Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace: An Appraisal of the Argument That as Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Should Now Be Baptized

Rating:
Summary: Well researched, but beware of his bias.
Review: Dr. Jewett's book is something that anyone interested in infant baptism should read. This book examines the historical evolution of infant baptism, the scriptural arguments, and the theological arguments. It is highly informative and reads like a thesis. If you are at all interested in infant baptism, READ THIS BOOK.

The problem with this work is that Dr. Jewett makes conclusions where the evidence is not necessary conclusory. For instance, he analyzes history and concludes that infant baptism was not a practice of the apostles, yet such a concusion is just one INFERENCE that could be made after taking in all the evidence. However, it should be noted that such conclusions are probably the best that anyone could do in reaching a definitive answer to an age-old issue.

The reason for Dr. Jewett's approach is clearly that he has made his decision from the beginning. This book reads like he has already made his decision, and whatever it takes, he is GOING to push the round peg into a square hole.

However, I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. First, the sheer amount of research and information provided by the author is worth taking a look at. Second, his arguments will better help anyone to refine their thoughts, from either an experienced theologian or a novice.

My lone criticism of this book, other than I believe it reaches an incorrect conclusion, is that he should have tried to be more objective, and avoided any language that would indicate his view was already biased from the start.

Rating:
Summary: simply excellent
Review: Fantastic book- all arguments for and against infant baptism are thoroughly evaluated, and Jewett's stellar writing style makes it a pleasure to read.

Rating:
Summary: The most thorough examination I have found
Review: This book is incredibly thorough, well researched, and well presented. Jewett analyzes the practice of infant baptism from a theological and historical standpoint. I found his detailed historical analysis to be particularly beneficial, as the historical record is often muddled and partial. The book is well worth purchasing if for no other reason than its look at the history of infant baptism.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.