Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children 2nd Edition

by Daniel R. Hyde

Thoroughly updated and refined, this book engages with recent works on baptism. It's a thoughtful, kind, and meticulous explanation of why Christians should baptize their children. Regardless of your stance on infant baptism, this accessible book helps understand the reasoning behind applying the covenant sign to our covenant children. It's a heartfelt introduction to the Reformed view of baptism, highly recommended.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Daniel R. Hyde (ThM, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is the Pastor of the Oceanside United Reformed Church in Oceanside, California. He is the author of over ten books, including Welcome to a Reformed Church, Why Believe in God?, and God in Our Midst.

Reviews

[Isaac Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for an introduction to the doctrine of pedobaptism. Hyde explains this historical view with a brevity and clarity that allows even those new to the topic to glean valuable understanding.

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best brief introduction to infant baptism I have read. Hyde is long enough to cover the basics, but short enough to be of use to any believer. There were several things I enjoyed about the book.

1. Hyde is gracious, but firm. His understands that good Christians differ on this issue. But he believes the Bible is firmly on his side. I liked this approach.

2. He emphasized the covenant of grace.

3. He discussed the status of children in the NT. I think this particular angle has been overlooked by both paedo and credo baptists.

4. He showed how the mode was irrelevant.

5. He used church history as a secondary source, but clearly put the Scriptures above it.

This will become my go to book for new parents or people looking into infant baptism.

[Ryan Beneke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best introduction to covenant paedobaptism I have read, written to parents who have questions at a level that can be understood by lay people. It touches on almost everything: the nature of the covenant, the meaning of the sacraments, circumcision, the relevant New Testament texts, modes of baptism, baptism in early church history, and the witness of the Reformed confessions. If you’re looking for somewhere to start exploring covenantal arguments for infant baptism, I don’t know of a better resource than this one.

[Daniel Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Jesus Loves the Little Children, Daniel Hyde explains why we (many denominations of Christianity) baptize children. He looks at:
- Defining terms (understanding what baptism is)
- Circumcision and baptism (and the similarities between this respective Old Testament and New Testament signs)
- Covenant and baptism (understanding the nature of how God relates to His people and their children)
- Baptism or dedication (looking at the differences between them)
- The mode of baptism (immersion, pouring, or sprinkling)
- A brief history of infant baptism from early church sources

Overall, this is a solid introduction. Believers can squabble over this doctrine, because there is no command in Scripture that explicit says baptize (or do not baptize) your children. I agree with Hyde that "infant baptism is a biblical doctrine because it is a "good and necessary consequence" of the entirety of scriptural teaching." And I think he does a reasonable job presenting his case, looking across the Scriptures in the above areas (especially in his discussion of original sin and how that doctrine applies here . . . that isn't always mentioned but should be). Sometimes, I think his arguments/proofs aren't quite as firm as he states (even though I agree with him), but this is a good introduction nonetheless. I would recommend it alongside R.C. Sproul's introduction to the topic.

[Jacob London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to infant baptism. Would recommend.

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shoots straight to the top of my list of books on the Sacraments. By far the best concise case for infant baptism I have ever read. In less than a hundred pages, Hyde makes the careful exegetical, theological and historical case for infant baptism. It is comprehensive, brief, accessible and (most of all) charitable. Even in the couple of places where Hyde explained things in a different way than I would, I found him both winsome and persuasive. This is an excellent resource for churches explaining the theology and practice of infant baptism to those for whom it is foreign. And for those for whom paedobaptism is familiar, it will help guard against "mere formalism or superstition" (as the old theologians used to say). I plan to utilize this book in our officer training for our church.

For folks who are really puzzled by paedobaptism, I suggest O Palmer Robertson's "Christ of the Covenants," a much longer book on covenant theology that barely addresses infant baptism, but sets the stage for understanding sacraments as covenant signs.

[Carol Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for explaining simply such powerful doctrines.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up Baptist and did not understand why people baptized children before they made a profession of faith. As an adult, I have been a member of a Presbyterian church for quite a while, but still never understood the whole infant baptism thing. When our first child was born, I decided to start studying the sacraments (particularly baptism) to see what I believed about the whole infant baptism discussion. Like most people, I simply went along with the tradition within which I was raised and never really put a great deal of further thought into it. I assumed, after I studied baptism for some time, that I would end up more firmly secure in my Reformed Baptist leanings. To my surprise, my needle began to move (slowly, over the course of a good bit of time and study) towards agreeing with baptizing the children of believers. A number of articles were very helpful, as well as other books that I read, but this book by Hyde was perhaps the best single thing (book, article, podcast, debate, etc.) that I encountered in my time spent studying infant baptism. I love that he starts with the authority of Scripture and then defines all the terms that will be used… I think it’s helpful to at least get everyone on the same page (wherever they are), so that the discussion can be productive. I also appreciate that his tone is very respectful to people who do not agree with baptizing the children of believers… he doesn’t back away from arguing strongly in favor of infant baptism, but he does so in a way that is very respectful to our Christian brothers and sisters who do not agree with the practice.

If there is one chapter that I would mildly critique, it would be the chapter on mode (immersion, sprinkling, or pouring). His main thrust in the chapter is that all three modes are valid, which is good, but throughout the rest of the book he is very committed to the language of the Westminster Confession of Faith, so I would’ve enjoyed seeing him explain a bit more why Westminster states that sprinkling and pouring are the right way to administer the sacrament, and yet since Scripture does not forbid immersion, neither should we (as an aside, I was baptized by immersion and don’t believe that means I need to be re-baptized!). It’s not a huge critique, but it was just one chapter where I felt he backed down a bit too much from the argument, and yet I could see where that may have been intentional in keeping with the gracious tone that he maintained throughout the book… mode (specifically immersion, or not immersion) can quickly become a heated debate, and maybe he just wanted to keep it simple and state why all three modes are valid and move on. I also thought the two appendices weren’t super helpful… that’s not a big deal, but I’d rather the book just end after the final chapter “A Word to Parents” (keeping the book even shorter and tighter and, in my opinion, making it an even better, more-approachable resource for parents to be motivated to read as they consider baptism for their own children). I see this book as such a great tool for the church that it makes me want to critique even really small things like this… just to make it an even better book. (So, publisher, who is definitely not reading this review, for the next printing of this book: An explanation of why Westminster uses the language that it uses regarding mode and get rid of the appendices. Thank you!)

All in all, this is a great book; I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of baptism.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always found the idea of baptism being the new covenant equivalent of circumcision a rather compelling reason for accepting infant baptism, although I held out that perhaps credo-baptism could be the way if the new covenant is supposed to be more "personal" (eg: reception of a" new heart", etc), and thus somehow tied to a person's expressed volition/profession of faith (to say nothing of how this runs counter to unconditional election/ irresistible grace).

One thing Hyde points out here that I hadn't considered though, is the trajectory of inclusiveness in the new covenant. Obviously, Gentiles are brought in, and now both men AND women receive the sign of the covenant. Why then, if male infants received the sign of the old covenant, would the new covenant be LESS inclusive in this regard, excluding the children of believers, if credo-baptism was accurate?

Otherwise an articulate and succinct summation of many standard arguments and ways of thinking vis a vis baptism.

[Evan Cruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, good reminders.

"So Jesus does love the little children... He shows us, and them, this truth in an outward, tangible way, by having his ministers place the waters of baptism upon them. In doing so, God testifies that although they are born sinners, helpless spiritually, and in need of salvation, just as the rest of humanity, he accepts them as members of the household of God and surrounds them with his promises and providences.

Little ones to him belong. They are weak, but he is strong."

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid explanation of infant baptism from a Reformed perspective. Some of the arguments are a little hard to follow, but overall the book was straightforward. All citations and references from within church history, dating back even to the apostolic age, are abundant and sensible. It is evident that baptism is the sign and seal of inclusion in God’s covenant, replacing circumcision in the new and better covenant that came through Jesus.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our PCA church gave us this book during our membership class. I have always been strong on believers baptism, but this book was very thought provoking, and now I’m honestly not sure where I stand. It compared infant baptism to Old Testament circumcision. A perfect length book if you are interested in the reformed view of infant baptism.

[Mauricio Madriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente exposición sobre el bautismo infantil. Estoy agradecido por la obra del Reverendo Daniel Hyde. Su defensa sobre el bautismo infantil y la consecuencia en la doctrina evangélica ha sido de gran provecho para mí. Ser un cristiano consecuente con la historia es aceptar el bautismo de niños, y este libro lo refleja de manera muy sencilla. Recomendado.

[Jake Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read but one that will rock your Baptist socks if you’re not ready. This book definitely removes the veil of taboo-ness about infant baptism. It’s not nonsensical. I’m still a professing Baptist, but now I’ve got to figure out what I as a Baptist believe in order to stay Baptist.. I’d recommend this book for sure even just for learning more about the paedobastism position.

[Lexi V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyde's summary of the teachings of circumcision and covenant are helpful. I did not find the chapter on the modes of baptism to be compelling, but I'm sure that studying Berkhof, Bosma, Calvin, Cyprian, Fung, Hodge, Murray, Turretin, Warfield, Wollebius, etc. could provide further elucidation.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm Baptist on this topic so I can't rate it higher lol. Certain things in this book were helpful and I have a better understanding of why other Christians practice infant baptism. But I don't think it's as clear in Scripture as Hyde thinks.

[Kenny Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer on the topic. Doesn't dig into everything, but gives a nice comprehensive overview. A litter pretentious in his counter arguments against Credobaptists, but who isn't on the topic of baptism.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat helpful, but not convincing. Maybe Hyde's writing style doesn't agree with me, but I was unable to track with all of his arguments.
However, I think I have a better understanding of the line of thinking for child baptism. I plan to do more reading on this topic.

[Michael Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to clearly explain what infant baptism is and how scripture and church history supports it. I think it is a helpful resource for parents seeking to have their children baptized and for those seeking to learn about paedobaptism.

[Thomas James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter on church history and baptism in this book is immensely useful.

[Nathan Douthit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful summary and introduction to the doctrine of Paedobaptism.

[Seth Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot on.

[Ksmoker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, compelling, short, and approachable argument explaining infant baptism. It provided me with a better understanding of the warm inclusivity of children of believers into the covenant.

[Jose Barriga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente.

[Dustin Karzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to infant baptism. Helpful resource for those new to, or curious about, the basic Reformed doctrine of infant baptism.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. One of the best short cases for covenantal baptism on the market.

[Michael Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise book, biblically explaining the view of household/baby baptism.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel Hyde does a fine job of explaining the Reformed paedobaptist view of baptism, especially to those new to Reformed Christianity or unfamiliar with the Protestant defense of infant baptism. Most mainstream credobaptist (believer-baptist) churches never defend the practice or teach on its rich biblical meaning, let alone connect it to the Old Testament, showing our relationship and continuity with the people of God in all ages. This lack of teaching will leave mainstream evangelicals starved for such doctrines, and books like Hyde's will be able to fill that need.

Hyde's defense is typical of Reformed paedobatists, and while well presented, is contingent upon two major weak links: baptism's connection to circumcision and the continued inclusion of physical offspring among God's covenant community. Scriptural support for the link between circumcision and baptism is scanty at best, and that line of reasoning was only taken up after the Reformation. For credobaptist counterpoints see Reformed authors such as Samuel Waldron and Gary Crampton. But if you read no other text on the sacrament baptism, read "Waters of Creation" by Douglas Van Dorn.

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm conflicted on my rating. In terms of arguing the Paedobaptist argument, I think this more rightly deserves 4 stars. The book also starts off quite irenic in its approach when speaking with/to Baptists. However, the second half of the book makes arguments and cites quotes that are either unrelated to the context of the matter or are not considerate to the Baptist understanding of Credobaptism, which is why I have lowered the rating to three stars.

Daniel R. Hyde does an excellent job in the first few chapters of showing the significance of baptism regardless of theological tradition, but especially some questions that help to raise the reader's awareness of baptism in a robust way. Chapter three in particular is easily the standout chapter that gives the most structure and groundwork for much of the paedobaptist paradigm (though I believe much works reasonably with Credobaptism, but his focus is on the building up of the reformed paedobaptist tradition, so I'll leave that be)

Overall, I would recommend the first half of this book, and pair it with other works to flesh out the position with better considerations for the credobaptist position.

[Gelu Timoficiuc · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a little more depth in arguments. His main arguments are presented quickly and unconvincingly and I’m not sure the scripture usage is exegetical.
The author also tries to counter the baptist position with statements that any baptist with a grasp of classic baptist covenantal theology would agree with.
The main question in this historical debate is: are children of believers IN the covenant of grace? If so, does this make the covenant of grace conditional since not all children of believers are saved? If yes, what is the nature of the covenant of grace compared to that of works? How do we reconcile what many texts say is unique to the covenant of grace with the paedobaptist rendering of the nature of this covenant?
These main questions are simply assumed, not argued. And that is why this book was not very helpful to me unfortunately.