Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 22:2 (Fall 2025)
Article: Memory, Reason, and the Baptism Debate
Author: Shebuel Varghese

Memory, Reason, and the Baptism Debate

Shebuel Varghese

Shebuel Varghese serves as assistant professor of theology and Christian ministry and as director for the integration of faith and learning at Sterling College.

Introduction

John Calvin identified two necessary practices of the church: the preaching of the Word of God and the administering of the sacraments.1 For Christians, the sacrament of baptism has its mandate found in the words of Jesus before his ascension in Matthew 28: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:18–20, ESV). Consequently, baptism is vital to Christian faith and practice, and pastors cannot neglect the place of baptism in the life of the church as they minister to the people of God.

Historically, there have been two main views concerning the beneficiaries of baptism. First, many Christians throughout the history of the church have affirmed paedobaptism. Paedobaptism (or infant baptism) simply means that baptism can be administered to infants and that it is good to do so.2 Paedobaptism has

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been practiced by Christians from different traditions throughout church history such as Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian. Thus, paedobaptism has a robust standing in the history of the church which cannot be readily dismissed.

The second main view regarding baptism is credobaptism. According to credobaptism, baptism is reserved only for those who have placed their faith in Christ as Lord. Credobaptism (or believer’s baptism) is practiced within Baptist, Pentecostal, and Anabaptist traditions. It is worth pointing out that the two positions here are not infant baptism versus adult baptism. Rather, the alternative view to infant baptism is believer’s baptism.3

The disagreement over the beneficiaries of baptism is a disagreement between brothers and sisters. There are reasonable and faithful Christians of goodwill on both sides of this debate. Nevertheless, Christian leaders ought to seek clarity on matters like this if they are going to function as servants of the church. Moreover, this question directly impacts families with children as to how or whether they should proceed with presenting them for baptism. So, the question regarding the subjects of baptism bears significant ecclesiolo...