Baptism And The Unity Of The Church

What does a common baptism mean for the unity of the churches? Do the churches in fact share in a common baptism? This volume is the first comprehensive study of the meaning of baptism for church unity to be written by an ecumenical group of theologians -- Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and Baptist. These essays explore such themes as how baptism relates to the communion shared by the churches and the relationship of baptism and church unity as found in the New Testament, in the ecumenical dialogues, and in the liturgies of the churches.

The concept of missionary baptism is based on the household baptism of converts and their families described in the New Testament. This is most commonly experienced today in missionary situations, when entire families become Christians. Building on the work of nineteenth-century Scottish theologian William Cunningham, this study explores some implications for the connection between believers’ baptism, infant baptism, baby dedication, and Christian unity, particularly among evangelicals.

This treatise was written about 400 A.D. Concerning it Aug. in Retract. Book II. c. xviii., says: I have written seven books on Baptism against the Donatists, who strive to defend themselves by the authority of the most blessed bishop and martyr Cyprian; in which I show that nothing is so effectual for the refutation of the Donatists, and for shutting their mouths directly from upholding their schism against the Catholic Church, as the letters and act of Cyprian. Aeterna Press

As the most recent contribution to the churches' quest for Christian unity, One Baptism was a decade in the making. It is a study document from the World Council of Churches' Commission on Faith and Order that invites further dialogue among Christians concerning baptism within the One Church of Jesus Christ. This new book finds inspiration most directly from the 1982 Agreed Statement Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM) and the churches' responses to it. The book explores the close relationship between baptism and the believer's lifelong growth in Christ, suggesting that this link provides a strong argument for greater mutual recognition of baptism. One Baptism also addresses issues in baptismal understanding and practice that cause controversies within and among churches and hinder mutual recognition. (Series: Faith and Order Papers - No. 210)

Laurence H. Stookey sifts through the confusion and rhetoric to offer this practical, biblically sound guide to baptism. He examines the sacrament from historical, theological, and pastoral perspectives, and looks at how it has been altered through the ages.

The essays in this book explore varieties of baptismal practice today, address the continuing problem of 're-baptism', offer fresh perspectives on the relation between baptism and Christian ethics, and call the churches to draw the full implications for Christian unity of their 'mutual recognition of baptism'. Baptism, the birthright common to all Christians, is a cornerstone of the ecumenical movement. Continuing the dialogue among liturgists, theologians, church musicians and pastors begun in So We Believe, So We Pray (WCC, 1995), this book focuses on baptism in relation the unity of the church. Exploring patterns of baptismal practice today, it includes striking examples of inculturation from around the world. It also insists on the link between liturgy and life. With contributions from Gordon Lathrop, Anscar Chupungco, OSB and Janet Crawford, this book is an important resource for everyone concerned with baptism, worship, the life of the church and the ecumenical movement today.