Practicing Baptism: Christian Practices and the Presence of Christ - Softcover

Norheim, Bård Eirik Hallesby

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1625641753 ISBN 13: 9781625641755

Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2014

Synopsis

Where is Jesus Christ? This fundamental question is the starting point of this book, which investigates the shape of Christian life and ministry in a post-Christendom context. Over the last decades there has been a shift in much of Western theology towards focusing on Christian practices in ministry and theological education. This may be seen as a way to deal with theological anxiety in an era of heightened personal autonomy. In Practicing Baptism Bård Norheim critically analyzes the engagement in Christian practices. As a response to this engagement Norheim develops a missional and diaconal theology for ministry, focusing on the presence of Christ in Christian practices. Fundamentally, this is an attempt to answer a pressing question for today: What do Christians do? Norheim draws on Martin Luther's theology and his notion of the three modes of Christ's presence, the present tense of baptism, and Luther's idea of the marks of the church. Based on this reading of Luther's theology, Norheim suggests that Christian life and ministry could be interpreted through the concept practicing baptism.

About this title

About the Author

Rev Dr Bård Eirik Hallesby Norheim is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at NLA University College, Bergen, Norway.

Review

Norheim is a creative force, effortlessly melding theology, the practice of ministry, and the world of popular music. Norheim is a theologian, a youth missionary, and musical artist in Norway and Estonia. PRACTICING BAPTISM introduces his writing to North America where, I predict, it will be received enthusiastically. Norheim is an expert at blending divergent perspectives and genres into beautiful melodies. In this book, you'll hear North American ecclesial practice theory placed in deep conversation with Luther's theology, moving with a tempo that will help you in your ministry. --Andrew Root, Luther Seminary

Bård Norheim is the up-and-coming theologian in the youth ministry world. In PRACTICING BAPTISM he builds a powerful critique of the practices paradigm, drawing on a rich and detailed engagement with the Lutheran theology of baptism. This book is an essential read for all of those who care about the theological enrichment of youth ministry. --Peter Ward, King's College

Bård Norheim has written a magnificent book. It not only summarizes the many strengths of the Christian practices conversation, but deftly critiques some leading voices for inadequate attention to what, exactly, makes such practices Christian. It develops an exciting interpretation of Martin Luther's theology of baptism as something one practices daily. Highly recommended for a wide range of readers, from pastors and youth workers to professors of practical, historical, sacramental, and systematic theology. --Christian Scharen, Luther Seminary

Edition details

• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1625641753
• ISBN 13: 9781625641755
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 238