christian teaching.

Gain an understanding of baptism from four main traditional perspectives. Of all the sacraments, the practice of baptism is often the most disputed. Christians hold different views of its exact significance, who should receive baptism and how old they need to be, the practice of rebaptism, and baptism as a requirement for church membership. In Understanding Four Views on Baptism, four historic views on baptism are considered in depth: Baptist view: baptism of the professing regenerate by immersion (presented by Thomas J. Nettles) Reformed view: infant baptism of children of the covenant (presented by Richard Pratt Jr.) Lutheran view: infant baptism by sprinkling as a regenerative act (presented by Robert Kolb) Church of Christ view: believers' baptism on the occasion of regeneration by immersion (presented by John Castelein) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book's other contributors. Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at your own informed conclusion. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

From the earliest days of Christianity, baptism has been a foundational act of faith for the believing community. Although churches may (and do) disagree about whether infants should or shouldn't be baptized, about whether baptism should be by "immersion" or "pouring," and about other doctrinal details-all would agree that baptism mattered to early Christians and still matters. And yet for all too many, baptism remains a ritual hardly understood, and one that seems to lack relevance for the lives we lead from day to day. Here is a book that delves into the mystery, brings understanding, and connects the "water and Word" of baptism to the tragedies and triumphs of daily life. With good humor, sound scholarship, and down-to-earth common sense, Martin Marty demonstrates how baptism can be "used" from day to day in a vibrant life of faith.

Part of the Pocket Guide series Explains the work and Person of Jesus Christ Accessible for any audience

Who baptized Jesus? Read the story of his baptism and how he was tested.