Baptism

Abstract

"IT is extremely unfortunate that at the very moment when the ecumenical discussion about baptism is reaching its most fruitful stage, the domestic debate about it should show our denomination to be unprepared, not to say divided, on the real issues. Recently, a new flexibility of attitude towards infant baptism has been apparent on both sides, arising partly from new insights into scriptural teaching and partly from a new appreciation of the strength and sincerity of each other's views. There have even been suggestions for baptist-paedobaptist "conversations", or a broadcast discussion. But just when " our point of view " might be considered by scholars of other churches with a respect and attention not accorded us for generations, we ourselves seem to be more confused than ever about the rite by which we mainly justify our separate existence"