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Christian Essentials Series
Baptism: A Guide to Life from Death
You've been baptized. But do you understand what it means?
Baptism is the doorway into membership in the church. It's a public declaration of the washing away of our sin and the beginning of our new life in Christ. But the sacrament that is meant to unite us is often a spring of division instead.
All Christians use water to baptize. All invoke the triune name. Beyond that, there's little consensus. Talk about baptism and you're immediately plunged into arguments. Whom should we baptize? What does baptism do? Why even do it at all?
Peter Leithart reunifies a church divided by baptism. He recovers the baptismal imagination of the Bible, explaining how baptism works according to Scripture. Then, in conversation with Christian tradition, he shows why baptism is something worth recovering and worth agreeing on.
Baptism is the doorway into membership in the church. It's a public declaration of the washing away of our sin and the beginning of our new life in Christ. But the sacrament that is meant to unite us is often a spring of division instead.
All Christians use water to baptize. All invoke the triune name. Beyond that, there's little consensus. Talk about baptism and you're immediately plunged into arguments. Whom should we baptize? What does baptism do? Why even do it at all?
Peter Leithart reunifies a church divided by baptism. He recovers the baptismal imagination of the Bible, explaining how baptism works according to Scripture. Then, in conversation with Christian tradition, he shows why baptism is something worth recovering and worth agreeing on.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2021
28 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Leithart
130 books365 followersPeter Leithart received an A.B. in English and History from Hillsdale College in 1981, and a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1986 and 1987. In 1998 he received his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge in England. He has served in two pastorates: He was pastor of Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (now Trinity Presbyterian Church), Birmingham, Alabama from 1989 to 1995, and was founding pastor of Trinity Reformed Church, Moscow, Idaho, and served on the pastoral staff at Trinity from 2003-2013. From 1998 to 2013 he taught theology and literature at New St. Andrews College, Moscow, Idaho, where he continues to teach as an adjunct Senior Fellow. He now serves as President of Trinity House in Alabama, where is also resident Church Teacher at the local CREC church. He and his wife, Noel, have ten children and five grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 2, 2021
If Peter J. Leithart writes something, I want to read it. He is one of my favorite living theological writers, not because I agree with him about everything—I often don’t agree with him, or don’t know if I agree with him because I don’t know what exactly he’s saying—but because he is endlessly interesting. Leithart has written a very on-brand little book on baptism. But do not let the size or description of the series to which it belongs fool you, it is rich and dense. In fact, if I were to issue any criticism at all, it would be that I’m not really sure who this book is for. For new believers who haven’t settled their theological convictions about baptism, this book isn’t concrete enough to be very useful or informative for them; for those who are more mature and looking to go drastically deeper, this book likely won’t get noticed on account of its brevity and apparent basic purpose. This may be because of how ecumenical Leithart is trying to be—attempting to unite believers around the sacrament that typically divides. This is not an easy feat, and I can’t say I blame him for his approach. In any case, for those of us who are settled on the basics of baptism who need a fresh breath of Spiritual contemplation on this sacrament, "Baptism: A Guide to Life from Death" hits the spot.
Leithart is one of the best biblical interpreters when it comes to intertextual connections and thematic development. He peels back the layers of spiritual senses in a way that is reminiscent of the patristics, both in hermeneutical method and doxological tone. He brings all of those skills to bear on this little novel on baptism.
I also really enjoyed the way this book was laid out. Leithart uses Martin Luther’s “Great Flood baptismal prayer” as an outline—which is fitting, because here, more than perhaps anywhere else I’ve seen, Leithart leans into his Lutheran-like love of paradox—but this outline provides more of a station for a train of thought than as a scaffolding for a carefully constructed building. Leithart meanders in every chapter, each of which is divided up into a handful of meditational vignettes on baptism. They are all beautifully written and deeply edifying.
Lastly, as a Baptist, I found myself appreciating this book far more than I thought I would. I found myself saying, “Amen” quite often, albeit in an exasperated tone, wondering why on earth Leithart isn’t a credo Baptist. After reading the book, I read Michael Haykin’s endorsement, which encapsulates these sentiments of mine so well: “Given my proclivities for Particular Baptist baptismal thought of the long eighteenth century, there is much here with which I agree, though I am forced to exclaim at times in reading his passionate prose: if this be true, the circle of baptism must be drawn at believers!”
**I received a copy of this book from Lexham Press but was not expected to leave a positive review.
Leithart is one of the best biblical interpreters when it comes to intertextual connections and thematic development. He peels back the layers of spiritual senses in a way that is reminiscent of the patristics, both in hermeneutical method and doxological tone. He brings all of those skills to bear on this little novel on baptism.
I also really enjoyed the way this book was laid out. Leithart uses Martin Luther’s “Great Flood baptismal prayer” as an outline—which is fitting, because here, more than perhaps anywhere else I’ve seen, Leithart leans into his Lutheran-like love of paradox—but this outline provides more of a station for a train of thought than as a scaffolding for a carefully constructed building. Leithart meanders in every chapter, each of which is divided up into a handful of meditational vignettes on baptism. They are all beautifully written and deeply edifying.
Lastly, as a Baptist, I found myself appreciating this book far more than I thought I would. I found myself saying, “Amen” quite often, albeit in an exasperated tone, wondering why on earth Leithart isn’t a credo Baptist. After reading the book, I read Michael Haykin’s endorsement, which encapsulates these sentiments of mine so well: “Given my proclivities for Particular Baptist baptismal thought of the long eighteenth century, there is much here with which I agree, though I am forced to exclaim at times in reading his passionate prose: if this be true, the circle of baptism must be drawn at believers!”
**I received a copy of this book from Lexham Press but was not expected to leave a positive review.
September 26, 2022
Why would a credobaptist read a book on baptism by a paedobaptist? Asking the question reveals not only the deep and persistent divide over baptism but also the need for such a book as this. Leithart does not write here to advocate for infant baptism, but to advocate for baptism itself. With so much emphasis on where we differ on baptism, much that we hold in common regarding baptism has been overlooked, perhaps even lost.
But in this work (which is part of the Christian Essentials series focused on those doctrines and subjects that are foundational to Christian faith and life) Leithart reveals just how essential baptism is as he guides us through countless passages connected to baptism. He sees baptism not just in the typical texts (Jesus’ baptism, the Great Commission, Acts, Romans 6, 1 Peter 3, etc.) but in places we have likely overlooked (for example: creation, Eden, and Moses). I doubt you have ever seen as much water in the Bible as Leithart will show you – and yet no doubt without exhausting the Scriptures or the reader.
Perhaps you are familiar with the three offices of Christ, but have you ever connected them to baptism? Leithart does. How do the offices of prophet, priest, and king relate to baptism? Leithart devotes a chapter to each to help us see. What about connecting baptism to Joshua? I hadn’t even thought to ask, but Leithart devotes a whole chapter to the answer.
Though I have known of Peter Leithart and his writing for some time, this is the first of his books I have read and it has me thirsting for more. His writing manifests a level of immersion in Scripture (see what I did there?) that is rare and a love of Scripture that is contagious. These are the kind of writers, the kind of people, I want to surround myself with. Leithart is also a wordsmith, executing his craft with exceptional skill, deploying words as winsome warriors, wooing and persuading his readers. Few theological writers have achieved this level of craftsmanship. Again, these are the kind of writers I want to surround myself with.
Brief as this book is, it defies categorization. Systematic theology? Pastoral theology? Yes to both, and yet not quite. The category that I can’t escape for this book is biblical theology and this is biblical theology at its best: saturated with Scripture, aided by some of the church’s greatest thinkers (Justin, Irenaeus, Jerome, Cyprian, Cyril, Augustine, Aquinas, the Cappadocians, Luther, Calvin, Tertullian, and others are all here), in the service of Christian unity, devotion, and holiness.
I also have to say a word about the design of this book. I am consistently impressed with the aesthetics of Lexham’s books, but this one was exceptional. The artwork throughout the book and the sections of Luther’s baptismal prayer that begin each chapter make this book not just a delight to read but a delight to see.
If I haven’t persuaded you to pick up a copy yet, I don’t know what more I could say. This is the most lively book on baptism I’ve encountered. May the Spirit of God use it to breathe fresh life into our theology and practice of baptism, whatever side of the divide we may be on.
*I am grateful to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.
But in this work (which is part of the Christian Essentials series focused on those doctrines and subjects that are foundational to Christian faith and life) Leithart reveals just how essential baptism is as he guides us through countless passages connected to baptism. He sees baptism not just in the typical texts (Jesus’ baptism, the Great Commission, Acts, Romans 6, 1 Peter 3, etc.) but in places we have likely overlooked (for example: creation, Eden, and Moses). I doubt you have ever seen as much water in the Bible as Leithart will show you – and yet no doubt without exhausting the Scriptures or the reader.
Perhaps you are familiar with the three offices of Christ, but have you ever connected them to baptism? Leithart does. How do the offices of prophet, priest, and king relate to baptism? Leithart devotes a chapter to each to help us see. What about connecting baptism to Joshua? I hadn’t even thought to ask, but Leithart devotes a whole chapter to the answer.
Though I have known of Peter Leithart and his writing for some time, this is the first of his books I have read and it has me thirsting for more. His writing manifests a level of immersion in Scripture (see what I did there?) that is rare and a love of Scripture that is contagious. These are the kind of writers, the kind of people, I want to surround myself with. Leithart is also a wordsmith, executing his craft with exceptional skill, deploying words as winsome warriors, wooing and persuading his readers. Few theological writers have achieved this level of craftsmanship. Again, these are the kind of writers I want to surround myself with.
Brief as this book is, it defies categorization. Systematic theology? Pastoral theology? Yes to both, and yet not quite. The category that I can’t escape for this book is biblical theology and this is biblical theology at its best: saturated with Scripture, aided by some of the church’s greatest thinkers (Justin, Irenaeus, Jerome, Cyprian, Cyril, Augustine, Aquinas, the Cappadocians, Luther, Calvin, Tertullian, and others are all here), in the service of Christian unity, devotion, and holiness.
I also have to say a word about the design of this book. I am consistently impressed with the aesthetics of Lexham’s books, but this one was exceptional. The artwork throughout the book and the sections of Luther’s baptismal prayer that begin each chapter make this book not just a delight to read but a delight to see.
If I haven’t persuaded you to pick up a copy yet, I don’t know what more I could say. This is the most lively book on baptism I’ve encountered. May the Spirit of God use it to breathe fresh life into our theology and practice of baptism, whatever side of the divide we may be on.
*I am grateful to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.
October 19, 2025
As someone who has been reading widely on baptism, I began this short volume with interest, especially since it is often praised for its conciseness and accessibility, and because it claims as its goal “to reunite a church divided by baptism” (2).
However, Leithart writes as a Reformed paedobaptist with a tone that at times feels quasi-Lutheran. Perhaps in striving for brevity and poetic force, many of his statements are left unexplained, undefended, and ultimately counterproductive to his stated goal of unity.
There is no question that Leithart is a gifted writer, a sharp thinker, and deeply versed in Scripture and church history. Yet this brief volume, rather than clarifying what baptism is and does, seemed to me to muddy the waters. The work leaned more on typology than exegesis—perhaps even bordering on allegory as a hermeneutical method.
If everything is baptism, then what, in the end, is baptism?
However, Leithart writes as a Reformed paedobaptist with a tone that at times feels quasi-Lutheran. Perhaps in striving for brevity and poetic force, many of his statements are left unexplained, undefended, and ultimately counterproductive to his stated goal of unity.
There is no question that Leithart is a gifted writer, a sharp thinker, and deeply versed in Scripture and church history. Yet this brief volume, rather than clarifying what baptism is and does, seemed to me to muddy the waters. The work leaned more on typology than exegesis—perhaps even bordering on allegory as a hermeneutical method.
If everything is baptism, then what, in the end, is baptism?
March 17, 2025
Honestly, I was pretty bummed with this. I think I felt that way because it was pretty scattered/not well organized AND he tied baptism into everything, which really diluted (lol) baptism. He definitely knows his Patristics tho - that was helpful, seeing all his early church research.
All in all, I got more from his footnotes than the book.
All in all, I got more from his footnotes than the book.
June 27, 2023
An excellent little work on baptism for all traditions.
January 17, 2022
This series keeps getting better. Leithart, as usual, is outstanding, even when you aren't completely persuaded of his biblical interpretations. He makes you not only want to read Scripture "rightly" but "fully," and that's what we need to be aiming for.
Leithart sets out to show that baptism is an "effective rite" that actually does something, and I think he was quite successful, even if you don't go as far as he does with how effective it is. Despite a few disagreements here and there, some unnecessarily provocative statements, and some conclusions reached without taking all the biblical data into consideration (like the role of faith in conversion and its relationship to baptism), this still deserves five stars.
Praying that this book helps serves to bring at least a little more unity to the church on what has been such a divisive topic.
Leithart sets out to show that baptism is an "effective rite" that actually does something, and I think he was quite successful, even if you don't go as far as he does with how effective it is. Despite a few disagreements here and there, some unnecessarily provocative statements, and some conclusions reached without taking all the biblical data into consideration (like the role of faith in conversion and its relationship to baptism), this still deserves five stars.
Praying that this book helps serves to bring at least a little more unity to the church on what has been such a divisive topic.
March 22, 2021
4.5. As a Baptist, I’ll insist that baptism is for believers, which also rules out infant communion. But with my disagreements aside, here is a book that will stir your heart afresh at the wonder of our baptism. Here’s a taste of these meditations: Jesus’s baptism is the primary baptism. Baptism is greater than Noah’s ark. Baptism is a war on Satan. Baptism is a bridal bath. Creation belongs to the baptized. Baptism gives us weapons to fight. Every baptism is a little Pentecost. Baptism makes us kings. Baptism is the gospel with your name on it. God preaches in your baptism every day.
April 16, 2023
If you are trying to work out the doctrine and wrestle through padeo/credo baptism, this isn’t the book for you. If you, as a baptized believer, yearn to better understand what is happening in a baptism and yes, what happened at your baptism, give it a read. It serves as a call to arms for all the baptized in Christ to live their baptism as prophets, priests, and kings in Christ’s kingdom!
August 3, 2021
Yes, Leithart is a paedocommunnionist, but you have to love his wide-eyed acceptance of Christ's great mysteries. He's like a kid in a candy store here, seeing baptism in every gum drop and M&M. But can you blame him? Baptism is, after all, God's way of setting apart his new creation people. You think he would bury it in his book in just a a few explicit references?
So what we have here is a short but densely compacted Biblical theology of baptism. It's rich, it's thick, it's bite-sized, it's worshipful. It leans heavily on the church fathers. It makes me long for the infinite interconnectedness of heaven. It's worth a read.
So what we have here is a short but densely compacted Biblical theology of baptism. It's rich, it's thick, it's bite-sized, it's worshipful. It leans heavily on the church fathers. It makes me long for the infinite interconnectedness of heaven. It's worth a read.
June 8, 2021
It's Leithart, so it's a Scripture-laden feast of biblical imagination. Drawing from OT imagery and typology, NT language, and the rich well of historical theology, Leithart side-steps the normal baptismal debates so that we can look afresh at the wonder of baptism. Of course I also agree with Leithart that the full wonder of baptism is found in the inclusion of infants, in God claiming us as his own "before [we] know it or chose it" (45).
April 5, 2021
Brilliant. This little book is full of typological riches not found in most treatments of the subject. Not being bogged down by debates, Leithart displays the beauty and power of the Sacrament as displayed throughout the Biblical text, from the Old Testament through the New. This is the best book I've read this year, and is one that I will continue to revisit.
June 5, 2021
This book is worth reading, there are a lot of really cool gems about the significance of baptism and how the narrative of scripture foreshadows what happens in baptism. I did get lost from time to time with some of the extended symbolism but glad I kept going.
January 5, 2022
Awesome little primer on the historic Christian practice of baptism. Leithart packs a mean punch in ~100 pages, as this is one of the most dense and rich works of biblical theology I've read in awhile. If one were to really chase down all of his biblical references and unpack the non-stop stream of typological and allegorical allusions, this would become much more than a primer. I was reading Leithart to have an additional conversation partner for an upcoming series on baptism, and one who generally disagrees with me on mode/method. Leithart is a Reformed paedobaptist, so differences regarding X's and O's abound. Yet, I can wholeheartedly affirm 97% of what Leithart argues for biblically and theologically. That was my hunch, and I am thankful for the way this work will shape that series.
"The church is the family of the Father, the body of the Son, and the temple of the Spirit because it shares in the new creation that has begun in Jesus. The church shares in that new creation by hearing the word, confessing sin, assembling at the Lord's Table, passing through the waters of baptism...Baptism is the doorway into membership in the church."
"The church is the family of the Father, the body of the Son, and the temple of the Spirit because it shares in the new creation that has begun in Jesus. The church shares in that new creation by hearing the word, confessing sin, assembling at the Lord's Table, passing through the waters of baptism...Baptism is the doorway into membership in the church."
November 27, 2022
This is a helpful introduction to sacramentology that is more concerned with what takes place at baptism than any of the exterior matters about who is to be baptized or is to baptize. Despite the brevity, this book focuses on Luther’s liturgical prayer before baptism and walks through the significance of the sacrament. The brevity of this book does not blur the teacher, rather, Leithart is able to speak clearly about the importance of baptism in the local church in a way that connects the beauty of baptism with the Scriptures. The overall goal of this book is clear, teach that baptism is far more than just a symbol of salvation. Leithart accomplishes this goal with careful, but short, exegesis of the Scriptures.
September 4, 2025
Pretty quick read. Enjoyable.
"Evangelists preach to nameless crowds. The Bible is full of promises, but none is addressed directly to you. Baptism is. At your baptism, the minister spoke to you: 'Sarah, Sam, Sadhil, Sidra, Sabir: I baptize you into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' God wove your name into his, as he welcomed you into the common life of Father and Son and Spirit. That's who you are. Baptism is the gospel with your name on it" (103).
"Evangelists preach to nameless crowds. The Bible is full of promises, but none is addressed directly to you. Baptism is. At your baptism, the minister spoke to you: 'Sarah, Sam, Sadhil, Sidra, Sabir: I baptize you into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' God wove your name into his, as he welcomed you into the common life of Father and Son and Spirit. That's who you are. Baptism is the gospel with your name on it" (103).
September 29, 2024
I read this in preparation for a message on baptism. It is an excellent summary of a Christian essential. While the author is an advocate for infant baptism, he only mentions it once in the book, making this a guide that could be used in virtually any setting. It's truly a masterclass in biblical theology - Leithart makes many connections I had never seen or heard before. Highly recommend as an accessible primer on one of the church's most important practices.
June 9, 2023
Truly a magnificent little book on baptism. I'll be returning to this one again in the future.
October 17, 2021
Leithart lays out a really interesting take on baptism. This isn’t an apologetic on baptism or a defense of paedo or credo baptism (though Leithart is a paedobaptist). It is an investigation into all the uses of water in the Bible and how they all ultimately point to baptism.
Leithart is poetic, sometimes too poetic. My only knock against the book is that some of the connections he makes seem like a bit of a stretch. Nothing too major because I take the same issue with Spurgeon, both are at times too loose with their poetic inferences.
Leithart is poetic, sometimes too poetic. My only knock against the book is that some of the connections he makes seem like a bit of a stretch. Nothing too major because I take the same issue with Spurgeon, both are at times too loose with their poetic inferences.
April 20, 2021
A beautiful selection of meditations on baptism. Not meant to be a systematic treatment of the subject but a devotional of sorts. I would recommend it for new converts, teenagers, and the scholars in your circles.
November 9, 2025
4.5 stars.
There should be more books like this one -- loaded with depth, and right at the 100 page mark. The physical book itself is very beautiful, with lots of artwork and a two-page rendering of Luther's baptismal prayer.
The book is a feast of biblical theology, and to me, that's simultaneously its main strength and its main weakness. The picture Leithart paints of baptism is so rich and vast that it's a bit difficult to keep up with by the end. I also don't see baptism in all the places and ways he does, but he's obviously spent a substantial amount of time thinking about this.
His handling of Colossians 2:11-13 was the fairest and most nuanced I've ever encountered. He lands in favor of the side of infant baptism, and proponents of that side usually use the connection between circumcision and baptism in this text to bridge the covenants. But even though Leithart favors that side, he argues that Paul is making a different point in Colossians 2. I had to reread that section to soak in all the nuance and clarity he brought out.
My point is that he handles both the text and the topic very carefully. As Gavin Ortlund has said before, if discussions on the nuances of baptism often grow complex, it's because the picture in Scripture is also very complex.
I was hoping for a bit more discussion on the connection of water baptism and Spirit baptism and the occasional overlap of those, which he did touch on briefly. But overall, it's hard to complain about all he manages to fit inside around 105 pages.
Stellar book, and I will likely pick up another in this series.
There should be more books like this one -- loaded with depth, and right at the 100 page mark. The physical book itself is very beautiful, with lots of artwork and a two-page rendering of Luther's baptismal prayer.
The book is a feast of biblical theology, and to me, that's simultaneously its main strength and its main weakness. The picture Leithart paints of baptism is so rich and vast that it's a bit difficult to keep up with by the end. I also don't see baptism in all the places and ways he does, but he's obviously spent a substantial amount of time thinking about this.
His handling of Colossians 2:11-13 was the fairest and most nuanced I've ever encountered. He lands in favor of the side of infant baptism, and proponents of that side usually use the connection between circumcision and baptism in this text to bridge the covenants. But even though Leithart favors that side, he argues that Paul is making a different point in Colossians 2. I had to reread that section to soak in all the nuance and clarity he brought out.
My point is that he handles both the text and the topic very carefully. As Gavin Ortlund has said before, if discussions on the nuances of baptism often grow complex, it's because the picture in Scripture is also very complex.
I was hoping for a bit more discussion on the connection of water baptism and Spirit baptism and the occasional overlap of those, which he did touch on briefly. But overall, it's hard to complain about all he manages to fit inside around 105 pages.
Stellar book, and I will likely pick up another in this series.
December 4, 2025
A lot of interesting connections about symbolic biblical accounts involving water that explain what baptism is.
The content is decent and well thought out but, being apart of the Christian Essentials Series, I definitely expected it to be a bit more informational about the history and different theological positions of baptism. Instead this book uses metaphors and allegories (which are incredibly well thought out and written, but involve a bit of mental gymnastics as there are many metaphors within metaphors) to describe to the reader what baptism is.
Here are some quotes to illustrate my point:
“Baptism is the effective sign of new creation”
“Baptism is the bridal bath that prepares us for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Eph 5:25-26)
“Inthe new exodus of baptism, “the gentiles… leave behind, drowned in water, their ancient tyrant of the devil.”
All interesting and well thought connections. Was definitely an interesting read and I marveled at how well Leithart is able to understand biblical symbolism. However this being the Christian Essentials Series I would have taken a different approach. I think a better title for this book would be:
Understanding Baptism through Biblical Stories & Allegories of Water
The content is decent and well thought out but, being apart of the Christian Essentials Series, I definitely expected it to be a bit more informational about the history and different theological positions of baptism. Instead this book uses metaphors and allegories (which are incredibly well thought out and written, but involve a bit of mental gymnastics as there are many metaphors within metaphors) to describe to the reader what baptism is.
Here are some quotes to illustrate my point:
“Baptism is the effective sign of new creation”
“Baptism is the bridal bath that prepares us for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Eph 5:25-26)
“Inthe new exodus of baptism, “the gentiles… leave behind, drowned in water, their ancient tyrant of the devil.”
All interesting and well thought connections. Was definitely an interesting read and I marveled at how well Leithart is able to understand biblical symbolism. However this being the Christian Essentials Series I would have taken a different approach. I think a better title for this book would be:
Understanding Baptism through Biblical Stories & Allegories of Water
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
3.5 stars.
This book was recommended to me by my priest (pastor) and it did not disappoint. Peter J. Leithart does an amazing job of breaking down the rich liturgical mystery of baptism into digestible chunks for the reader. He has a reverence for water, fire, the Holy Trinity, and fully believes that baptism is "the gospel with your name on it."
Reading this reminded me of undergrad and saturating myself in the philosophies of why we do what we do in faith; it's safe to say that I underestimated how much I have missed that. I would recommend this to any considering participation in baptism, any who have been baptized, and anywhere in between.
This book was recommended to me by my priest (pastor) and it did not disappoint. Peter J. Leithart does an amazing job of breaking down the rich liturgical mystery of baptism into digestible chunks for the reader. He has a reverence for water, fire, the Holy Trinity, and fully believes that baptism is "the gospel with your name on it."
Reading this reminded me of undergrad and saturating myself in the philosophies of why we do what we do in faith; it's safe to say that I underestimated how much I have missed that. I would recommend this to any considering participation in baptism, any who have been baptized, and anywhere in between.
May 1, 2023
Phenomenal. Depth and breadth for such a small book.
November 5, 2021
Baptism is understood to be the entry point into the Christian life, whether it takes the form of infant baptism or believer baptism. Peter Leithart offers a brief but intriguing introduction to baptism using a baptismal prayer by Martin Luther as the foundation. Though Leithart is Presbyterian and affirms strongly the value of infant baptism, there is much here to be gained by those of us who are of the believer baptism tradition.
Leithart is conservative in his theology and often in his use of language. If you know that going in then you may find it easier to navigate from a more progressive perspective.
Leithart is conservative in his theology and often in his use of language. If you know that going in then you may find it easier to navigate from a more progressive perspective.
May 4, 2021
My general rule of thumb is that if Leithart writes it, then it’s worth reading. The same is true of this little book on baptism. Orthodox Christians across the spectrum will find so much packed into this books 100 or so pages. That’s not to say you’ll agree with all of author’s views, Leithart has argued elsewhere for baptismal efficacy, infant baptism, and consequently children’s participation in the Eucharist. Depending on your particular theological camp, all or some of these things will be controversial for you. No doubt there will be plenty of readers who don’t line up. But this book is not an argument for any of these perspectives or practices. And it would be a tragedy if it was avoided by baptists in particular,l due to their disagreement.
What we have here is a sustained biblical and theological mediation on the Sacrament of baptism ordered around Luther’s, “Great flood” prayer. Rich, and deeply biblical, this will prove a fantastic resource for those teaching a baptism class, or preparing baptismal candidates. Every page is densely packed with imagery and insight. Leithart wants his readers to see the mystery and sacramental power of the waters of baptism. To this end, he’s tremendously successful.
I don’t know that this would be the best book to hand a new convert approaching baptism, at least not without some serious discipleship Leithart is so steeped in the biblical text that each sentence is a dense network of allusions. I doubt someone without a real familiarity with the Bible’s storyline will grasp the richness of what he’s saying. Though that is certainly an indictment of the modern church’s shallow discipleship rather than Leithart himself.
Ultimately this is a welcome addition to a fantastic series. Though I’m still inclined to think Wes Hill’s little book on The Lord’s Prayer best balances insight with practical application, Peter Leithart’s meditation on the power of baptism is insightful, biblical, moving, and comforting. Take up and read.
What we have here is a sustained biblical and theological mediation on the Sacrament of baptism ordered around Luther’s, “Great flood” prayer. Rich, and deeply biblical, this will prove a fantastic resource for those teaching a baptism class, or preparing baptismal candidates. Every page is densely packed with imagery and insight. Leithart wants his readers to see the mystery and sacramental power of the waters of baptism. To this end, he’s tremendously successful.
I don’t know that this would be the best book to hand a new convert approaching baptism, at least not without some serious discipleship Leithart is so steeped in the biblical text that each sentence is a dense network of allusions. I doubt someone without a real familiarity with the Bible’s storyline will grasp the richness of what he’s saying. Though that is certainly an indictment of the modern church’s shallow discipleship rather than Leithart himself.
Ultimately this is a welcome addition to a fantastic series. Though I’m still inclined to think Wes Hill’s little book on The Lord’s Prayer best balances insight with practical application, Peter Leithart’s meditation on the power of baptism is insightful, biblical, moving, and comforting. Take up and read.
June 28, 2021
Amazing level of detail in a short book. Leithart sees a thousand connections between old testament stories and their fulfillment in Jesus. A lot of these appear convincing, but over the course of the book it feels like a deluge. He starts on solid ground and then tried to make less obvious connections that sometimes felt more like speculation. It's like the difference between the specificity of the protestant reformers versus the mystical approach of some of the early church fathers. I would gather from his quotations in the book that he leans toward the early church fathers and I would rather err on the other side.
August 31, 2021
Great short read that will absolutely push you to marvel at the beauty and power found in baptism with beautiful imagery and connections that will make you want to dig deeper into Gods word on this topic. As a credobaptist I didn’t think I would enjoy this book (by a paedobaptist) as much as I did. Boy was I wrong when I thought this book would be all about when to baptize someone. Although the author makes his position in that area clear (which I disagree with), this did not stop me from realizing how much we still have in common when discussion baptism (spiritual and physical) and how much good theology exposed with humility can unite.
August 2, 2021
Leithart is such a gifted writer! Eloquence doesn’t count for everything, but it doesn’t count for nothing either.
His perspective is as helpful as his prose. Using Martin Luther’s baptismal prayer as a guide, Leithart likens several biblical stories and relationships to baptism and it’s implications. While this is not the point of the book, it is clear that, for Leithart, baptism immerses us (my Baptist is showing) into a Story! A Story of which Christ is the climax.
I read this book in preparation of a sermon series on baptism, and found it enormously helpful toward that end!
His perspective is as helpful as his prose. Using Martin Luther’s baptismal prayer as a guide, Leithart likens several biblical stories and relationships to baptism and it’s implications. While this is not the point of the book, it is clear that, for Leithart, baptism immerses us (my Baptist is showing) into a Story! A Story of which Christ is the climax.
I read this book in preparation of a sermon series on baptism, and found it enormously helpful toward that end!
April 3, 2021
This was good, and answered the question i have asked everyone and never got an answer:. How do I know that the promises in the bible apply to me?
"Evangelists preach to nameless crowds. The Bible is full of promises, but none is addressed directly to you.
Baptism is. At your baptism,... God wove your name into His, as He welcomed you into the common life of Father and Son in the Spirit. That's who you are. Baptism is the gospel with your name on it."
"Evangelists preach to nameless crowds. The Bible is full of promises, but none is addressed directly to you.
Baptism is. At your baptism,... God wove your name into His, as He welcomed you into the common life of Father and Son in the Spirit. That's who you are. Baptism is the gospel with your name on it."
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