The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant

Book excerpt: Frank A. James III describes this classic volume as "an apology for the Calvinist conviction that the children of Christian parents properly belong to the church and therefore ought to be admitted to its visible membership through the sacrament of baptism." "Schenck's passion and insight inspire us to discard our empty view of baptism with its sentimental, sleepy, and perfunctory notions of children," writes James in the introduction. "Instead, he would have us praise God for the wonderful grace extended to our covenant children." Schenck seeks to protect and preserve parents' responsibility to nurture their children spiritually. The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant was first published in 1940. Lewis Bevens Schenck (1989-1985) was a professor at Davidson College for forty years. Book jacket.