Presenting a survey of the historical underpinnings of baptismal liturgies and theologies, this book presents an ecumenical and geographical discussion of baptismal rites, practice and reflection, and sacramental theology. It offers the understandings of baptism in the New Testament and the development of baptismal reflection and liturgical rites.
In this first of two volumes, 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. He focuses particularly on the Homilies of Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Theodore and Ambrose, the post-nicene rites and commentaries, and the impact of medieval theologies of baptism and Augustinian theology with reference to Western understanding.
'... the author's love of the topic shines through... a fascinating and intriguing read... an enticing introduction to the breadth and beauty of early Christian initiation ceremonies... This is an excellent source for scholars who need a brief, clear, learned, and very readable introduction to the central rite of Christian initiation. As such, it would also make a useful text for any course in Christian thought and practice.' Speculum '[Bryan Spinks] has produced the most comprehensive history of Christian baptism available, perhaps the most complete ever published.' Touchstone 'Few readers will fail to encounter something new in these learned pages... the attenuated and diluted baptismal practices, to say nothing of theologies, of wide reaches of evangelical Christianity could surely benefit from exposure to some of the richness of imagery and actions displayed in this study.' Themelios '... fills an important gap, both for the student and the scholar... one is struck both by the sheer variety of the material, and by the surefooted way in which Spinks negotiates his journey through the perilous terrain of scholarly controversy and ongoing research... All in all, Spinks has provided the world of scholarship and teaching with many favours for the years to come in [this] well-presented and thoroughly researched [work].' Journal of Theological Studies '... of particular value in that Bryan Spinks presents that variety and disagreement, causing and caused by the Churches' separation, so that readers are forced to identify and reflect on the traditions in which they have been formed, implicitly or explicitly. Readers who may never have questioned the meaning and purpose of their own baptism will be enabled to align themselves with one or more liturgical practices or nuanced theological positions of the foundational event in Christian discipleship.' Church Times 'Bryan Spinks is a master of clear, concise summary. The history of 1,500 years is compres
