The Promise of Baptism: An Introduction to Baptism in Scripture and the Reformed Tradition

by James V. Brownson

Christians who otherwise love each other and work together on shared projects and causes nonetheless often disagree on the subject of baptism. Should infants be baptized, or is baptism for believers only? What exactly does baptism mean? What happens, if anything, when someone is baptized? Which is better -- sprinkling or immersion? These disagreements are disheartening to some and confusing to many. The sacrament of baptism from a Reformed perspective is clearly and thoughtfully outlined in this useful book. James Brownson explains the scriptural basis, the theological underpinnings, and the practical implications of this particular element of the faith. Organized into thirty brief, tightly focused chapters -- each of which centers on a key question -- and enhanced by thoughtful discussion questions, The Promise of Baptism will be an important resource for pastors, students, and laypersons seeking to better understand this sacrament that lies at the heart of the church's life. A sampling of key questions What is a sacrament, and how does it differ from an "ordinance"? What's the relationship between baptism and being "born again"? How do the sacraments bring God's grace to us? Can someone be "saved" without being baptized? Can someone be baptized without being saved? Does baptism take the place of circumcision as the mark of the new covenant? What is "confirmation" or "profession of faith," and what is its relationship to baptism? What happens after baptism?

237 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

Reviews

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st 80 pages or so were quite boring. after that Brownson had a few very decent observations so in the end I'm glad we have read it, although this book is definitely not a 'stand alone' kind of a book you want on baptism from the Reformed perspective, far from it. His greatest strength was pastoral theology - he was quite shallow in the area of systematic theology and exegesis, and there was nothing from biblical theology angle. there were some questions to discuss after each chapter, some of them were quite stimulating but some were just tendentious. I guess I was expecting too much from a seminary professor.

[Paul Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best, clearest, and most convincing explanation and defense of Reformed Theology's practice of infant baptism.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brownson's book is the best comprehensive look at the broad meaning of baptism that I have read. More than just a narrow case for the Reformed tradition of infant baptism, Brownson's book seriously addresses the multi-layered nature of baptism in the New Testament and its meaning in light of the church as a whole. Brownson is very attentive to the pastoral context. Each chapter is written to address direct and pertinent questions about teaching and administering baptism in a church setting. The book also includes excellent links to further information and discussion questions for group study.

[Anja Noordam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will go back to. Very well written

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful tool on how to understand baptism including infants.