Presenting a comprehensive survey of the historical underpinnings of baptismal liturgies and theologies, Bryan Spinks presents an ecumenically and geographically wide-ranging survey and discussion of contemporary baptismal rites, practice and reflection, and sacramental theology. Writing within a clear chronological framework, Bryan Spinks presents two simultaneous volumes on Baptismal Liturgy and Theology. In the first volume, “Early and Medieval Rituals and Theologies of Baptism”, Bryan Spinks summarizes the understandings of baptism in the New Testament and the development of baptismal reflection and liturgical rites throughout Syrian, Egyptian, Roman and African regions; focusing particularly on the Homilies of Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Theodore and Ambrose. The post-nicene rites and commentaries are discussed and the impact of medieval theologies of baptism and Augustinian theology with reference to Western understanding. In the second volume, “Reformation (more…)

Review

A solid collection that should prove of long service. It should find a place in the reference collections of seminaries, colleges and universities supporting studies in the field.–Religious Studies Review

An integrated overview of historyThe volume in this series are arranged topically to cover biography, literature, doctrines, practices, institutions, worship, missions, and daily life. Archaeology and art as well as writings are drawn on to illuminate the Christian movement in its early centuries. Ample attention is also given to the relation of Christianity to pagan thought and life, to the Roman state, to Judaism, and to doctrines and practices that came to be judged as heretical or schismatic. Introductions to each volume tie the articles together for an integrated understanding of the history. Offers insights and understanding The aim of the collection is to give balanced and comprehensive coverage, selected on the basis of the followi (more…)