The Water That Divides

Things that divide Christians act as a poor witness to the world. On such major schism is that of Baptism. However if we can’t agree, the next best witness to the world is the manner of how we disagree. The two views explored here, paedo (or infant) baptism and adult (or believer’s) baptism are often so entrenched that discussions can be based around prejudice rather than understanding. This classic book aims to eradicate the former and promote the latter.

• Do you know why Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists baptise babies?

• Do you know why Baptists find it impossible to understand why they do it?

• Do you know why most Baptists find it difficult to allow Paedobaptists to take communion or become church members?

We owe it to the future health of the church, and its witness, to work out our differences in love before the world. This book looks at the biblical arguments for both views on baptism, show how these have been practised in church history and the place that baptism has in the church today. This book is based on the 1998 extended version of the 1977 classic.

Donald Bridge and David Phypers approach this book from two different directions – respectively that of Baptist and Anglican. The common approach they bring is their respect of the others position as regards fidelity to scripture and faith.