Baptism

Biblical aspects

Among the cleansing rituals practised in turn-of-the-eras Jewish life was the bath required as part of the process of conversion to Judaism. Groups such as those following John the Baptist demanded such conversion, including the baptismal rite, of even Jews, marking their change to obedience to God's will. Jesus received such a baptism, although the meaning of his baptism became later a matter for theological reflection. Baptism became a common rite for conversion to the early Christian community, even as the church spread to gentiles.

The biblical evidence is too sparse to prove whether children were baptised or not. It also does not make clear the mode of baptism (although immersion, but not necessarily submersion, seems most likely). Baptism was clearly connected with repentance, instruction, the gift of the Spirit, and speaking in tongues, although the specific relationships among these items seem to have varied.

• What are the theological assumptions of the biblical writers?
• What are the theological assertions of the biblical writers?
• What were the baptismal practices in the early church?
• What authority does the theology and practice of the early church with respect to baptism have for the contemporary church?

Theological and historical aspects

Some trends in the early church emphasized the unique nature of the one baptism and its connection with salvation to such a degree that believers postponed their baptism so that they might not die in sin. Much more recently, this connection with salvation led to emergency baptisms of fetuses and newly born infants.

The dispute about the validity of baptism by one considered tainted by immorality was a significant factor in the Donatist controversy. Another controversy (reflected in some of our readings) was whether baptism in other segments of the Christian movement (sects and heresies) could be considered a real baptism. The unity of the Church is connected with the unity of baptism.

Although a minority in both American and world Christianity, a large number of Christians view baptism as a sign of human promises to God or a rite commanded to be followed, but not the means of rebirth.

• Is baptism a sign of grace, a means of grace, or a promise of obedience?
• Is the validity of initiation into the church (the body of Christ) impaired if water baptism, commitment to service, and the gift of the Spirit do not occur in a specific order?
• What is the connection between the unity of the church and recognition of other groups' baptisms?
• What is the relationship, if any, between baptism and either chrismation or confirmation?

Assigned Readings

• 8.2 Clement of Alexandria on the results of baptism
enlightened, adopted, perfection, washing, gift of grace
• 8.3 Cyprian of Carthage on heretical baptism
one baptism to one church; heretics are adversaries of Christ
• 8.4 Cyril of Jerusalem on the meaning of baptism
renounced Satan; deliverance
• 8.6 Hilary of Poitiers on the effects of baptism
holy Spirit after washing ; adoption
• 8.8 Augustine on the right to baptize
invalidity results from break with church
• 8.20 Martin Luther on baptism
small catechism [minus two proof texts]
• Articles of Religion 17 and 27
• 17: of sin after baptism there is repentance and forgiveness, except for sin against Holy Ghost
• 27: of baptism sign of regeneration
• "Baptism" in Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order Paper 111; World Council of Churches, 1982), 2-7

I. The Institution of Baptism
II. The Meaning of Baptism
	A. Participation in Christ's death and resurrection
	B. Conversion, pardoning, and cleansing
	C. The gift of the Spirit
	D. Incorporation into the Body of Christ
	E. The sign of the Kingdom 
III. Baptism and Faith
IV. Baptismal Practice
	A. Baptism of believers and infants
	B. Baptism-Chrismation-Confirmation
	C. Towards mutual recognition of baptism
V. The Celebration of Baptism 
        

Other suggested reading

• Marty, Martin E. "Baptismal terrors." Christian century 117, no. 25 (2000): 935.

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The page last modified 19 November 2000