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The Baptism Debate: Understanding and Evaluating Reformed Infant Baptism
Should the church baptize infants?
This question has been an issue of debate for over 1500 years. The Baptism Debate provides a fresh look at the Reformed perspective on infant baptism. After thoroughly explaining and examining the Reformed position on infant baptism, this book provides a genuine and thoughtful analysis of Reformed covenant theology and its implications for infant baptism. Grounding the conclusions in a robust analysis of the biblical texts, The Baptism Debate helps the reader understand baptism and answer the question of whether the church should baptize infants.
This question has been an issue of debate for over 1500 years. The Baptism Debate provides a fresh look at the Reformed perspective on infant baptism. After thoroughly explaining and examining the Reformed position on infant baptism, this book provides a genuine and thoughtful analysis of Reformed covenant theology and its implications for infant baptism. Grounding the conclusions in a robust analysis of the biblical texts, The Baptism Debate helps the reader understand baptism and answer the question of whether the church should baptize infants.
- GenresTheology
244 pages, Hardcover
Published March 30, 2023
16 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 18, 2023
Excellent. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about paedobaptism. A faithful and accurate critique.
"I believe Scripture is clear on baptism. Although Reformed paedobaptism is a logically coherent system, it does not have biblical support. If we prioritize the Biblical evidence over theological systems and tradition, we will inevitably embrace the Biblical picture of baptism. The Bible teaches that those who embrace Christ in faith are baptized as a profession of that faith. Therefore, we call it believers baptism. But we could simply call it Biblical baptism." (p 202)
"I believe Scripture is clear on baptism. Although Reformed paedobaptism is a logically coherent system, it does not have biblical support. If we prioritize the Biblical evidence over theological systems and tradition, we will inevitably embrace the Biblical picture of baptism. The Bible teaches that those who embrace Christ in faith are baptized as a profession of that faith. Therefore, we call it believers baptism. But we could simply call it Biblical baptism." (p 202)
April 2, 2023
Dr. Goeman has written a thorough and charitable work on a complex and often heated debate. In this book, he sheds light on the historical conversation surrounding baptism and works through the relevant passages of Scripture related to the topic at hand. This is a scholarly work, yet accessible for the average Christian to utilize.
I highly recommend it to those on both sides of the debate, and to those working through the issue for the first time.
I highly recommend it to those on both sides of the debate, and to those working through the issue for the first time.
January 17, 2024
"One cannot help but appreciate that the appeal to faith that many paedobaptists make against paedocommunion is the same argument that Baptists make against paedobaptism. Although the connection between the Lord's Supper and Passover is even stronger than the connection between baptism and circumcision, most covenantal paedobaptists will withhold full covenantal involvement from a child because of the child's inability to exercise faith. If the New Testament is clear enough that faith is a prerequisite for participating in the Lord's Supper, then the New Testament is even more clear that faith is a prerequisite to participating in baptism." - Peter Goeman
Simply put, this is an excellent analysis and critique of reformed paedobaptism. Goeman is academic and analytic, but this work is eminently readable and accessible. Obviously, if you're a paedobaptist, you're probably not going to like this book. But I think paedobaptists would be hard-pressed to argue that Goeman has misrepresented their views.
Goeman begins by describing the link between baptism and faith in the NT and church history before unpacking central tenets of reformed paedobaptism. The crux of the matter is simply this: paedobaptists believe in the theological super-structure of the Covenant of Grace. As such, there is extreme continuity (where they want it to be) between the "one people of God" in both testaments. Therefore, it doesn't matter that there isn't an explicit command to baptize infants. Baptism has simply replaced circumcision and the covenant community of the church is still a mixed (regenerate and unregenerate) people.
In the rest of the book, Goeman simply unpacks how the above statements are simply not consistent with the Biblical witness. The Biblical testimony clearly indicates that there are multiple Biblical covenants that have a variety of purposes (his notes on the priestly covenant of Num. 25 were particularly insightful). He then argues that just because there is "one people of God" in the sense that everyone is always only saved by grace through faith alone, that does not mean there is therefore no distinct difference in roles that the church and Israel play in God's program. He continues to write on the significant differences between circumcision and baptism, the witness of household baptisms, and finally the Biblical significance and meaning of Baptism. All of it is expounded with careful and insightful exegesis of Biblical texts which must be the grounds of our theology.
Goeman rightfully concludes that Reformed paedobaptism "works" as a theological system, but that doesn't mean it is a Biblically derived theological system. All in all, I'm very thankful this book exists and heartily recommend it to all seeking to understand Biblical Baptism.
Simply put, this is an excellent analysis and critique of reformed paedobaptism. Goeman is academic and analytic, but this work is eminently readable and accessible. Obviously, if you're a paedobaptist, you're probably not going to like this book. But I think paedobaptists would be hard-pressed to argue that Goeman has misrepresented their views.
Goeman begins by describing the link between baptism and faith in the NT and church history before unpacking central tenets of reformed paedobaptism. The crux of the matter is simply this: paedobaptists believe in the theological super-structure of the Covenant of Grace. As such, there is extreme continuity (where they want it to be) between the "one people of God" in both testaments. Therefore, it doesn't matter that there isn't an explicit command to baptize infants. Baptism has simply replaced circumcision and the covenant community of the church is still a mixed (regenerate and unregenerate) people.
In the rest of the book, Goeman simply unpacks how the above statements are simply not consistent with the Biblical witness. The Biblical testimony clearly indicates that there are multiple Biblical covenants that have a variety of purposes (his notes on the priestly covenant of Num. 25 were particularly insightful). He then argues that just because there is "one people of God" in the sense that everyone is always only saved by grace through faith alone, that does not mean there is therefore no distinct difference in roles that the church and Israel play in God's program. He continues to write on the significant differences between circumcision and baptism, the witness of household baptisms, and finally the Biblical significance and meaning of Baptism. All of it is expounded with careful and insightful exegesis of Biblical texts which must be the grounds of our theology.
Goeman rightfully concludes that Reformed paedobaptism "works" as a theological system, but that doesn't mean it is a Biblically derived theological system. All in all, I'm very thankful this book exists and heartily recommend it to all seeking to understand Biblical Baptism.
April 1, 2023
The Baptism Debate by Dr. Goeman is a well-written and persuasive work on the issue of baptism. For many years now, the resources available on the debate between pedobaptism and credobaptism have leaned heavily toward the pedobaptism position. Therefore, this resource is highly valuable as it stands to defend the credobaptist (or believer’s baptism) position. Further, this work is not only valuable because it simply takes the opposing position towards the great history of Reformed pedobaptist theology but that its argument is one that is masterfully developed and therefore must be taken into consideration by all parties. Any Bible-believing Christian, especially any who are Reformed pedobaptists, must at least respect the biblical depth that Dr. Goeman develops in engendering his position for believer’s baptism.
On that point, one note must be made. This book isn’t attacking the arguments for which Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodox members are holding to the infant baptism position. Rather, Dr. Goeman holds to Sola Scriptura and understands that arguments must be made from Scripture alone if the true position on baptism is to be brought to light. Therefore, this book explicitly focuses on the Reformed pedobaptist position and derives all its arguments from Scripture alone to prove its case.
Further, many of the arguments of the book are negative arguments in the sense that they are arguments against the Reformed pedobaptist position and not positively sharing its own believer’s baptism position (though there are those in the opening and closing chapters). Many books argue in this negative sense incorrectly. However, Dr. Goeman rightly understands the foundation of pedobaptism to be the systematic understanding of Covenant Theology and the implications that this system of doctrine has on Scripture as a whole. Therefore, the negative arguments against pedobaptism are against the consequences of Covenant Theology which include the covenant of grace (chapter 3), the one people of God (chapter 4), baptism replacing circumcision (chapter 5), and household baptisms (chapter 6). In no way does this book by Dr. Goeman attack certain pedobaptist arguments that are irrelevant. On the contrary, the arguments being attacked are at the very center of the issue for the Reformed pedobaptist position as they are the tenants or implications of Reformed Covenant Theology.
If you are a Reformed pedobaptist, this book ought to belong in your library and must at least be respected as a credible source for credobaptism. Dr. Goeman’s book from beginning to end is full of sound biblical arguments and reasoning. Therefore, Dr. Goeman is one that must be answered if one is to hold to pedobaptism.
If you are a Reformed credobaptist, this book ought to belong in your library as holding to your position of credobaptism yet most likely employing different reasoning than you would employ. It is my persuasion after reading this book that the logical understanding of Covenant Theology leads to pedobaptism and therefore the Reformed credobaptists must answer the reasoning of this book as to why they hold to the Covenant Theology in the first place. Dr. Goeman attacks Covenant Theology to dismantle pedobaptism; therefore, Reformed credobaptists ought to wrestle with Covenant Theology and Dr. Goeman’s arguments throughout this book and consider the nature of truly sound hermeneutics and proper bibliology.
If you do not hold to Covenant Theology and are a credobaptist, this book ought to belong in your library as it is the most wonderful source of the position that I have read. Personally, I will be recommending this book as the prime argumentation against pedobaptism and Covenant Theology. Dr. Goeman has surely done the research necessary to develop a work that will be valuable for many years to come which is evident in the footnotes throughout the book. This is especially seen in explaining Covenant Theology and pedobaptism in which Dr. Goeman is constantly referencing and quoting direct covenantal sources from eminent pedobaptists and covenant theologians.
In conclusion, this book is a must for every side of the theological debate. It is to at least be respected and revered by all and at most convincing and persuasive for the credobaptist position. Personally, this book is not only respected but convincing for believer’s baptism. Praise our Lord for the solid biblical work that Dr. Goeman has put into this resource. It is a must-have and must-read for all Christians who desire to honor the Lord with their baptismal practice.
On that point, one note must be made. This book isn’t attacking the arguments for which Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodox members are holding to the infant baptism position. Rather, Dr. Goeman holds to Sola Scriptura and understands that arguments must be made from Scripture alone if the true position on baptism is to be brought to light. Therefore, this book explicitly focuses on the Reformed pedobaptist position and derives all its arguments from Scripture alone to prove its case.
Further, many of the arguments of the book are negative arguments in the sense that they are arguments against the Reformed pedobaptist position and not positively sharing its own believer’s baptism position (though there are those in the opening and closing chapters). Many books argue in this negative sense incorrectly. However, Dr. Goeman rightly understands the foundation of pedobaptism to be the systematic understanding of Covenant Theology and the implications that this system of doctrine has on Scripture as a whole. Therefore, the negative arguments against pedobaptism are against the consequences of Covenant Theology which include the covenant of grace (chapter 3), the one people of God (chapter 4), baptism replacing circumcision (chapter 5), and household baptisms (chapter 6). In no way does this book by Dr. Goeman attack certain pedobaptist arguments that are irrelevant. On the contrary, the arguments being attacked are at the very center of the issue for the Reformed pedobaptist position as they are the tenants or implications of Reformed Covenant Theology.
If you are a Reformed pedobaptist, this book ought to belong in your library and must at least be respected as a credible source for credobaptism. Dr. Goeman’s book from beginning to end is full of sound biblical arguments and reasoning. Therefore, Dr. Goeman is one that must be answered if one is to hold to pedobaptism.
If you are a Reformed credobaptist, this book ought to belong in your library as holding to your position of credobaptism yet most likely employing different reasoning than you would employ. It is my persuasion after reading this book that the logical understanding of Covenant Theology leads to pedobaptism and therefore the Reformed credobaptists must answer the reasoning of this book as to why they hold to the Covenant Theology in the first place. Dr. Goeman attacks Covenant Theology to dismantle pedobaptism; therefore, Reformed credobaptists ought to wrestle with Covenant Theology and Dr. Goeman’s arguments throughout this book and consider the nature of truly sound hermeneutics and proper bibliology.
If you do not hold to Covenant Theology and are a credobaptist, this book ought to belong in your library as it is the most wonderful source of the position that I have read. Personally, I will be recommending this book as the prime argumentation against pedobaptism and Covenant Theology. Dr. Goeman has surely done the research necessary to develop a work that will be valuable for many years to come which is evident in the footnotes throughout the book. This is especially seen in explaining Covenant Theology and pedobaptism in which Dr. Goeman is constantly referencing and quoting direct covenantal sources from eminent pedobaptists and covenant theologians.
In conclusion, this book is a must for every side of the theological debate. It is to at least be respected and revered by all and at most convincing and persuasive for the credobaptist position. Personally, this book is not only respected but convincing for believer’s baptism. Praise our Lord for the solid biblical work that Dr. Goeman has put into this resource. It is a must-have and must-read for all Christians who desire to honor the Lord with their baptismal practice.
April 7, 2023
This book by Dr. Peter Goeman was a pleasure to read.
Dr. Goeman speaks with accessibility, clarity, and brevity.
While some books can be difficult to navigate because of an overuse of academic jargon, Dr. Goeman's work is available to non-academics while still being a powerfully academic work. An academic will surely be impressed and challenged, but someone with no background on this material need not be afraid to make this his first book on the topic. If you have no experience with theological debate or academic resources, you will find this book entirely accessible to you -- I can't think of higher praise given the complexity of the topic addressed.
Other works can be difficult to follow because the authors fail to clearly state their positions. Rather than making claims powerfully and precisely, an author dances around the edges and leave the reader to recognize implications. Dr. Goeman leaves no such question in the reader's mind. At every point in this book, a reader knows exactly the point that Dr. Goeman is making, exactly what his stance is, and exactly why he holds that stance. This allows him to move quickly through each topic while still giving a thorough treatment.
Briefly mentioned in the previous paragraph, Dr. Goeman is wildly concise. Each sentence is packed with valuable information, and there is not a word of fluff in this entire book. Complementary to the brevity of the book is the rich selection of sources that Dr. Goeman references and provides in the course of his discussion. He is able to be brief in many cases because he will provide resources -- some supporting his position, some arguing against his position -- that the reader can go to for more information on a particular section of the debate. While this book is a valuable resource in its own right, this book is also a means to expose oneself to a variety of works in this space.
Finally, and most enjoyable for me, Dr. Goeman be spittin' fire.
Related to Dr. Goeman's willingness to say exactly what he means, there are some statements that are so savage that I couldn't help but laugh. He certainly writes with no arrogance or venom, but there are a few instances where he calls a spade a spade. I've pulled a couple of my favorites for this review, but they are intentionally pulled out of context so that I don't spoil parts of the discussion.
"By inventing a distinction between a new covenant member and a believer, Reformed paedobaptists create a category for the sake of their theological position" (90-91).
"It is a major inconsistency in the argument, and it seems that adherents to paedobaptism rely on the argument of continuity only when convenient" (104).
"Reformed paedobaptists have no satisfactory answer to this dilemma" (199).
Did you hear that mic drop? Because you should know it's even spicier in context.
In conclusion, you should read this book. It is an informative and riveting look into the debate concerning infant baptism in the Reformed tradition, and while this book certainly presents a compelling case for "believer's baptism" -- or as Dr. Goeman more aptly names it, "biblical baptism" (202) -- it is also a fantastic entry point to the debate as a whole. You will understand the relevant biblical issues, the relevant arguments and sources, and the frameworks that underlie those arguments.
Dr. Goeman speaks with accessibility, clarity, and brevity.
While some books can be difficult to navigate because of an overuse of academic jargon, Dr. Goeman's work is available to non-academics while still being a powerfully academic work. An academic will surely be impressed and challenged, but someone with no background on this material need not be afraid to make this his first book on the topic. If you have no experience with theological debate or academic resources, you will find this book entirely accessible to you -- I can't think of higher praise given the complexity of the topic addressed.
Other works can be difficult to follow because the authors fail to clearly state their positions. Rather than making claims powerfully and precisely, an author dances around the edges and leave the reader to recognize implications. Dr. Goeman leaves no such question in the reader's mind. At every point in this book, a reader knows exactly the point that Dr. Goeman is making, exactly what his stance is, and exactly why he holds that stance. This allows him to move quickly through each topic while still giving a thorough treatment.
Briefly mentioned in the previous paragraph, Dr. Goeman is wildly concise. Each sentence is packed with valuable information, and there is not a word of fluff in this entire book. Complementary to the brevity of the book is the rich selection of sources that Dr. Goeman references and provides in the course of his discussion. He is able to be brief in many cases because he will provide resources -- some supporting his position, some arguing against his position -- that the reader can go to for more information on a particular section of the debate. While this book is a valuable resource in its own right, this book is also a means to expose oneself to a variety of works in this space.
Finally, and most enjoyable for me, Dr. Goeman be spittin' fire.
Related to Dr. Goeman's willingness to say exactly what he means, there are some statements that are so savage that I couldn't help but laugh. He certainly writes with no arrogance or venom, but there are a few instances where he calls a spade a spade. I've pulled a couple of my favorites for this review, but they are intentionally pulled out of context so that I don't spoil parts of the discussion.
"By inventing a distinction between a new covenant member and a believer, Reformed paedobaptists create a category for the sake of their theological position" (90-91).
"It is a major inconsistency in the argument, and it seems that adherents to paedobaptism rely on the argument of continuity only when convenient" (104).
"Reformed paedobaptists have no satisfactory answer to this dilemma" (199).
Did you hear that mic drop? Because you should know it's even spicier in context.
In conclusion, you should read this book. It is an informative and riveting look into the debate concerning infant baptism in the Reformed tradition, and while this book certainly presents a compelling case for "believer's baptism" -- or as Dr. Goeman more aptly names it, "biblical baptism" (202) -- it is also a fantastic entry point to the debate as a whole. You will understand the relevant biblical issues, the relevant arguments and sources, and the frameworks that underlie those arguments.
April 1, 2023
Amongst the various books and opinions on the subject of baptism, Dr. Peter Goeman centers the conversation on Biblical evidence and argumentation. The most refreshing and encouraging aspect of Dr. Goeman's work on Baptism is the centrality of scripture in all of his argumentation. When seeking to support the Credobaptist view, the arguments are primarily rooted in scriptural evidence, and when critiquing and bringing to light the flaws of Paedobaptism, the arguments are primarily rooted in scripture. Throughout the work, Dr. Goeman positions the Biblical evidence and testament of Baptism above tradition and reasoning, which is all too often the arguments used for the Paedobaptist position.
The main arguments presented for Credobaptism in The Baptism Debate are that of the core connection between faith and baptism that Scripture details, and the Biblical evidence for how and why baptism is practiced. Dr. Goeman additionally utilizes the witness of early church fathers, and extra Biblical accounts to support the necessity and truth of Credobaptism, but the core arguments are still rooted in scripture.
The Baptism Debate does an excellent job of academically critiquing the Paedobaptist position, not just from a logical/traditional perspective, but primarily from a Biblical one. Dr. Goeman presents compelling evidence from the clear testimony of scripture against the Reformed Paedobaptist view of the Covenant of Grace, the historic Church in the Old Testament, and the continuity of circumcision through baptism. The Baptism Debate also addresses the issue of household baptisms, critiquing the hermeneutical approach Paedobaptists use to support this position. I greatly appreciated this aspect of the book, as this point seems to be the most popular position and argument for Paedobaptism today. I also greatly appreciated the use of first hand sources arguing for Paedobaptism, such as Ulrich Zwingli, B. B. Warfield, O. Palmer Robertson, Douglas Wilson, and R. C. Sproul.
The Baptism Debate is an excellent critique of the Paedobaptist position using sound Biblical Hermeneutics and exegesis, along with the clear testimony of early church fathers. This book is a must read for any that are curious about infant baptism, or in need of resources addressing the issue.
The main arguments presented for Credobaptism in The Baptism Debate are that of the core connection between faith and baptism that Scripture details, and the Biblical evidence for how and why baptism is practiced. Dr. Goeman additionally utilizes the witness of early church fathers, and extra Biblical accounts to support the necessity and truth of Credobaptism, but the core arguments are still rooted in scripture.
The Baptism Debate does an excellent job of academically critiquing the Paedobaptist position, not just from a logical/traditional perspective, but primarily from a Biblical one. Dr. Goeman presents compelling evidence from the clear testimony of scripture against the Reformed Paedobaptist view of the Covenant of Grace, the historic Church in the Old Testament, and the continuity of circumcision through baptism. The Baptism Debate also addresses the issue of household baptisms, critiquing the hermeneutical approach Paedobaptists use to support this position. I greatly appreciated this aspect of the book, as this point seems to be the most popular position and argument for Paedobaptism today. I also greatly appreciated the use of first hand sources arguing for Paedobaptism, such as Ulrich Zwingli, B. B. Warfield, O. Palmer Robertson, Douglas Wilson, and R. C. Sproul.
The Baptism Debate is an excellent critique of the Paedobaptist position using sound Biblical Hermeneutics and exegesis, along with the clear testimony of early church fathers. This book is a must read for any that are curious about infant baptism, or in need of resources addressing the issue.
April 3, 2023
Anyone who wants to better understand baptism should read this book! It is clear, theologically rich, thorough, and full of Scripture. The book is written in a way so that it will benefit all levels of study, from those who are studying the topic for the first time to theological scholars. After reading this book, you’ll have a firm grasp on what baptism is, why it is important, what the related Bible passages teach, and how Reformed and baptist Christians have such different perspectives that both claim to be based on Scripture.
The book covers a lot of material and impressed me by how it did justice to the big subject, leaving the reader with a good understanding of the Reformed and baptist views on baptism. As a Reformed paedobaptist myself, I can testify that Goeman did a good job of explaining the Reformed understanding of baptism and getting to the heart of the debate which makes this book stand out from the rest.
I highly recommend this book for believers on both sides of the issue (paedobaptists and credobaptists). Goeman clearly spent a lot of time learning about the Reformed perspective on baptism and put effort in really understanding it before writing against it which made his arguments all the more worthwhile reading. I really appreciated how respectful Goeman is towards those he disagrees with, making it clear that his desire is not to “win” but that all would glorify God by coming to believe what Scripture truly teaches.
This book challenged and taught me many valuable things and it’ll continue to make me examine and evaluate what and why I believe what I do. For every believer that wants to follow the example of the noble Bereans and examine the Scriptures to seek truth, read this book because it will help you to do just that!
The book covers a lot of material and impressed me by how it did justice to the big subject, leaving the reader with a good understanding of the Reformed and baptist views on baptism. As a Reformed paedobaptist myself, I can testify that Goeman did a good job of explaining the Reformed understanding of baptism and getting to the heart of the debate which makes this book stand out from the rest.
I highly recommend this book for believers on both sides of the issue (paedobaptists and credobaptists). Goeman clearly spent a lot of time learning about the Reformed perspective on baptism and put effort in really understanding it before writing against it which made his arguments all the more worthwhile reading. I really appreciated how respectful Goeman is towards those he disagrees with, making it clear that his desire is not to “win” but that all would glorify God by coming to believe what Scripture truly teaches.
This book challenged and taught me many valuable things and it’ll continue to make me examine and evaluate what and why I believe what I do. For every believer that wants to follow the example of the noble Bereans and examine the Scriptures to seek truth, read this book because it will help you to do just that!
July 20, 2024
This is a terrific book. Takes the major issues head on - the relationship between faith and baptism, the Covenant of Grace, the relationship between baptism/circumcision, household baptisms, OT/NT continuity and the people of God, and the meaning/significance of baptism.
My own understanding was helped greatly by Goeman's demonstration of the continuity between John's baptism - Jesus' baptism - Apostles' baptism. The chapters on the relationship between faith and baptism, baptism/circumcision, and household baptism were, to me, the most powerful in making the author's case.
I appreciated the historical theology woven throughout, but most powerful and convincing to me was his exegetical work, which I found very persuasive because his methods and conclusions were not only non-technical, they were pretty obvious.
Goeman makes his case compellingly and persuasively, and I'd be curious to know if any Reformed paedobaptists have provided a meaningful response to his argumentation. I've worked through the Reformed paedobaptist position as articulated by R.C. Sproul and Sinclair Ferguson, and as Goeman admits, their system is consistent with itself, but the textual and exegetical issues raised in this book appear to me to render that system very much incompatible with the NT vision baptism.
My own understanding was helped greatly by Goeman's demonstration of the continuity between John's baptism - Jesus' baptism - Apostles' baptism. The chapters on the relationship between faith and baptism, baptism/circumcision, and household baptism were, to me, the most powerful in making the author's case.
I appreciated the historical theology woven throughout, but most powerful and convincing to me was his exegetical work, which I found very persuasive because his methods and conclusions were not only non-technical, they were pretty obvious.
Goeman makes his case compellingly and persuasively, and I'd be curious to know if any Reformed paedobaptists have provided a meaningful response to his argumentation. I've worked through the Reformed paedobaptist position as articulated by R.C. Sproul and Sinclair Ferguson, and as Goeman admits, their system is consistent with itself, but the textual and exegetical issues raised in this book appear to me to render that system very much incompatible with the NT vision baptism.
March 19, 2024
This was a really tough read for me, especially when I was first questioning my credobaptistic beliefs and trying to understand the Reformed position. Unfortunately it doesn't do a good job of accurately representing (much less refuting) the Reformed position. This book actually had the opposite impact on me than what the author wanted; it contributed to me coming to believe in paedobaptism. This was mainly because the book was filled with inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and straw men. But also, he tried to prove dispensationalism in order to defeat infant baptism. I understand that you should start with the root issue (understanding of the covenants), but in doing so he tried to prove too much.
Dr. Goeman was seemingly unable to put his own assumptions of what baptism is aside in order to honestly assess the Reformed view. He kept saying things like "having clearly demonstrated X, the Reformed view is wrong." But he didn't clearly demonstrate anything, he just worked his assumptions into the biblical texts and called it exegesis. It honestly left a bad taste in my mouth for the Master's Seminary if this is what they are calling "scholarship". I cannot recommend this to anyone.
The book should have been subtitled "MISunderstanding and Evaluating Reformed Infant Baptism"
Dr. Goeman was seemingly unable to put his own assumptions of what baptism is aside in order to honestly assess the Reformed view. He kept saying things like "having clearly demonstrated X, the Reformed view is wrong." But he didn't clearly demonstrate anything, he just worked his assumptions into the biblical texts and called it exegesis. It honestly left a bad taste in my mouth for the Master's Seminary if this is what they are calling "scholarship". I cannot recommend this to anyone.
The book should have been subtitled "MISunderstanding and Evaluating Reformed Infant Baptism"
April 4, 2023
One of the best resources on the topic
Systematic, comprehensive, and thoroughly biblical. Peter Goeman tackles the debate between reformed infant baptism and credobaptism humbly yet convincingly. The depth of his research makes this book a must read for serious students of the Word, but his clear style of writing makes this an accessible work for anyone who has an interest in the topic. He deals with primary sources and the best representatives of each camp as he works through the history of the debate from its inception. He doesn’t shy away from dealing with the most difficult questions and presents a strong biblical case for his view.
100% recommended for anyone studying this topic.
Systematic, comprehensive, and thoroughly biblical. Peter Goeman tackles the debate between reformed infant baptism and credobaptism humbly yet convincingly. The depth of his research makes this book a must read for serious students of the Word, but his clear style of writing makes this an accessible work for anyone who has an interest in the topic. He deals with primary sources and the best representatives of each camp as he works through the history of the debate from its inception. He doesn’t shy away from dealing with the most difficult questions and presents a strong biblical case for his view.
100% recommended for anyone studying this topic.
April 1, 2023
Well researched!
I think one of the most compelling arguments for this book, is the quality of the source used when analyzing the covenantal infant baptist position. The sources cited are from the best and brightest throughout history who hold to covenantal paedobaptism. The use of these sources gives a fair and accurate representation of this view which in turn will challenge the reader when assessing if this position is in fact biblical or not.
I would definitely recommend!
I think one of the most compelling arguments for this book, is the quality of the source used when analyzing the covenantal infant baptist position. The sources cited are from the best and brightest throughout history who hold to covenantal paedobaptism. The use of these sources gives a fair and accurate representation of this view which in turn will challenge the reader when assessing if this position is in fact biblical or not.
I would definitely recommend!
December 7, 2023
Best book on baptism
Well researched, thorough, and a full examination of both baptist and reformed infant baptism. It examines all arguments and the Scripture referenced in support.
Well researched, thorough, and a full examination of both baptist and reformed infant baptism. It examines all arguments and the Scripture referenced in support.
December 28, 2023
If you’re looking for a simple but deep understanding of baptism, this is a great read. Dr. Goeman does a great job at making his case against paedobaptism, but he also gives a solid historical understanding of the subject as well.
October 27, 2024
An extended exercise in begging the question.
June 6, 2025
Strong arguments. I’m not prepared to respond quite yet.
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