When Socinianism was at the height of its power, Andrew Fuller challenged it in its self-professed point of greatest strength --the virtue encouraged by its principles of theistic rationality. Do the extended implications of its principles compare favorably with Calvinism in the development of virtue? Using their own writings and the admissions they make concerning piety and virtue among Socinians, Fuller compared both systems in their tendency to convert profligates to a life of holiness, to convert professed unbelievers, their development of a standard of morality, to encourage love to God, candor and benevolence toward men, encourage humility and charity, promote love for Christ and veneration of Scripture, develop happiness, cheerfulness, gratitude, obedience, and heavenly-mindedness in the followers of the respective systems. If challenged that he is being judgmental and has focused on subjective criteria, Fuller replied that he is merely engaging the Socinians at the place where they have invited investigation. Fuller intended to lay bare the emptiness of the Socinian boast to virtue. The work first was published in 1793.

Gain an understanding of baptism from four main traditional perspectives. Of all the sacraments, the practice of baptism is often the most disputed. Christians hold different views of its exact significance, who should receive baptism and how old they need to be, the practice of rebaptism, and baptism as a requirement for church membership. In Understanding Four Views on Baptism, four historic views on baptism are considered in depth: Baptist view: baptism of the professing regenerate by immersion (presented by Thomas J. Nettles) Reformed view: infant baptism of children of the covenant (presented by Richard Pratt Jr.) Lutheran view: infant baptism by sprinkling as a regenerative act (presented by Robert Kolb) Church of Christ view: believers' baptism on the occasion of regeneration by immersion (presented by John Castelein) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book's other contributors. Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at your own informed conclusion. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

A collection of writings and documents by the early Southern Baptist theologian and seminary professor, James P. Boyce.