Missionary Baptism & Evangelical Unity
An Historical, Theological, Pastoral Inquiry
By J. Cameron Fraser
Wipf & Stock, 2021. 126 pages. $21 (e-book $10)
This book considers infant baptism against believers’ baptism. On a subject that often generates more flame than heat, this author makes an impassioned plea to clearly demonstrate visible unity.
J. Cameron Fraser, who has served in pastoral and related ministries in Alberta and Saskatchewan, makes a strong case for accepting both infant and believers’ baptism, so that baptism is no longer the water that divides, but the water that unites.
This brief book packs a wallop in just 94 pages. Portions of it, especially the historical theology of the first half, are not for the faint of heart, but overall it is a rewarding read. The second half is the practical outworking of this theology, including implications for evangelical Christian unity.
He addresses three main questions: What does baptism actually do? What does it mean? And who is it for? He understands Christian baptism as missionary baptism or household baptism, following the pattern of New Testament baptisms.
He draws on the writings of William Cunningham (1805–61), the Scottish theologian and cofounder of the Free Church of Scotland, as well as American theologian Lewis Bevens Schenck (1898–1985), and the provost of the Christian Leaders Institute David Feddes.
Fraser suggests a dual practice of infant baptism and baby dedication will promote the unity of Christ’s Church, especially among Evangelicals. Along the way he does not avoid difficult questions. His charitableness is worthy of emulation. His thesis, both provocative and insightful, will not resonate with all readers.
“Still,” he says, “one has to start somewhere.” Along the way he engages both heart and mind.
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