40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord's Supper

40 Questions

by John S. Hammett, Benjamin L. Merkle (Editor)

Answers to 40 of the most common and difficult questions about baptism and communion
Appropriate for the student and thoughtful layperson, 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord's Supper answers forty of the most common and most difficult questions about the two Protestant ordinances. There is significant diversity of views on these subjects and the skilled, evenhanded biblical analysis sheds lights on the many theological and pastoral considerations regarding baptism and communion.
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are practiced by almost all Christian churches, but they disagree on the meaning, proper participants, even the proper names for these observances. This book includes the major theological issues (such as infant baptism, open and closed communion, and the nature of God's activity in these celebrations), the views held by different denominations (from Roman Catholic to Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, and others), and a number of practical issues (such as the proper age at which to baptize a child, the frequency with which the Lord's Supper should be observed, and whether these two practices should be observed only in churches).
This volume will be helpful to pastors, worship leaders, college and seminary students, and of interest to all Christians who want to grow in their understanding of these two basic Christian acts of worship. Each chapter is succinct and readable, with footnotes indicating additional sources for those who wish to go further.

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2015

Reviews

[Craig Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the vast differences in church practices that exist among Protestants (even Protestant vs. Catholic and Greek Orthodox), the practice of baptism and the Lord’s supper are universal among them. Reformed, Baptist, Anglican, and Pentecostal alike. But while the practices themselves are universal, their meaning and participants vary. While there is some unity in these things, there is greater disunity. When we begin to press on questions like “How is Christ present in communion?”, “Who can participate in communion?”, “Who do we baptize?”, and “What does baptism signify?”, we begin to see the differences emerge.

Examining these questions and more, John S. Hammet has written 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Kregel, 2015). This is the most recent installment of the Kregel 40 Questions series which provides a unique look at and overview of various theological issues through 40 questions and answers. Hammet’s book is different from most books on baptism and the Lord’s supper in that he treads both in the same book, discusses both theological and practical considerations, discusses the theology and practice of various denominations, and has follow up questions at the end of each chapter to aid the reader in understanding the material better.

Hammet himself is a Baptist. He makes this clear throughout and it can be seen in his evaluation of various viewpoints presented. However, this is not a defense for a Baptistic understanding of baptism and the Lord’s supper. Keeping in line with the nature of the series, Hammet is more concerned with presenting the various theological and practical views of each tradition regarding these practices. His actual critique of various positions is a very minor aspect of the book.

The books is divided into three basic categories. The first questions answered deal with issues which apply to both practices: are they called ordinances or sacraments?, who can administer them?, and how many sacraments/ordinances are there? It is generally agree that they are called ordinances, only pastors can administer them, there are only two ordinances, and they are to be done under the authority of and in conjunction with a local church. On the issue of who is allowed administer the ordinances, it is generally agreed that the pastors/elders of the church are to administer them but, Hammet argues, though tradition might demand “this would not be theologically necessary.” (37)

In the second and third sections Hammet discuses questions surrounding baptism and the Lord’s supper. After addressing several introductory issues for both he moves into presenting the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist views separately and then the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Methodist views together. In order to fairly present each view Hammet draws on the “authoritative denominational documents” of each tradition. (79) After presenting and evaluating each traditions view of the ordinances Hammet moves onto other theological and practical questions and looks at them from the perspective of each tradition.

What is interesting to see is the almost polarized views between Roman Catholics and Baptist’s in regards to both ordinances. Additionally, most denominations have a well established and broadly agreed upon theological/biblical understanding of the ordinances (with some exceptions for the Reformed) but Baptist’s have most diversity of them all. Further, most denominations baptize infants and allow them to participate in communion while Baptists (almost solely) do not. In evaluating the covenantal case for infant baptism Hammet believes “by far the most central critique of the covenantal case is that it greatly overstates the continuity in Scripture to the almost complete exclusion of discontinuity.” (141) Theologically astute readers will hear the standard argument of Baptist’s (read Dispensationalist’s) against covenant theology ringing through that statement (though Hammet does not identify as a Dispensationalist in the book).

It is also interesting to note than in the discussion of each traditions view of baptism, Hammet only references Scriptural support for the Baptist position (minor exception for the Lutheran position). Whether this is a tacit indication that he feels there is no possible biblical basis for their views I am not sure. In discussing the Baptist view he cites several verses. It is possible that Hammet does this because he sees their views relying more heavily on tradition rather than Scripture. This is not the case when the various traditions views are discussed on the Lord’s supper.

40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper is a great introduction to the various theological and practical positions on these twin practices of the Christian church. This would serve as a great guide for a Bible study, Sunday school class, or personal study. Hammet introduces the reader to the major issues at hand and provides you with a good base from which to do further study.

See more books in the Kregel 40 Questions series:

40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law by Thomas Schreiner

40 Questions About Creation and Evolution by Kenneth Keathley & Mark Rooker

40 Questions About Elders and Deacons by Benjamin Merkle

40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer

40 Questions About the End Times by Eckhard Schnabel

40 Questions About the Historical Jesus by C. Marvin Pate

I received this book for free from Kregel for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Drake Hyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper is the seventh entry in Kregel Academic’s 40 Questions Series edited by Benjamin L. Merkle. Its author, Dr. John S. Hammett, holds a M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity school, a Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a D. Min. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 1996 and now serves as the John L. Dagg Chair and Senior Professor of Systematic Theology. Prior to writing this volume, Hammett has contributed to numerous articles and books on the topics of the nature of the church and church membership, including a shared project in 2012 with Merkle entitled Those Who Must Give Account. In 2005 he authored his first book, Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology, in which he addresses at length various issues concerning the nature and activity of the church, including one 46-page chapter dealing explicitly with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. This present work is in many ways a deeper dive into the subject matter of that chapter.

According to Merkle, the purpose of the 40 Questions series is “to look at controversial issues and answer the questions that people are asking…[and] to compile those questions in a user-friendly format…written by top scholars… in a way that is accessible to the average reader.” Hammett also says that this particular book in the series is unique in three ways. First, he aims to consider these two sacraments together rather than separately as most others have before. Second, he aims to discuss the various theological issues and denominational differences within the faith on both these topics. The book is in large part organized to present these various perspectives and then to consider the theological and practical implications. Third, he takes a practical approach in attempting to make the issues relevant to Christian life. He has in mind pastors and worship leaders considering how to lead their congregations, as well as parents considering questions such as whether and when their children should be baptized. In so doing, he aims to make this book a helpful tool not just to church leaders and seminarians of a singular denominational tradition, but to Christians of all backgrounds.

The book is divided into four parts. The first (chapters 1-4) deals with general questions such as nomenclature and definition of the sacraments (or “ordinances”, depending upon preference and tradition) as well as their limits within the church. Parts two (chapters 5-21) and three (chapters 22-38) deal with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper respectively and are divided into four subsections dealing with introductory questions, denominational views, theological issues and practical aspects regarding each sacrament. He concludes (chapters 39-40) with a brief discussion of the importance of these sacraments as it relates to theology and Christian life. It is not required to be read from start to finish but may rather be referred to by section (i.e. if one were to be interested solely in the denominational differences on each sacrament) or by individual chapter if one is seeking to have a particular question answered (e.g. what Lutherans believe about Baptism). Overall, the book feels organized and accessible, broad in content yet narrow in focus, and is therefore a success structurally.

From the outset Hammett seeks to educate rather than assume prior knowledge. His introduction deals with the historical development of the terms sacrament and ordinance as well as their enumeration during the Middle Ages. He deals with the translation issues from Greek to Latin which resulted in musterion (secret, mystery) being rendered sacramentum and its consequent meaning according to Catholic tradition. He also outlines here the key distinction between Catholicism/Orthodoxy and Protestantism in the sacraments, namely their number, nature and proper administration. Throughout sections two and three he delineates between these positions more fully after dealing with some important questions on the origin of the sacraments in the Bible.

One issue he deals with adequately in part 2 is that of infant baptism, or paedobaptism, found in chapters 16 and 17. Having already presented the denominational views on Baptism, Hammett then presents historical and scriptural arguments made by those in support of it. He is faithful here to cite paedobaptists from various traditions—Lutheran, Reformed and Catholic—and to show even the diversity of views on these arguments amongst those who support it. For example, he notes that some contemporary paedobaptists have shifted away from seeing the synoptic texts in which Jesus invites little children to come to him as in support of infant baptism, though historically these texts (Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) were used in support of it (134-135). After presenting these and other arguments, such as the covenantal case made by Reformed theologians, he ends the discussion with an evaluation in which he offers four criticisms of the arguments for infant baptism from a Baptist perspective. He notes that his position is the minority one, however, and with humility leaves his audience to decide on the issue for themselves. In this way, his discussion of the matter is helpful at introducing readers to the complexity of the issue without forcibly persuading them to adopt a certain position.

Indeed, the tone of the book is very ecumenical in nature. Though Hammett does reveal his Baptistic presuppositions clearly and unabashedly throughout, he presents the positions of others with charity and clarity. He cites the Catechism of the Catholic Church directly as well as Catholic theologians like Richard McBrien whenever referring to their beliefs. Likewise, with Lutherans he cites Luther himself and other modern contemporaries like Robert Kolb, and with Reformed believers he frequently cites Calvin and contemporaries such as Michael Horton. Though they don’t receive their own individual chapters, he does include Anglicans, Methodists and Eastern Orthodox in the discussion and describes how they are largely similar to the other traditions he has dealt with more extensively, albeit with a few key differences (e.g. how Orthodox require a triple baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The book is incredibly well-cited with primary sources speaking often for each tradition. The immediate result of this before moving into the theological issues section is that one is left with a charitable impression of each denomination’s view on the sacraments and their reasons for holding them. This is a good attitude to have when approaching denominational differences since views seldom arise without careful reflection over an extended period of time.

To more closely analyze how Hammett deals with denominational differences, consider how he presents the concept of presence in the Lord’s Supper. Presence refers to the various views taken on whether (and how) Christ is physically present, spiritually present or present at all in the Lord’s Supper. One familiar with Catholic and Lutheran tradition may recall their belief in a real physical presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and that the act itself is essentially a re-sacrifice of Christ’s real body. One may be unaware, however, that Catholics tie this sacrifice to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross through a complex view that involves God’s atemporality. The Lutheran responses, says Hammett, takes issue with this idea of sacrifice while still holding that “in the unity of His person, Christ’s human nature shared in the properties of his divine nature (such as omnipresence), and thus his body and blood could be present as and where he wills” (222). Later in the chapter on the theological importance of the Eucharist, Hammett mentions the debate that formed in the Reformation between Luther and Zwingli on this issue, one which “in some ways [was] replaying some of the Christological debates from the patristic period” (314). He also presents the Reformed view of Calvin as one which found a solution to the issue of presence through the Holy Spirit, by whose power Christ’s bodily presence is made spiritually real. In reaction to these views, Baptists have moved towards a view of commemoration, asserting that Christ is not bodily present in the elements but rather that the event is one of remembrance and celebration. With all these traditions, it is helpful to consider their development in light of their historical context, which is precisely what Hammett does.

Another strength of this book is the way each section, chapter and division flow into the next. In the conclusion to nearly every chapter, Hammett sets up his audience for the content of the next and how it will address some unanswered questions of the present topic. This has the effect of tying each chapter together into the cohesive structure of the whole book and solidifies its linear readability rather than rendering it a purely reference tool. Indeed, within the very chapters themselves, sections are set up to logically follow one after another. One clear example is in chapter 29 where Hammett discusses his own denomination’s view of Christ’s presence in the Lord’s Supper. After presenting several views of Baptist scholars on the nature of the presence, he then naturally transitions to discussing its effects as a means of grace. Hammett is faithful in presenting even the differences among his fellow Baptists on debated issues like this. He includes those like Russell Moore who think the major question is not “whether the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, but how it functions as a means of grace” (240). Hammett sees in the Lord’s Supper some degree of spiritual nourishment in addition to gospel proclamation and remembrance of Christ’s death, though he notes some skeptics within the tradition such as Thomas White, who believe Scripture presents it as a purely symbolic rite (241). Hammett’s evenhanded presentation of interdenominational diversity is true not just for his own tradition, but of all those he discusses in this book.

Another great strength of the book lies in its practicality for church leaders and members alike. One key example is chapter 38 which deals with the question of how one might improve his or her worship through the Lord’s Supper. Hammett suggests that the Lord’s Supper is primarily about worshipping God, and yet it contains important relational and personal aspects that he deems beneficial when conducted rightly. He advises worshippers to engage in the Five Looks”, namely within (for self-examination and repentance), around (seeking restoration of relationships within the body), back (in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice), ahead (in anticipation of Christ’s return) and up (in thanksgiving and in expectation of spiritual nourishment). With these five looks in mind, a worshipper is more likely to approach the Lord’s Supper in a deeply reflective and responsive posture than one who considers it as simply a memorial. Church leaders who model these five looks to their body and allow time in their services for each of these to occur are bringing a fuller picture of the Gospel for their church members as that which relates to all areas of life. Hammett believes “our worship will be more pleasing to the Lord when we are open, humbly expectant, and fully receptive to all he desires to give us through the Lord’s Supper,” and that we should therefore adopt such an approach (307).

One potential weakness of the book is that it does at time repeat itself. Across chapters 25 through 30 in particular, a good bit of content seems to be copied and then re-used in chapter 31. Some citations are reused as well, such as the aforementioned quote by Russell Moore, which can be found both in chapters 29 (240) and 35 (283). This may not necessarily be a weakness if one considers the book in part as a reference to be referred to for its individual chapters; rather, it may simply be an unavoidable consequence of the 40 Questions format.
One other potential weakness not of this book but of the 40 Questions series is that seemingly most, if not all, of the entries are written by Baptists. John R. Gilhooly (40 Questions About Angels, Demons and Spiritual Warfare), Jeremy M. Kimble (40 Questions About Church Membership and Discipline) along with Shawn D. Wright, Matthew Barrett, Daniel L. Akin, Thomas R. Schreiner, Kenneth Keathley, Robert L. Plummer and Benjamin L. Merkle are all professors hailing from Southern Baptist seminaries and its affiliated universities. This is only a weakness considering that the series does not explicitly market itself to those within the Baptist tradition but instead seems to aim towards a broader intradenominational audience. One is left to wonder if it would not have been more beneficial to include other voices (at the very least other evangelicals from different denominations) as primary authors rather than referenced contributors to the series. In the end, however, if this book is at all reflective of the other entries in the series, one can be confident that the authors have done their best to present different voices and variegated research with as minimal biases possible.

Hammett’s 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper is a must-own for three reasons. First, it accomplishes its purposes of being a unique, singular resource that deals broadly, charitably and extensively with what are arguably the two most important Christian rituals. Second, it is formatted in such a way as to be easily accessible for readers of different backgrounds and educational levels and also exceptionally useful as a reference tool for those seeking to have specific questions answered. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it is highly practical in its approach. The very nature of the series’ format is practical in nature, turning questions that are usually lengthy scholarly essays (or entire books) into short chapters that provide helpful answers from history and scripture as well as thoughtful interaction with varying traditions. Furthermore, this practical approach has in mind as its audience the bride of Christ: The Church. Scholars, pastors and laypeople alike will benefit from this resource and learn much about how to grow in knowledge of Scripture, appreciation of tradition and worship of God.

[Nathan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first of the 40 Questions format and I really enjoyed it. The format is unique in that it allows for a broad and detailed look at all relevant questions (40, to be exact) but doesn’t spend too long on any one question. It helps that John Hammett is one of my favorite theologians for his humility and clarity. This book is written by a Baptist but examines the Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, and Baptist perspectives of each major question. Some may find their position only summarized, but I think this is due To format restrictions and will find the footnotes very helpful.

This book greatly clarified my position on a few questions I hadn’t thought to clearly about and changed my position on closed/open baptism.

Highly recommended, especially for those who plan worship services.

[Bob Hayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are there so many different Christian denominations? Why are their Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and other types of Churches? Why are their dozens and dozens of other denominations as well?

Many a Christian wonders about this at some point. The split between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Churches is explained by the Reformation. But the differences between Protestants largely boil down to how we are to understand the two most important “rites” that the New Testament expects of the Church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Now if you want to explore the debates surrounding Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, look no further than "40 Questions about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper" by John S. Hammett. I have reviewed other “40 Questions” books from Kregel, and have been consistently impressed by both their depth and clarity. The authors present the different arguments dispassionately and carefully, always asking the right questions; yet they don’t shy away from offering their own answers, which at times are appropriately tentative depending on the question.

In "40 Questions about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper," even the most theologically aware reader will stumble across questions or points they haven’t before considered. The 40 questions format, however, prevents the book from becoming an inaccessible tome since both Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have to be covered from all angles within about 300 pages. Practical questions and pastoral concerns also are given full treatment, making the book more valuable. It is not just informative but helpful.

Some of my personal quibbles about Communion are explored as well! I’ve long thought that the small size of the elements often used today (mini-cracker and thimble sized cup of juice anyone?) may not be the best way to share in the Lord’s Supper. And I’ve wondered if the Lord’s Supper shouldn’t be observed in the context of a church-wide meal (as was done in the early church). Hammett addresses both of these concerns in passing (respectively pp. 208-209, pp. 186-187). Hammett also has an entire question devoted to when children (as opposed to infants) should be baptized (see chapter 20).

Hammett concludes with a Baptist view of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, but stresses a spiritual presence of Christ in Communion. He also explores to what degree our view of these Church ordinances should impact our unity with fellow believers.

This book will be most helpful for pastors and Bible teachers, but can be read with benefit by lay Christians, students and others. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

[Joshua Stormont · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource to have in understanding the ordinances of baptism and communion. The author does a nice job of providing practical and important questions and answers about baptism and communion. Not a lengthy piece that gives more detail than necessary to answer the question in each chapter. Worth reading.

[Kevin Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our church's elder council used this book, among others, to review our practices regarding the Lord's Supper. I appreciated the format of using questions because it forces all who use this book to think for themselves regarding local church practices.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Sacramentology. Particularly usefull to learn and compare the different views on the Lord's Supper and Baptism.

[Michael Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most who profess the name of Christ, whether they be Catholic, Protestant and all the variations that exist under both umbrellas, participate and practice at least some version of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. With that said, there are a variety of competing beliefs and methodologies for both sacraments with a long history of denominational and church teaching to support those systems. Which approach is correct and what does the Bible have to say about baptism and the Lord’s Supper as after all, over and above any church tradition stands the foundation of Scripture. John Hammett, in his helpful book 40 Questions about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper attempts to tackle some of the major talking points and perspectives about both of these issues.

The book is divided into four sections with the first outlining some of the more general questions about baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The second part digs deep into baptism, the third part engages the Lord’s Supper, and the final part of the book tackles two concluding questions about the overall importance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

As Hammett notes in the introduction, “No practices are more characteristic of Christianity than baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” Regardless of the specific method by which a certain church does either activity, most when questioned would likely associate baptism and the Lord’s Supper as important practices, even though many might not fully grasp the biblical why and how of either.

Since both are noted as things which the body of Christ are commanded to be about doing, it is thus important to properly understand the why and furthermore the how. Hammett rightly notes that Jesus commanded us to go forth and preach the gospel, baptizing those who come to faith in Christ. Jesus also noted that the partaking of the bread and juice was to be done in remembrance of him thus implying that the Lord’s Supper as it has become to be known was to be a continued practice after his death, burial, and resurrection.

There are a number of highlights in this book that are worthy of note, but I will focus on just a couple of questions answered by Hammett that I feel are of special interest. The first sub-section if you will that is important to read in this book is Hammett’s discussion of the various denominational stances on baptism and the Lord’s Supper respectively. He does a good job of outlining the Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, and any other viewpoints of note. This was most interesting reading as Hammett engages how each tradition developed their doctrine, any historical changes of note, and how these traditions practice baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Since Hammett is a Baptist, it is no surprise that he leans quite heavily towards the Baptist methodology and for that matter, when it comes to both of these subjects, I too connect somewhere in between the Reformed and Baptist traditions or a combination of the two. With that said, this was valuable reading and valuable information.

Another interesting topic of discussion was the issue of infant baptism, sometimes known as paedobaptism. Some of the Presbyterian persuasion have written of late on the viability of this practice, associating it with matters of covenant and the notation in the New Testament, at least in their perspective, of the baptism of households including the practice of also baptizing infants. Hammett covers that particular system while also noting some criticisms of such a practice by engaging the relevant scriptural passages used both in support and opposition to the practice of paedobaptism. I found the discussion to be honest and the criticisms while forthright were irenic in tone.

Also of value are the reflection questions provided at the conclusion of each chapter. Each of the questions are engaging and will greatly assist the reader in digging even deeper into the subject matter.

Over all I found this to be a very insightful book and I recommend it. As noted earlier, Hammett definitely approaches the subject matter from his Baptist background; however, it by no means interferes with or negates the information provided or the overall thrust and intent of the book as a whole. It is a resource I am sure many will find useful as they study the important subjects of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

I received this book for free from Kregel Academic for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : ���Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is from: 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord's Supper (40 Questions & Answers Series) (Paperback)
This is a great time for such an important topic to be raised. The subject of the Sacraments/Ordinances have taken a back seat in recent times to more “relevant” topics in contemporary evangelicalism and thus has been relegated-albeit unintionally- to seconary status. Ironically, I am of the belief that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are among the most relevant topics we can discuss. Therefore, I was very pleased to see 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper by John S. Hammett as part of the 40 Questions Series.

Timothy George described this book as “a good resource for all Christians.” This is a great point to make. The format is catechetical or question and answer. Many of these questions are the same questions that we all have but rarely think to ask: “Why was Jesus Baptized?” “How often should the Lord’s Supper be observed?” “What is the Roman Catholic view of Baptism?” “Why do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper?”. The treatment of these questions are thorough without being bogged down with minor technicalities making this work readable for layity yet still important for the pastorate.

What I found personally useful was the books organization. It’s broken up into four parts: 1. General Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, 2. Questions About Baptism, 3. Questions About the Lord’s Supper, and 4. Concluding Questions. Under parts 2 and 3 there are sub-headings or sections that deal with Introductory Questions, Denominational Views, Theological Issues, and Practical Aspects. This makes questions more accessable for the reader who is interested in having quick access to particular questions. This format is a very useful way to study not only Baptims and Lord’s Supper but any doctrinal question.

My personal thoughts on the book are very favorable and I would highly recomend it especially for those not in the ministry with a desire to understand the Bible’s teaching. In this book, Hammett not only does an outstanding job at exploring the teachings of Baptistm and the Lord’s Supper, but he does it in such a way as to be respectful to opposing view points attempting to be as objective on the issues as possible. Some readers who have the “just tell me what to believe” approach to study might get frustrated over this book. Hammett isn’t trying to do that here. However, for the reader who is able to look at the answers presented and make the appropriate logical connections you will come away with a significant sacramentology.

Excelent read, five stars.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two of the most “divisive” things within the christian church is that of the understanding of the Lord Supper and baptism. This has been an issue of contention since the reformation and has never been truly resolve ever since then. So what makes this book different from others on it?

This is part of the 40 questions series, taking 40 questions to uncover a specific topic in the christian faith. Essentially they are similar to books that gives a basic introduction to the various topics but discusses about them slightly more in-depth.

What this book does is it gives you a picture of what the major denominations, including the catholics believe about this 2 sacraments. The authors interact with both scripture and the theological understanding of each of the denominations giving their comments and opinion on what they believe. Essentially they present their understanding of both sacraments based on their understanding of scripture and of their traditions.

What I found especially helpfully is how this book helps pastors think about the practical aspect in these 2 sacraments. For example, the authors discuss about when a child should be baptised (albeit the authors does not hold on to pedobaptism). An immensely practical question for pastors to consider who have very young children who wishes to baptism. Similarly, for the Lord Supper, the authors discuss about questions like how often the Lord Supper should be observed, should unleavened bread be use, is it fine for leaven bread to be use? What about the wine? Is grape juice a suitable substitute? I found these discussion very stimulating in thinking through these issues and am grateful that the authors decided to add these in.

If you want a substantial introduction to these two issue, this is a book to go to, especially if you are interested in dealing with the theological issues in this two topics. This is also a book suitable for the layman since the authors seek to explain the terms as they talk about the issue. For those who wants a baptist view and evaluation of the Lord Supper and Baptism, this would be a good book to explore.

Rating: 4 / 5

Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Doug Hibbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have questions about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Want to see the viewpoints of various Protestant groups on these two ordinances? And yes, whether or not you call them sacraments or ordinances is one of the 40 questions.

40 Questions About Baptism and The Lord’s Supper is the latest entry in Kregel’s 40 Questions series. I’ve read the entries on Creation and the Law, which were both excellent. John S. Hammett authors this volume, and it’s worth noting at the outset he approaches these questions from a Baptist viewpoint.

And it’s also worth noting that I approach these from a Baptist viewpoint. It is possible, then, that I will misconstrue bias as good ideas. Or that I will assume that Hammett has well-represented other views which I don’t understand.

That caveat being offered, I enjoyed 40QABLS a great deal. I serve as the pastor of a Baptist church, and we observe these two ordinances, but I find that we often don’t fully understand them. First, we don’t understand our own view. Second, we don’t see the differences in ordinances as our main distinction from other denominations. Yet this is the practical place where those distinctions show up most clearly!

The book is broken down into four parts, with differing number of questions in each part. The parts are introductory matters, questions on Baptism, questions on the Lord’s Supper, and concluding questions.

Hammett approaches the ordinances plainly, looking at the historical development of theology about each one. He also attempts to present a balanced answer to the questions, noting the various denominational views in Christianity. His conclusions fall in general line with my own, but it remains enlightening to see the answers placed in one location rather than hunting them out of a theology textbook.

In all, I would highly recommend this as a resource on the shelf of a pastor. There are clearly worded answers here and helpful guides to understanding the why behind the how of the ordinances of the church.

Yes, free book in exchange for the review.