The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism

Among Christians, and especially Christians of the Reformed stripe, few issues are as hotly debated as baptism. Much ink (not to mention much blood) has been spilled over the proper understanding of this sacrament. With so much debate and so many resources it can be incredibly difficult to decide what to read about this important issue. In my own quest to understand baptism I picked up The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism edited by Gregg Strawbridge.

In this work Strawbridge compiled essays from sixteen influential paedobaptist writers (many of whom are presidents at reformed seminaries) such as Bryan Chapell, Daniel Doriani, Richard Pratt, and Cornelius Venema. The book is divided into fifteen chapters with each writer covering a different aspect of the case for paedobaptism.

Herein lies this books strengths and weaknesses. The unique format of the book allows the reader to see the paedobaptist argument in different ways. For example: Bryan Chapell gives a pastoral introduction to infant baptism while Jeffrey D. Niell, Richard L. Pratt, Cornelius Venema, and Randy Booth argue from the basis of the covenant. Lyle Bierma and Peter Leithart argue from church history, and Mark Ross explains the idea of baptism as a sign and seal. As you've probably picked up, these authors are able to cover a lot of territory because of the format. However, this approach also has its weaknesses. Because of the layout there isn't as much time to develop any one argument or approach. It might also make things disorienting for someone new to the debate. Although all the authors bring tremendous gifts to this work the varied nature of the writing serves as both a strength and a weakness.

In the end, I think The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism is a worthwhile investment. Strawbridge's brief introduction alone provides a clear presentation of the issues from a biblical perspective. The authors unite in making a passionate and scholarly (yet movingly pastoral) argument for paedobaptism. If you're looking for a good book to add to your library on the topic of baptism, this would be a good choice.

The Betrayal

Reading is a large part of a pastor’s life, but all too often it can be done more in bits and pieces in preparation for sermons and lessons then in sitting down and reading through entire books.  Don’t get me wrong, it is a privilege to have a calling that allows one to study and read, but to have a steady diet of reading portions of books rather than the whole can be much like trying to survive on finger sandwiches rather than feasting on well balanced meals.  Such a practice will keep one alive, but not as healthy as one should be. 

So one of my midyear commitments has been to always have at least one book that I am reading through that is not part of my studies.   It may be a theological book, a historical book, or even a novel.   But where does a person start with so many good books out there?

In light of this year being the 500^th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth I decided that my first book should probably be about Calvin.  So I chose a historical novel written by a PCA ruling elder by the name of Douglas Bond entitled The Betrayal. 

I chose to read this novel over the summer and after completing it I cannot recommend this book enough!  Besides, what better way to celebrate Reformation Day then to read about the life of one of the men that God used mightily during this time in church history. 

Not only is The Betrayal an exciting read, but it masterfully & accurately portrays Calvin in the context of the circumstances of his day.  If one is to understand Calvin and his work, one must understand what it was like to be alive during the Reformation and what was going on in the church at that time.  

Many in the church today have heard of Calvin and an even smaller number have read some of his works, but most are often ignorant of the circumstances surrounding his life.  As a result, they see John Calvin as nothing more than a stuffy theologian who lived in an ivory tower and wrote theology that reflected how out of touch he was with reality.  Douglas Bond does a wonderful job though of dispelling these preconceptions as he carefully portrays the historical circumstances of Calvin’s day.  To show the carefulness of which Bond takes in being historically accurate, let me quote from the Note to the Reader in the opening pages of the novel:

“This is a work of historical fiction, set in the times and places when and where John Calvin lived and worked.  Though it is fiction, the reader may accept Calvin’s words in dialogues, sermons, discussions, and debates with confidence.  In nearly all places where Calvin speaks I have drawn and shaped his words from his letters, commentaries, Institutes, and other writings.  For cohesion and grammatical accuracy, I have altered tenses and pronouns, and for brevity I have excerpted Calvin’s far lengthier theological investigations.  Though shaped for fiction, Calvin’s voice in this novel is a faithful attempt to reflect accurately his own verbiage, piety, and theology.  Frequently, I use Calvin’s written summations of his critics’ views as grist for their voice when debating or deliberating with him.  Wherever possible, I have attempted to faithfully represent other historical characters, often shaping their voices from their letters, journals, and other writings.”  (The Betrayal, p. 11)

As one reads the historical accuracy of Calvin’s life, it quickly becomes apparent that Calvin was not a man who formed his theology in an ivory tower, but from hours of studying God’s Word while in the midst of the difficulties of life.  As a matter of fact, if one were to compare the times of Calvin with those of our day, we would be the ones that should be accused of living “out of touch with reality”.  In fact, due to the nature of the circumstances that are covered in this book I would say that this novel is best suited for mature readers and not younger children. 

Not only does Douglas Bond paint a historically accurate portrait of Calvin’s life, but he also describes Calvin as a real man.  Some today think that Calvin and his theology are placed on a pedestal and exalted too highly in the church today.  That what Calvin said is held on the same level as Scripture and this ought not to be.  Such concern should be heeded and carefulness should be given in the church to never exalt the instrument to the level of the God who raises up and uses that instrument for His purposes. 

Having said that, Douglas Bond depicts Calvin as a very real man; one who was physically weak and frail; a man who worked hard to escape the lime light of his day but was constantly pulled back into it by God and used as a significant instrument of the Reformation for the glory of God.  Bond reminds us that while we need to be careful not to exalt Calvin too highly, we must also be careful to acknowledge how God used John Calvin to strengthen the church not only during the Reformation, but also today.

I think Burk Parsons, editor of Tabletalk magazine and Minister of Congregational Life at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, summarized the book well when he said,

"With masterful insight, Douglas Bond offers us an illuminating portrait of the life, ministry, and theology of John Calvin. For readers of all ages, this well-researched, historical fiction takes us back to the sixteenth-century Reformation as if we were eye-witnesses of all that God accomplished in and through the life of His humble servant John Calvin. If you enjoy reading the fictional works of C. S. Lewis, you will love this book."  (http://www.bondbooks.net/THE%20BETRAYAL.htm)

I could not concur more with Mr. Parsons’ summation and therefore I highly encourage you to consider reading The Betrayal this Reformation season!  If you would like more information on The Betrayal please check out Douglas Bond’s web site at http://www.bondbooks.net/  (where you can even read chapter 4 of the book if you like).

And if you take me up on my challenge to read this novel, please do so not to exalt John Calvin, but to give thanks to God that He is faithful to give to the church the right men at the right time (Eph 4:10-12).  No matter who we are, may we be people used of God to strengthen and build up the church for His glory! (1 Pet. 4:10, 11)