The Spiritual Condition of Infants: A Biblical-Historical Survey and Systematic Proposal

by Adam Harwood, Paige Patterson (Foreword)

What is the spiritual condition of infants? According to the Augustinian-Calvinist view, all people inherit from the first Adam both a sinful nature and his guilt. The result is that all infants are subject to the judgment of God against their nature before they knowingly commit any sinful actions. But is this the clear teaching of Scripture? In The Spiritual Condition of Infants, Adam Harwood examines ten relevant biblical texts and the writings of sixteen theologians in order to clarify the spiritual condition of infants. Although no passage explicitly states the spiritual condition of infants, each text makes contributions by addressing the doctrines of man, sin, the church, and salvation. If this biblical-historical analysis exposes the traditional Augustinian-Calvinist view to be inadequate, then is it possible to construct an alternate view of the spiritual condition of infants? Such a view should remain faithful to the biblical emphasis on humankind's connection to Adam and his sin but also recognize the guilt and condemnation of an individual only in the manner and time that God does in Scripture. That is the aim of this book.

Genres: Theology

196 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2011

Reviews

[Nick Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is repetitive at times and written in a (sorry to say it) boring tone, it doesn’t deserve any less than 5 stars due to the importance of the conclusion.

Adam Harwood is very thorough in his survey on the spiritual condition of infants. He dives into the biblical and historical corpus and gives a very fair assessment of historical thought on this issue. I believe the conclusion he makes is the correct one, and it has a focus on God’s merciful and loving character.

[Ashley Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job looking at the biblical evidence and historical record of the issue at hand. He was gracious in his approach to people who disagreed with him as well, as documented in the first part of this book.
I didn’t expect the book to also give a historical look at original sin and baptism, but that was a pleasant surprise.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating but ultimately unconvincing argument that children have original sin but not original guilt. The pastoral implications of this are obvious for grieving parents. I appreciated his willingness to be rigorous biblically and historically but disagree with his conclusions. It is very readable though and is a good contribution to the subject of infant salvation which has been much overlooked.

[Shelby Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eternal fate of those who die in infancy cuts deep into the hearts of any who have lost their children at that tender age. Emotions run high and parents seek for answers and comfort from the Word of God.

This book examines the subject with skill, even if the writing is a bit bland, and the structure is obviously a lightly edited academic paper, with all the sterile dullness and repetitiveness thereof.

The author not only looks at various scriptures, but also conducts a wide historical survey to show what various influential theologians have believed on the subject. He then interacts with their views, showing where such views are theologically sound, or internally inconsistent, or even blatantly unbiblical.

This enables him to present a thesis that, while at first may seem novel to some readers, is grounded in the Bible and carrying elements that some theologians have supported across the years.

In short, he provides a solid defense of the idea that infants, while born with a sin nature and tendency to sin, are born without the guilt of Adams sin and are not judged guilty until they are old enough to consciously sin themselves.

[Leya Delray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and well-researched look at a challenging subject. I found this book extremely helpful and thought-provoking, although it was a bit slow at first.

Side note: Also found some of the early church father quotes on baptism interesting. I had no idea the concept of infant baptism was a subject of such debate early on! Had always been given the impression it was the "universal" practice of the church in the post-apostolic era and following. Apparently that is not the case!

[Lynn Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for an urgent subject

Well studied and researched. I don't think it's the final word on the subject, but it certainly furthers it in the right direction.

[Helena Harned · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Not sure I was convinced by the thesis. Typo or a couple. Thought-provoking and concise. Appreciated the range of references to scripture and church history.

[Joel Wiedrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written and thorough treatment on the topic as described by the title. I didn't realize just how many different nuanced views there were historically when it came to the issue of infant salvation. This book is heavy on the doctrine of original sin and the debate about what it means definitionally as well as functionally. The author points out clearly some inconsistencies that arise from some of the views of original sin. I learned a lot.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly fascinating study. The historical developments of the doctrine of original sin and its application to infants was very interesting. The author, Adam Harwood, adopts the view that infants are born sinful but not guilty. In other words, he believes that infants are born with the "stain of sin" and that this stain will eventually result in their personal sin, at which time they become guilty before God. This allows him to affirm the exclusive Christian claim of salvation in Christ alone, personal responsibility for sin, and the safety of infants. Admittedly, I believe it becomes hard to affirm that one is sinful, or possesses sin within himself, while simultaneously remaining guiltless before God. I think Harwood should have offered clarity on what he means by having sin, or being full of sin (i.e. sinful), without being guilty. Nevertheless, the entire presentation is cogent and understandable. Regardless of whether you find yourself agreeing with all conclusions, you will at least have all the available positions set before you, along with a critical analysis of each and a possible resolution (i.e. Harwood's position). Recommended reading for this subject.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into a controversial theological issue. This is a much needed work from the arminianist perspective.