Baptism: Its Purpose, Practise and Power

by Michael Green

";Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."; Through the examination of biblical evidence and teaching, Michael Green provides a bold, clear explanation of the different approaches of as an infant, as a believer and by the Holy Spirit. Common ground between the churches is emphasized, along with the insistence that baptism is no substitute for personal, saving faith in Christ. Even so, the author’s conviction of the validity and benefits of infant baptism, in appropriate circumstances, is presented with thoughtfulness and energy. This popular account will help many to a deeper understanding of the real significance of baptism.

Genres: Christian, Theology

120 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

Edward Michael Bankes Green, known as Michael Green, was a British theologian, Anglican priest, Christian apologist and author of more than fifty Christian books. He served as the Canon Missioner of Holy Trinity Church in Raleigh, North Carolina through 2007.

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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Sean Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

With brevity, but still maintaining clarity, Green sets out what baptism is, what it means, what it isn’t and what it doesn’t mean. He also lays out clearly what he believes on infant baptism and why.

I found this books a helpful read that was easy to engage with. Would recommend

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise treatment of baptism from an Anglican perspective. After offering a biblical summary of the meaning of baptism, the author makes a compelling case for infant baptism. While I remain baptistic in my theology (I hold to believer's baptism by immersion as the clearest, most biblical expression of obedience to this command, and therefore am not a paedobaptist), I have to admit I've changed my view over the years as to the legitimacy of affirming one's baptism - whether received as an infant or young child. That is, I believe there is only one baptism (as the scripture teaches) and if properly administered (in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), then one need not (should not?) be "re-baptized" later in life (so I am not anabaptist either, for that infant baptism was, in fact, a real baptism). But don't tell my fellow Baptists about this as it probably seems like fence-sitting, given the brevity of my explanation as to what I believe and practice. ;)

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, Michael Green is one of my new favourite authors. His writing is excellent and he deals with the subject thoroughly.

Regardless of your stance on who should be baptised, the first five chapters are worth a read as a reminder of the importance of baptism to the believer. Green writes beautifully not only of its symbol of the gospel, but also as an instrument of grace & justification.

Though his arguments in the latter half of the book come up short when disputing baptist objections to baptising the children of believers, Green's reminder to strive for unity as we celebrate one baptism is welcome at a time of such division in church history.

[Jon Beadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good in parts.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good argument for infant baptism.

[Philip Zoutendam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful little book that presents a balanced, traditional (i.e. catholic/mainline) understanding of baptism. Insists on baptism as a necessary and singular rite of initiation into the church, whether it occurs in infancy, youth, or adulthood. Relies on metaphors such as "cashing a check" or "possessing an inheritance" to explain the need for personal will and faith to embrace God's grace in order for salvation to be fully realized (thus explaining as well why some of the baptized don't really behave like Christians).

Green, though an Anglican, clearly has Evangelical sympathies--which makes sense given his position at St. Aldate's, Oxford's famous evangelical CofE parish--which means that sometimes he seems to dilute Anglican sacramental theology. (Indeed, I can hardly remember him using the word sacrament in this book.) Additionally, he sometimes dances around some of the hardest questions, answering them only indirectly or belatedly. Still, a recommended book for anyone interested in a digestible overview of traditional teaching.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read on the subject of Baptism. It sets forth the arguments for Infant Baptism in clear terms and sets them in their Biblical context.

The book would be useful beyond the Anglican background from which it is written. The final chapter dealing with the question of charismatic gifts will limit its use in cessationist circles.

I would be happy to give this book to anyone thinking about baptism as I think it sets out the case for infant baptism in a way that gives the Biblical evidence for and answers the objections against.

A book that would be a profitable read for a theological book club read.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theologically, I don't agree with all the points raised by Michael Green. We have different views on children baptism, rebaptism, or his understanding of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Traditional Anglican) However, I have really enjoyed the effort of studying in depth the subject of baptismal in the Bible, as well as it's different meaning in todays churches. It's always nice to read Michael Green. He challenges me on thinking on my beliefs.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this has many sound arguments that I (and other readers) could benefit from, I think the author's highly sacremental view of baptism is self-contradictory with other things he says. I disagree with how efficacious the baptism is, but that would make sense considering the author is an Anglican and I am not.

[Bob Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to sit with someone like Michael Green to talk about any theological topics, by the way he writes, you know he is a very careful thinker and great listener who doesn't seek to dismiss any theological views that doesn't belong to his camp, for this reason, whatever he suggests automatically has a lot credibility for me.

[R S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and simple book on the significance of Baptism in the Anglican communion.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good theological and pastoral look at Baptism. Green draws together three strands from the Christian tradition on Baptism: The Catholic strand which sees Baptism as a seal of salvation, the protestant strand, which emphasizes human response, and the Pentacostal strand which emphasizes the life of the Spirit. This gives Green a full bodied look at the Sacrament.

He reviews the Biblical material on Baptism, and deals with practical questions about differing views (Green as an Anglican is a proponent of Infant Baptism). His style is irenic and generous. This is a good resource to have on your shelf.

[Dawson Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a great resource on a theology of baptism. This work was recommended to me as a primer on the Anglican perspective on Baptism. While this book is explicit in its view of covenantal baptism, there are a lot of great things low church credobaptists can glean from.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Awful.

[Mike Print · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, well worthwhile reading if you if you are interested in theology. A good, biblical arguement in favour of infant baptism.

[C.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good little primer.