40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper - Book Review

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are celebrated in virtually every Christian denomination, Protestant and Catholic. But they are observed differently in virtually every Christian denomination, Protestant and Catholic. 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper attempts to dissect, breakdown and unpack the why’s and the how’s as a whole and within each denomination. It accomplishes that goal very well.

This volume is written by two professors from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, John S. Hammett, Ph.D. and Benjamin L. Merkle, Ph.D. But don’t assume that because of their Southern Baptist affiliation that their assessment is slanted. Hammett and Merkle are eminently fair and balanced in their evaluation concerning how Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are celebrated within other denominations.

This book is part of a series likewise titled “40 Questions About …” Thus far there are volumes such as The Historical Jesus, Creation and Evolution, The End Times, and Interpreting the Bible. You can find the full list at Kregel Publications.

There are three separate sections to 40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Part 1, the shortest of the three, engages both ordinances answering such questions as “Are They Sacraments or Ordinances?’ Parts 2 and 3 cover each ordinance separately with Introductory Questions, Denominational Views, Theological Issues and Practical Aspects.

All questions are dealt with thoroughly and impartially. While you won’t be an expert scholar on the subject upon completion, you will have a complete understanding of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper regardless of your theological relationship.

In a short summary the book is 40 questions you thought you might like to ask or never thought to ask about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. All Christians at one time or another are involved in these ordinances/sacraments, but few ever grasp the history and meaning. This volume will equip you with that knowledge.

If you have never done a study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, this is a must have book. If you are a pastor, this is definitely a reference work you want to have available to answer the inevitable questions that will arise on these subjects. It’s a volume every Christian should have in his library.

 

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me by Kregel Publications for a fair, honest and balanced review.