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

“In the years since the publication of the Faith and Order document Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, ecumenical discussions have come to include significant attention to the actual liturgical practice of baptism and the actual significance of that practice for the lives of Christian believers and for the unity of the church. Time and again, at the heart of such discussion has been the gracious and insightful leadership of Thomas F. Best. Now those discussions and that leadership come together in this excellent collection of liturgies, commentaries, survey articles, ecumenical agreements, and careful articulations of the many remaining challenges. The result is a book that cannot be ignored by anyone interested in thinking about Christian baptism in the present time.” — Gordon W. Lathrop, Charles A. Schieren Professor of Liturgy Emeritus, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia”This is a wonderful book for any person interested in understanding where the C (more…)