"Baptism" (Guy M. Richard)

TITLE: Baptism: Answers to Common Questions
AUTHOR: Guy M. Richard
PUBLISHER: Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2019, (121 pages).

One of the challenges in understanding the rituals and practices of the Christian faith lie in finding biblical support. What exactly is baptism? Does it mean only immersion? What about requirements on who should be baptize? What about the different ways of baptism? How do we relate to our fellow believers who believe in other different points of view about baptism? Moreover, there are certain groups like the Baptists who are adamant about immersion as the way to be baptized. How do we respond? These questions and more are not easily referenced by mere Bible verses alone. He writes this book as a way to synthesize Bible texts and to relate them as much as possible to present day contexts. He cautions us against using specific texts to build whole doctrines about baptism. What is important is that we think through, with Scripture as guide, about the meaning and the importance of baptism. At the same time, it is hoped that the understanding would be expanded to other brothers and sisters. Instead of letting differences divide the Christian world, it is hoped that with greater understanding, we would be more united on the importance and significance of baptism. Key points of agreement are:

• Christian baptism is important;
• Water is needed for baptism;
• Baptism is to be done in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
• Baptism is a core essential and practice of faith.

On baptism, Richard takes us through the Old Testament and New Testament instances of baptism. The crux of the matter remains the same: Cleansing and rite of washing. We get to understand the different ways of baptism: Immersion, sprinkling, pouring, and even affusion (pouring out of the Spirit). We learn that we should not miss out the meaning of baptism by wrongful emphasizing any one mode. We understand the four meanings of baptism; the reasons we baptize; the ways to do it; the differences between Baptist practices and the rest; how to respond to baptist arguments that we don't agree with; and Jeremiah 31 that is often used to promote "believers-only baptism."


My Thoughts
This book is a convenient layout of the basic things to know about baptism. Author and Pastor Guy Richard makes three points very clear. The first is to caution us from using scattered texts per se to explain all of baptism. He explains that if we want to explain what baptism is, we need to extensively examine what the various Bible texts are saying and to put together a bigger picture of what it means. One should not depend on short pet answers which would do injustice to the whole concept of baptism. The second point is to recognize that we should not give simplistic answers to a more complex issue. Trying to be dogmatic about any position, especially controversial ones will be unhelpful. The third point is a helpful one that points us to a more respectful and reverent study of the Bible. All of these are carefully dealt with for the sake of uniting the wider Christian family. It begins with understanding. We may not agree on the exact mode or theology behind baptism. What we could agree are the basic need and importance of baptism; that it must include water; that it is an essential part of being a believer.

I warmly recommend this book for general reading and understanding of baptism.

Guy Ritchie is executive director and assistant professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He has also served as senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, Miss for 12 years.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Reformation Trust and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.