Including a Foreword by The Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, this volume examines the theology and practice of baptism. It contains a narrative introduction that highlights the different approaches taken to baptism, and the various issues that come with them. The volume also covers how the changing cultural context within Britain has influenced responses to baptism. At the heart of the book is a detailed examination of the theme of covenant running through the Bible and how this shapes its understanding of baptism.Gordon Kuhrt and his son Stephen explore several controversial issues associated with baptism. Believing in Baptism contains an in-depth discussion of the sacramental issues surrounding baptismal ‘efficacy’, for instance, as well as infant or family baptism. The authors also examine the ‘Baptist’ view, discrimination in Baptism and the issue of ‘Rebaptism’. Finally, they consider the issue of ‘Baptism and its Completion?’, and make practical recommendations on the ways in which baptism should be taught and lived in the local church.
Gordon Kuhrt served in Parish Ministry for over twenty years (1967-1989) and was then Archdeacon of Lewisham (1989-1996) before becoming Director of Ministry for the Church of England (1996-2006).Stephen Kuhrt has been Vicar of Christ Church, New Malden, UK since 2007. Previously, he was curate of Christ Church and before that a school teacher. He is the author of Tom Wright for Everyone: Putting the Theology of N.T. Wright into Practice in the Local Church (2011).
Preface Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction: Baptism in Melton Sudbury 1 Who believes in baptism? 2 The Bible and baptism 3 God’s covenant (part one) 4 God’s covenant (part two) 5 John the Baptist and baptism 6 The baptism of Jesus 7 Baptism in the Early Church 8 Baptism as a sacrament 9 Baptism and the Christian family 10 The ‘Baptist’ view 11 Discrimination in baptism 12 ‘Rebaptism’ – Is it ever justified? 13 Baptism and its completion? 14 Living and preaching baptism Epilogue: Changes to baptism in Melton Sudbury Notes Bibliography Index of biblical referencesGeneral index
We have every reason to be grateful to the Kuhrts for this deeply biblical and eminently practical study of baptism. Well-researched, thorough and rich, this is a fine book with wide sympathies and a clear centre of gravity. It could well be a classic.
