Exploring Baptism as the Ground of Christian Unity
A rigorous examination of how the ancient church understood baptism, and how its power shapes faith and fellowship today. This edition foregrounds Patristic witness and Scriptural harmony to illuminate the meaning of one baptism.
Delving into the apostolic teaching on unity, this work connects the one baptism to one faith, one Lord, and one God and Father. It traces how early church fathers linked baptism with inward grace, the Spirit, and the formation of a single body of believers, beyond mere outward ceremony. Readers will see how reservoir of beliefs about cleansing, renewal, and belonging are rooted in scripture and early tradition, and why these ideas matter for contemporary Christian life.
- Grounds the unity of Christians in the theology of baptism as a living, inward grace, not just a ritual act.
- Draws on patristic writings to explain the relationship between baptism, faith, and the Spirit.
- Discusses key passages, such as the call to one body and one hope, and how they anchor communal life.
- Clarifies historical debates about the extent and meaning of the baptizing act within the church.
Ideal for readers who seek a historically informed, theologically careful view of baptism and its role in shaping church unity and identity.