Irenics

This page is dedicated to collating posts that deal with theological and historical arguments, especially relating to the history of the Particular Baptists and the theology of the proper subjects of baptism. Please read this brief introduction which will contextualize, I hope, any posts found below.

Polemical theology must be handled delicately. The purpose must not be to triumph over an adversary, but to win a brother. It must not be an “us vs. them” scenario. And the authority and force of the arguments must come not from personality or pressure but from the soundness of the reasons provided.

As a Reformed Baptist confessing the Second London Baptist Confession, my closest theological family, friends, and allies are those of the Reformed tradition. Their theology and practice are closest to my own. Their theologians and their theological literature are precious and valuable to me.

So, please read any posts below keeping in mind that it is from a spirit of brotherly love and regard for my closest theological family that I offer some criticisms of the paedobaptism that they believe and practice. And if you regard these criticisms as being untruthful, then perhaps at least the love with which they are offered will preserve a spirit of unity and fraternity between us.

In light of my intentional effort to engage my paedobaptist brethren in this manner, I have entitled this page “Irenics.” The word “polemics” derives from the Greek word for war, “πόλεμος.” Irenics derives from the Greek word for peace, “εἰρήνη.”

John Clark, Phraseologia, 64