Baptism Today : Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications

by Best, Thomas F.

• ISBN13: 9780814662212
• ISBN10: 0814662218
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-09-15
• Publisher: Liturgical Pr

Summary

Our common belonging to Christ through baptism creates a bond that transcends the historic and theological differences among the churches, and the mutual recognition of baptism has emerged as a cornerstone of the modern ecumenical movement. Yet significant differences-some threatening the search for the unity of the Church-remain. This book explores the significance of baptism for the churches, and the ecumenical movement, today. Descriptive articles explain the understanding and practice of baptism within a wide range of Christian churches and confessions; these are complemented by baptismal liturgies from many churches, examples of mutual recognition agreements, and reflections on topics such as the role of baptism in increasingly secularized societies. The volume is enhanced by survey articles by prominent liturgists who review the current opportunities-and challenges-facing the churches in the area of baptism.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. vii
Commentaries
Baptism: Sacrament of the Kingdom	p. 3
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism in the Armenian Apostolic Church	p. 15
The Baptismal Liturgy of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church	p. 23
Rite[s] of Baptism in the Catholic Church: A Theological-Pastoral Commentary	p. 29
The Rite of Holy Baptism in the Lutheran Book of Worship	p. 45
Baptism in the Anglican Communion	p. 55
Baptism in the Presbyterian and Reformed Tradition	p. 63
The Baptism of Believers	p. 73
Baptism and the Quaker Tradition	p. 81
Baptismal Practice among North American Mennonites	p. 89
The Initiatory Rites of the United Methodist Church	p. 99
Baptismal Understanding and Practice in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)	p. 109
The Baptismal Liturgy of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar	p. 115
Baptism in the Uniting Church in Australia: The Liturgy, with Commentary and Reflections	p. 133
Witness in the Waters: Baptism and Pentecostal Spirituality	p. 147
Christian Baptism: A Seventh-day Adventist Appraisal	p. 169
A Salvation Army Perspective on Baptism: Theological Understanding and Liturgical Practice	p. 173
Water Baptism in African Independent Churches: The Paradigm of Christ Holy Church International	p. 181
Survey Articles
Toward Mutual Recognition of Baptism	p. 195
Unity in Diversity: Convergence in the Churches' Baptismal Practices	p. 207
Convergence and Divergence: Baptism Today	p. 213
Signs of Recognition
Mutual Recognition of Baptism Agreement: Germany
Introduction	p. 227
Christian Baptism	p. 228
Common Baptismal Certificate: Australia
Australia's Common Baptismal Certificate: Its History and Significance	p. 231
Certificate of Baptism	p. 233
"Baptismal Practice in an Ecumenical Context" Document: Massachusetts, USA
The Genesis of an Ecumenical Text	p. 235
Baptism: Baptismal Practice in an Ecumenical Context	p. 236
Special Issues
Baptism in a Post-"State Church" Situation: The Case of the Church of Sweden	p. 247
Interrogating Christian Practices: Popular Religiosity across the Ocean	p. 255
Baptismal Services
Rite of Christian Initiation (Eastern Orthodox)	p. 269
The Canon of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism (Oriental Orthodox)	p. 289
Text of the Mystery of Holy Baptism (Oriental Orthodox)	p. 303
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Rite of Baptism for Several Children (Catholic)	p. 319
Holy Baptism (Lutheran)	p. 359
The Baptism of Children (Lutheran)	p. 365
An Anglican Service of Baptism and Confirmation (Anglican)	p. 371
The Sacrament of Baptism (Presbyterian)	p. 381
The Baptism of Believers (Baptist)	p. 393
The Rite of Baptism (Mennonite)	p. 401
The Baptismal Covenant I (Methodist)	p. 409
A Representative Disciples Rite of Christian Baptism (Christian Church [Disciples of Christ])	p. 417
Order of Holy Baptism and Chrismation (Mar Thoma)	p. 423
List of Contributors	p. 433
Acknowledgments	p. 437
Index	p. 441
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