Today I Was Baptized

An ideal book to read with children to wonder and learn about baptism, with illustrations that reflect the diversity of God’s people. Grounded in the Episcopal liturgical tradition, it is an accessible and inviting introduction to baptism for children and families of many Christian traditions. While learning what occurs during a baptism service, the reader (both child and parent) will be guided through the sacramental and communal aspects of the celebration. Beautifully illustrated in full color, a dedication page encourages personalization of the book, making it a perfect baptism gift. A family section offers questions and suggests ways to go deeper in conversation about baptism, making it a resource that families will use again and again with their children.

An illustrated book for 8–11 year olds and families, with activities that offer a variety of ways for children to interact with this core value of our faith, making a direct connection for young people between their faith and daily life.

A perfect baptism memory book that will become a treasured keepsake for children and families. Welcome, child of God! You are loved! This touching picture book is the ideal gift to celebrate the love that children experience on their baptism day. On the Day You Were Baptized is a keepsake that teaches readers they are special and belong to the most wonderful family in the world -- the Church. Inclusive and timeless illustrations invite a variety of readers to connect with the text. With a dedication page in front and space in the back, family members and friends can record their memories of the special day or add photographs for personalization. The simple and relatable narrative is theologically sound and explains to young children how baptism is a sign of God's love and eternal promises. A beautiful and highly recommended gift for infant baptism or christening, On the Day You Were Baptized celebrates the love of parents, the faith community, and our heavenly Father.

Who baptized Jesus? Read the story of his baptism and how he was tested.

The issue of baptism has troubled Protestants for centuries. Should infants be baptized before their faith is conscious, or does God command the baptism of babies whose parents have been baptized? Popular New Testament scholar Scot McKnight makes a biblical case for infant baptism, exploring its history, meaning, and practice and showing that infant baptism is the most historic Christian way of forming children into the faith. He explains that the church's practice of infant baptism developed straight from the Bible and argues that it must begin with the family and then extend to the church. Baptism is not just an individual profession of faith: it takes a family and a church community to nurture a child into faith over time. McKnight explains infant baptism for readers coming from a tradition that baptizes adults only, and he counters criticisms that fail to consider the role of families in the formation of faith. The book includes a foreword by Todd Hunter and an afterword by Gerald McDermott.

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, reviewing the current opportunities--and challenges--facing the churches in the area of baptism. This book will be an important resource for all who wish to explore the understanding and practice of baptism, and its role in the life of the churches and of the ecumenical movement today.