No Greater Jewel : Thinking about Baptism with Luther

Luther writes in his Large Catechism: "No greater jewel, therefore, can adorn our body and soul than baptism, for through it we become completely holy and blessed, which no other kind of life and no work on earth can acquire."

Of all Christian rituals, baptism, in its historical, theological and spiritual importance, warrants constant re-examination and careful dusting in an effort to polish and present the jewel passed on to us. In No Greater Jewel Luther's teaching of baptism is unfolded in light of specific issues arising around Lutheran practices and understanding of baptism today. The wisdom of Luther's words offers helpful perspectives for spiritual living and impetus for living with hope and ethical integrity in this world - inspired by the kind of love Jesus preached and demonstrated in his life.

Kirsi I. Stjerna is First Lutheran, Los Angeles/Southwest California Synod Professor of Lutheran History and Theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University, Berkeley, a Core Doctoral Faculty member at Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and a Docent in Helsinki University, Finland. She has authored several books, including Women and the Reformation and Luther, The Bible and the Jewish People (with Brooks Schramm), and Lutheran Theology: A Grammar of Faith. She is one of three general editors of the six-volume The Annotated Luther (Fortress Press).