Christian's Quick Guide to Baptism

The Water That Unites

By: Robert Letham

Narrated by: Ralph Lister

What is Christian baptism? Is it, as many believe, a mere symbol? When should someone be baptized? In A Christian's Quick Guide to Baptism, Robert Letham answers such questions from Scripture. He reflects sensitively on historic Christian teaching and avoids the extremes that often mark discussions of this subject, making this a book for everyone.

Letham's plain talk will not leave beginners bemused, nor will it frustrate those who want to make real progress in their theological understanding. It is a "tragedy," says Letham, that Christians should think of baptism as "the water that divides." The sign of our union with Christ should unite Christians, not least because it does not focus on our actions, but on God's mighty deeds. Baptism belongs to him. It must always be administered in connection with faith, yet that does not mean Christians do anything to receive or to earn baptism. They are to be baptized solely because of God's gracious promises.

©2017 eChristian (P)2017 eChristian

Not a Smooth Listen

There was a lot of good info. However, I don’t feel I was given a definitive conclusion. The first part of the book felt largely unnecessary (to me). Finally, I didn’t love the narrator's accent but he did a great job.

Eh, found one gem in a cow patty 😉

I appreciate that the author makes the case (contra much contemporary thought) that baptism is more than a mere public declaration of faith. Baptism is a means by which God graciously saves. I also appreciate the clarity and conciseness with which he writes. Those factors earned him 2 stars.
As for the rest, this is a solidly Calvinistic Pedo-Baptist book. And I have never found a single argument for either Calvinism or infant baptism to be even slightly compelling. They aren’t based in good Biblical scholarship, nor a good use of critical thinking. For that reason I have deducted 3 stars.
Of course if you agree with that theology you will probably have a very different assessment of this book than I have.