Counterpoint (4th Edition)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Errata: musical example
  • Classic work on counterpoint
  • Still the best basic counterpoint text
  • recommended
Counterpoint (4th Edition)
Kent Kennan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 013080746X

Book Description

Designed for courses in Music, this established text introduces the contrapuntal style of 17th and 18th century music through analysis and writing. While a limited understanding of contrapuntal elements may be gained through analysis alone, these elements are grasped in a more intimate way through the actual writing of contrapuntal examples. Also, by linking the study of counterpoint to music of a specific period, the text provides a clear model for students to emulate and a definite basis for the criticism of student work.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Errata: musical example.......2007-06-27

The first musical example for Chapter 3 should be an excerpt from Bach's Two-Part Invention, No.11. It is not, as the reader will quickly discover when the text talks about a "lower voice" that simply doesn't exist! This is not a huge problem, since the correct measures are shown soon after (in Example 5). But it could be confusing at first.

5 out of 5 stars Classic work on counterpoint.......2005-10-28

George Oldroyd's book The Technique and Spirit of Fugue is the best book on fugue composition but it's out of print and VERY expensive. So, by default, Kent Kennan's book is the best reference book a composer can buy for a basic overview of counterpoint. If you already have a year or two of music theory (you know about modulations, sonata forms, and basic part-writing) you can,literally, just start working from this book with Bach as a companion text and start teaching yourself how to write fugues.

Kennan's book is helpful because while mostly covering Baroque counterpoint he covers the topic in a way that lets a student expand on the contrapuntal principles into other styles. If you're going to get just one book on counterpoint make this the book.

5 out of 5 stars Still the best basic counterpoint text.......2005-03-08

Having taught counterpoint for about twenty years, I can honestly say this is still the best textbook available on the subject. Along the way I tried a number of "newer" texts, but my classes always met with more success using Kennan. The workbook that accompanies this book is a must for anyone who wants to master the art of eighteenth-century counterpoint. To be honest, you also need a teacher to evaluate your progress.

5 out of 5 stars recommended.......1999-03-28

This is the most practical and efficient counterpoint textbook for class room use, the textbook I would use if I were to teach counterpoint in the class room. It is clear and concise and to the point. To gain a broader understanding of counterpoint, I recommend this work be supplemented with Walter Piston's COUNTERPOINT. I also recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.
The Art of Counterpoint
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Art of Counterpoint
    Charles Herbert Kitson
    Manufacturer: Library Reprints
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    ASIN: 0722256949
    Modal and Tonal Counterpoint: From Josquin to Stravinsky
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • This is a "must have" book for composers and theorists alike
    • A refreshing and creative approach to teaching counterpoint.
    • This is really a terrific book.
    Modal and Tonal Counterpoint: From Josquin to Stravinsky
    Harold Owen
    Manufacturer: Schirmer
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0028721454

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars This is a "must have" book for composers and theorists alike.......1999-09-23

    MODAL AND TONAL COUNTERPOINT from Josquin to Stravinsky, by Harold Owen, is an absolutely terrific publication that creates a wonderful "hands-on" approach to this seemingly mysterious art form which, from this composer's perspective, remains an essential part of any musicians development. It is a beautifully arranged study, compact, but amply supplied with intriguing assignments and wonderful examples from the masters, including a number of the author's own.

    A superb overview for undergraduate and graduate students alike, it effectively connects the "modern" musician to the very roots of our art. Serious composers, theorists, and performers, should not miss this one!

    5 out of 5 stars A refreshing and creative approach to teaching counterpoint........1999-09-23

    "Modal and Tonal Counterpoint" by Harold Owen is a book that all teachers of counterpoint, theory, and composition, should have at their disposal. The book is unique in covering counterpoint from the 16th to the 20th century. I teach at a four-year college, and I often pull the book out during composition lessons to demonstrate a variety of things: species counterpoint, 18th century counterpoint, serial technique and stylistic traits of Stravinsky, Bartók, and Hindemith. I particularly enjoy the way each chapter begins with (often complete) musical examples followed by a discussion of the examples and their relevancy to the chapter topic. I do have to admit a bias -- I studied composition and counterpoint with Hal at the University of Oregon, so I have a personal connection to the material. Hal is a fantastic teacher, a consummate musician versed in many styles, and a very practical and down to earth person. This book reflects all of those traits, especially his practical approach to teaching counterpoint. I highly recommend this book!

    5 out of 5 stars This is really a terrific book........1999-05-11

    I teach at a small liberal arts college, and I used this book for the first time last year. I had more success with it than with any other counterpoint text I've ever used. The basic plan, which is to show real music, disucss the salient features, and then to draw from them the issues one needs to proceed to writing, is an old and simple one, but sadly, seldom executed well. In this case, though, the examples are wonderful, the discussions clear and insightful, and the exercises well conceived, both for beginners and advanced students. A real plus is that it is the only book I have ever encountered or heard about that discusses counterpoint in the 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. I used it as a one-semester text, and was forced to leave some things out. I was pleased, though, for my students to have this material in their libraries for future reference. It would make a fabulous full-year text as well.
    The Zion Covenant: Vienna Prelude/Prague Counterpoint/Munich Signature/Jerusalem Interlude/Danzig Passage/Warsaw Requiem (Zion Chronicles)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • I am a history buff and I also liked these books
    • A MUST READ, MUST BUY!
    • Must Read
    • Am I the only one to criticize these books?
    • I love these books!
    The Zion Covenant: Vienna Prelude/Prague Counterpoint/Munich Signature/Jerusalem Interlude/Danzig Passage/Warsaw Requiem (Zion Chronicles)
    Bodie Thoene
    Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 1556617607

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars I am a history buff and I also liked these books.......2006-07-27

    These books are good, even if you are really interested in historical accuracy. The great thing about them is they can really inspire one to do their own research and learn themselves about what was going on during that time. The interactions between the characters and famous historical figures aren't factual, of course, but the major events are accurate. These books really inspired me to do my own research and to visit the cities that the characters inhabit. I really enjoyed reading them, so if you love history, don't let the fiction aspect scare you away, it often serves as a fun backdrop in which real learning can take place.

    5 out of 5 stars A MUST READ, MUST BUY!.......2003-05-26

    I have only recently been introduced to Bodie Thoene, but I became an instant fan with Vienna Prelude. Some of the twists in the book had my mouth dropping open. In the world of espionage, you don't know who to trust and who not to--these books brought that alive. They are written about a time before even my parents were born, and it's mouth-droolingly interesting to see what could have happened in this totally foreign world. I've never read anything like these and am in the process of buying all of Thoene's books. I'm even buying for my mother and telling everyone else about them. OUTSTANDING READ!

    5 out of 5 stars Must Read.......2002-08-22

    Vienna Prelude is the first book in an amazing series. The characters are intriguing and Thoene's ability to show the struggle of the Jewish resistance in pre-WWII Europe is incredible.

    3 out of 5 stars Am I the only one to criticize these books?.......2002-01-18

    I'll say that the books are interesting. They definitely have that in their favor. However, I have just finished reading some of the other online reviews for the Zion Covenant Series, and it seems that everyone loved them instantly, without finding anything to criticize about them. Well, I'll give you a more critical opinion to help guide you in your book purchases:

    If you DON'T care for books in which....
    1. ...the characters are very stereotypical;
    2. ...the authors take great liberties with the thoughts, words, and actions of actual historical figures and make them say and do things that you know they never did, or would have done;
    3. ...the main characters are great pals with the actual historical figures, and are rich, are beautiful, are witty- in short, have absolutely everything they need to accomplish the story and aren't very believable;
    4. ...the plot isn't believable;
    Then, these books might not be just right for you.

    Yes, the books are very interesting. The plots aren't very believable, but they are interesting. The history contained in them is written well, and the books are worth reading for that alone. Unfortunately, these books are more of the same historical fiction in which overall unbelievability prevails, and that spoiled the books for me. Now, if you are not picky about having great people in history meddled with (for example, at one point in the third book Winston Churchill gets involved in a plot to kidnap the heroine, because she would be so exceedingly valuable as a spy for the Allies), and you don't worry about the other points in my list either, then you probably will like the books. For reading for amusement, they are fine. But if you want really great historical fiction, I wouldn't suggest the Zion Covenant.

    5 out of 5 stars I love these books!.......2001-10-16

    If you start reading this series, you will not be able to put the books down! Against the backdrop of pre-WWII Europe, the Thoenes create characters that are true to life, and that you can't help but root for -- or against. These books are incredibly well-researched and well written, and a great investment of your time and money. You won't be disappointed!
    Study of Counterpoint
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • The Study of Counterpoint
    • I love this book
    • This is a classic for good reason.....
    • Must-have musical classic
    • The classic text on counterpoint
    Study of Counterpoint
    John J. Fux
    Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0393002772

    Book Description

    The most celebrated book on counterpoint is Fux's great theoretical work Gradus ad Parnassum. Since its appearance in 1725, it has been used by and has directly influenced the work of many of the greatest composers. J. S. Bach held it in high esteem, Leopold Mozart trained his famous son from its pages, Haydn worked out every lesson with meticulous care, and Beethoven condensed it into an abstract for ready reference.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The Study of Counterpoint.......2007-05-18

    The absolute best book for learning 16th century counterpoint. Nothing better!

    5 out of 5 stars I love this book.......2007-05-09

    I picked up this book and began reading it right away. In two weeks I understood it completely. It is very easy to understand. There are parts you have to work yourself through, but all in all it is very comprehensible. About the only two things you need to know to understand it is intervals and of course how to read music. I notice when I follow the rules closely enough I compose very much like people of the renaissance did. well actually this was the theory of the time so of course if you follow this book your music will sound that way. If you don't want to sound as they did in that time and just want to have more pleasant music, this book will still be helpful. Good price. Good classic theory. Good book.

    5 out of 5 stars This is a classic for good reason............2007-05-05

    This is a great introduction to species counterpoint. It has been in use for many years and was studied by many great composers. It still engages the modern person today because it is concise, imaginative and teaches concepts in a digestible and easy to follow manner.

    The form of the book is a relationship between a teacher and student. The student is not the brightest bulb on the tree, but the teacher shows him concept by concept how counterpoint works. This story format is entertaining, but also serves as a way to anchor concepts.

    If you are looking for something that is a quick, easy read with lots of good content and historical interest, you will enjoy this. I feel it is a must have for any serious student of music.

    5 out of 5 stars Must-have musical classic.......2006-03-17

    This most famous text on counteropoint was the standard counterpoint reference for centuries, and was used by such greats as Bach and Beethoven.
    It is true that contrapuntal theory has developed significantly since Fux's time (the Gradus was originally published in 1725), but it remains a useful and entertaining introduction to the field of counterpoint. Furthermore, its historical significance cannot be exaggerated.

    5 out of 5 stars The classic text on counterpoint.......2006-02-21

    The wording may seem a bit strange, but this is one of the classic texts on counterpoint. Must have.
    Counterpoint Workbook
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Buyer Beware
    • Buyer beware
    • COUNTERPOINT WORKBOOK
    Counterpoint Workbook
    Kent Wheeler Kennan
    Manufacturer: Not Avail
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0130810525

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware.......2007-01-09

    The workbook is put together nicely. I find it be an essential learning tool. However, there is a BIG mistake in the accompanying text "Counterpoint, Based on Eighteenth Century Practice." On page 19, the very first page of chapter three, there is supposed to be an excerpt from a Bach Two-Part Invention. It is not. I don't know where it came from. What makes this a big deal is that this is the chapter that starts you out on species two counterpoint. Amazon has a lot of gaul charging one hundred and four dollars for a text with a huge mistake it. Every counterpoint class in the world has to spend a portion of their initial instruction pointing this out. I had to go the second edition to get it right, which means that I had to wait six weeks to get it through my local library. Doesn't anybody prood read anymore.

    4 out of 5 stars Buyer beware.......2000-12-15

    Make sure you have the accompanying textbook. The workbook doesn't work without it, make sure you also have the correct edition of the textbook.

    4 out of 5 stars COUNTERPOINT WORKBOOK.......2000-07-21

    I'VE NEVER SEEN WORKBOOK OF COUNTERPOINT AND I THINK IT'S VERY USEFULL AND CAN HELP WHO STUDYING COMPOSITIONS.IF YOU INTEREST HOW CAN YOU WRITE COUNTERPOINT YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
    A Practical Approach to Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Great for Self-study
    A Practical Approach to Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
    Robert Gauldin
    Manufacturer: Waveland Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0881338532

    Book Description

    Practical work in writing counterpoint! This volume emphasizes developing analytical and writing skills in the contrapuntal technique of the eighteenth century. The orientation is strongly stylistic, dealing mainly with the polyphony of the late Baroque period. Three aspects are stressed throughout: practical work in writing counterpoint, utilizing various textures, devices, and genre of the period; historical background, to establish the origins of different forms and justify the pedagogical method employed here; analysis of selections from music literature, often in voice-leading reductions. After an opening chapter that reviews some general features of the late Baroque period, there is a brief survey of melodic characteristics, and a study of procedures associated with two, three, and four voices.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Great for Self-study.......2000-03-28

    Gauldin has prepared a book which leads you carefully and methodically through counterpoint. The books assignments are its greatest assest. Because they often build on previous assignments, be sure not to skip any. The lessons are aggressive, but easily followed during self-study.
    Counterpoint in Composition
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Good book if you are patient with the writing
    • Kind of lofty in tone, but a pretty good book
    • The best (and most serious) counterpoint text to date
    Counterpoint in Composition
    Felix Salzer , and Carl Schachter
    Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Good book if you are patient with the writing.......2004-11-29

    I must differ with the reviewer who said (in 2000) that this book is "fairly new." It first came out in the late 1960s or early 1970s, because I used to use it as a textbook in my theory courses at a midwestern liberal arts college. My experience was that the typical undergraduate music major found it rather rough going, but maybe I wasn't the best teacher back then, either! I myself learned a lot from the book. As far as I know, it's the only book on counterpoint that successfully illustrates how composed music (e.g., by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc.) is built on the same principles as species counterpoint. This should be an answer to the student who has trouble seeing the value of those seemingly endless (and amazingly difficult!) species counterpoint exercises. While the traditional answer has been "it teaches you discipline," S & S are able to show (convincingly, in my opinion) that beneath the surface of a brilliant piano sonata of Beethoven can be found the basic principles of voice leading that only species counterpoint can teach.

    I agree with the reviewer who pointed out that the authors are not always consistent with earlier books with respect to the rules of species counterpoint. However, it must be said that in most cases they point this out and supply a reason for their departure from tradition. For example, I think that part of the reason they don't allow voice crossing in the species exercises is that part crossing is a "pure" contrapuntal technique that would severely weaken the polarity or independence between the two voices, and make cloudy the connection they seek to establish between the species approach and the techniques of prolonged counterpoint (aka "real" music) they discuss later in the book. I have no problem with that. Neither do I have a problem with Jeppesen allowing voice crossing in species counterpoint, because he's approaching the technique with a different goal in mind, namely that of imitating the style of Palestrina. The two books have different aims, and the prospective user should be aware of that.

    The point about the authors' prose style that one reviewer made is very well taken. To me it is overly pompous and inflated, and many of their points could be made in far fewer words. It's a little suggestive of the image that the authors occupy a lofty perch from which they toss down a few crumbs of learning from time to time to students, but even as they do so, they don't think the students are really worthy of receiving this wisdom. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but I really can't see my current students warming up very much to this kind of writing. There is definitely no feeling that "you too can succeed in writing excellent counterpoint" here. Times do change, after all.

    If you are reading this review you are perhaps either a teacher looking for a good text, or a musician who wants a stronger theory background. By all means get this book and learn from it. But don't let the authors' prose style make you feel inferior, like a lowly worm who, no matter how hard he or she tries, can never achieve results worthy of the masters. Better just to accept them for the pretentious pedants they are, and forgive them for it.

    4 out of 5 stars Kind of lofty in tone, but a pretty good book.......2002-08-08

    I'm sure lots of people have been in this situation: you blitz through species counterpoint in your freshman year as a music major, only to realize its importance much later (i.e. after your extensive tour of the rest of music theory). Books like Salzer/Schachter's are a good way to go back and do it properly. This book is excellent and thorough, covering counterpoint not only as a theoretical grounding for later harmonic theory, but also examining its use in large-scale composition. The only problem with the book is the Salzer/Schachter's prose- it's like they're bringing down the counterpoint rules on tablets from the sacred mountain. Some procedures are flatly forbidden that more relaxed authors -- like Jeppesen -- excuse (in instances where fudging the rules produces a beautiful voice leading). In some cases, they contradict other authors- Jeppesen cannot encourage voice-crossing enough, Salzer/Schachter list it as a mortal sin. Worse, Salzer/Schachter write their exercises for 'The Student', an individual of impossible concentration and diligence who can compose whole exercises in his/her head and would be ashamed to even touch a piano. In other words, their tone is not exactly encouraging- compared to 'The Student', your early efforts are bound to feel pretty clumsy (at least mine were). Still, this is a nice book with lots of good exercises and examples drawn from real music literature. Between Salzer/Schachter, Fux, and Jeppesen, it's more than possible to make a thorough review of counterpoint working by yourself.

    5 out of 5 stars The best (and most serious) counterpoint text to date.......2000-08-22

    The Salzer counterpoint book is a must for any serious musician. This book adresses counterpoint not as a theoretical abstraction but as a concrete musical experience. All too often counterpoint is reduced to meaningless exercises not connected with real world music. This book combines Fux's species counterpoint whith Schenkerian thought (with out overdoing it) to create the one of the most solid counterpoint book to date.
    Understanding Curriculum: An Introduction to the Study of Historical and Contemporary Curriculum Discourses (Counterpoints : Studies in the Postmode)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Understanding Curriculum: An Introduction to the Study of Historical and Contemporary Curriculum Discourses (Counterpoints : Studies in the Postmode)
      William F. Pinar , William M. Reynolds , Patrick Slattery , and Peter M. Taubman
      Manufacturer: Peter Lang Pub Inc
      ProductGroup: Book
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      Understanding 4 Views on Baptism (Counterpoints: Church Life)
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Dr. John D. Castelein and the CoC are dangerous heretics
      • Great Discussion of Christian Views About Baptism
      • Understanding Baptism- A Review
      • balanced, accessible & well organized
      • Excellent overview of baptism
      Understanding 4 Views on Baptism (Counterpoints: Church Life)
      Tom J. Nettles , Richard L., Jr. Pratt , Robert Kolb , and John D. Castelein
      Manufacturer: Zondervan Publishing Company
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      ASIN: 0310262674

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Dr. John D. Castelein and the CoC are dangerous heretics.......2007-08-31

      This book is a very good introduction to the main evangelical views on baptism. The book contains four views: 1) the traditional Baptist view (Nettles); 2) the traditional Reformed view (Pratt); 3) the traditional Lutheran view (Kolb); and 4) the "Christian" Church view (Castelein). The essays by Nettles and Pratt are the best ones. Both make a good case for their respective traditions (though, of course, I agree with Nettles more since I'm a Baptist too). Though Pratt and Kolb do a valiant job in defending their view that infant baptism is Scriptural, I don't believe history and exegesis supports the concept of infant baptism. The nature of redemptive history and exegesis of particular texts demands that only believers should be baptized.

      The major concern I have with this book is that one of the contributors (Castelein) unashamedly denies the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone. On page 132, he writes: "Working with James's definition of faith, in contrast to Paul's definition, salvation by 'faith only' is simply impossible." However, Paul also states that those who reject the true gospel (like Castelein) will also find that salvation is impossible (Gal 1:8-9). Dr. Castelein and all those CoC members who explicitly deny justification by faith alone are heretics and will not find salvation unless they repent of their grievous error. Adding one's own works to the finished work of Christ on the cross is an insult to God.

      5 out of 5 stars Great Discussion of Christian Views About Baptism.......2007-05-24

      This is a great addition to the Counterpoints series. The format of previous volumes is retained. Each theologian has an essay about his view of baptism, and the others give brief replies.

      The first one up at the plate is Thomas Nettles, who represents the Baptist view. He points out that the pattern for baptism is that it is something which follows belief. Therefore, Nettles would not baptize an infant. Nettles struggles somewhat as he tries to explain how difficult texts such as 1 Peter 3:21 and Acts 22:16 fit into his system.

      The Reformed view is presented by Richard Pratt, Jr. He contends that infant baptism has a similar function to circumcision in the Old Testament in that it incorporates the child into the visible community (even though it does not confer saving grace on the child).

      Nettles and Castelein countered Pratt by noting that Pratt placed an equal amount of emphasis on the Westminster Confession as he did the Bible, and that non_Reformed Christians would object to this. They note that our doctrine should come straight from Scripture.

      Robert Kolb presents the Lutheran view, and it is very similar to the Reformed perspective. The main difference is that Lutherans believe that babies ARE born again when they are baptized. Nettles counters this by noting that that there are no known instances of salvation in the New Testament apart from hearing and responding to the gospel, an argument which struck me as quite cogent.

      John Castelein presents the Church of Christ view. His presentation is very similar to the Baptist view. The one difference is that Castelein contends that baptism is the occasion for justification, a teaching that Pratt and Nettles effectively challenge.

      Armstrong has a short essay encouraging continued dialogue, then there are appendixes which list all the scriptures about baptism and some of the confessional statements issued by the Church in the past.

      I don't think that any one of the writers delievered a knockout punch, but my own understanding of Scripture fits best with the view of Thomas Nettles. I am surprised that non one discussed Acts 2:41, which says that "all who accepted the message were baptized." I wonder how infant baptizers would respond to this.

      But I thought the essays were crisp and clear, and I like how each one ended with practical questions that people might ask, along with some good answers. Buy this book if you are sifting through your understanding of baptism.

      3 out of 5 stars Understanding Baptism- A Review.......2007-04-03

      This book is helpful and accomplishes it's task of presenting 4 views on Baptism and in essence salvation. I am taken back at Richard Pratt stating on page 115 that the Lutheran view, which holds to Baptismal regeneration, is closer to the Reformed view than the Reformed Baptist Tom Nettles presentation. Pratt must deem ecclesiological ritual more important than soteriology.

      5 out of 5 stars balanced, accessible & well organized.......2007-03-08

      This book is a balanced, accessible and well organized summary of four major views on baptism. I had some questions about my church's stance on baptism in relation to other Protestant traditions, but found that most of the material out there is either heavily biased or overly academic and lengthy. This material is set up in a point/counter-point formula with each of the four authors succinctly articulating their view on baptism followed by a response from the other three authors. The views represented are: Reformed, Baptist, Lutheran, and the Church of Christ. Although it is clear that each of the authors is firmly committed to their view, they disagree respectfully with each other and are even able to find some common ground. This allows the reader to quickly and easily understand the arguments for all four positions. If you've got some questions about baptism, this book is a great place to start.

      5 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of baptism.......2007-02-26

      This is a fantastic summary of four Protestant understandings of baptism: from the Baptist, Reformed, Lutheran, and Church of Christ perspectives. Each of the authors does a marvelous job of stating his case briefly and succinctly (all chapters are under 20 pages) and yet thoroughly -- I felt as though I grasped the core teachings of each perspective after I finished. The editor (John Armstrong) also offers a helpful introduction and conclusion, which point out some of the universally-held points of agreement among all the contributors, as well as the key issues on which they differ.

      I fall within the Reformed perspective, and I was impressed by how the Reformed writer not only included several classic terms from Reformed theology (e.g., "covenant", "sign and seal", "means of grace") but also defined these terms and showed how they emerge from the Bible and not just from the Reformed Confessions. Other reviewers will have to assess whether they think the other 3 perspectives were as well-represented, but I thought all the chapters were very well-written. (Perhaps a few additional comments could have helped in a few areas. For example, neither of the two proponents of Infant Baptism addressed very strongly how the biblical data is somewhat inconclusive: just as there is no explicit command to baptize infants, neither is there an explicit command forbidding it; and just as there is no clear-cut example of an infant being baptized in Scripture, neither is there any example of an infant being presented for baptism by his or her parents, and being denied. But this is a small point.)

      The respect that each of the authors has for each other is also evident: Several times they list points of agreement with the other positions which sound like they spring from genuine appreciation, and not from a patronizing attempt to avoid sounding too critical. Also, the editor readily admits in the opening introduction that there is no single position on baptism which is the definitive "Christian" or "biblical" view.

      Other than the brevity of the chapters and the possibility of a few additional comments that would have solidified the authors' positions, the only other thing (that I can think of) that would have strenghtened this book would have been to include a Roman Catholic viewpoint: I'd be especially interested to hear how a Roman Catholic might respond to and critique the four views that are contained.

      But this is a minor quibble. Overall, this book gives a wonderful presentation of four major views on baptism. The reader will come away with a well-balanced understanding of the main strengths and weaknesses of each position. And as an added bonus, the back of the book contains a series of appendices which include a concordance of all the occurences of the word "baptize" (and its derivatives) in the Bible, and a series of quotations from creeds, catechisms, and well-respected theologians that offer additional examples of the differing views on baptism. This book will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone wanting a broader understanding of baptism, as it is viewed by differing Christian traditions.

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