Baptism: A User's Guide

by Martin E. Marty

Overview

To see baptism as merely a ceremony greatly limits the meanings of Christian baptism, says Martin Marty, in this practical and inspirational new look at baptism. Martin Luther recommended that believers should begin and end their day reminding themselves of their baptism and then go to work joyfully or to sleep cheerfully.

Baptism, says Marty, is at the heart of the everyday, life-long spiritual journey as he explores such questions as:

How did early Christians understand and practice baptism?

What difference does baptism make in our daily life?

How does baptism manifest itself in our relationships, our choices, our faith?

With great insight and wisdom, author Martin E. Marty brings us both the history of baptism and a useful guide to its application for everyday life. The book includes questions for reflection and discussion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806680491
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	11/03/2008
Series:	Exploring Christian Faith
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he taught chiefly in the Divinity School for thirty-five years. He has published many books with Augsburg Books and Fortress Press including A Short History of Christianity (9780800619442), The Lord's Supper (9780806633398), Faith (9780806601328), Speaking of Trust (Lutheran Voices, 9780806649948) and with his son, Micah Marty, Places Along the Way (9780806627465) and Our Hope for Years to Come (9780806628363). He lives in Chicago.

Table of Contents

Introduction: "Using" Baptism: A Word between You and Me 1

1 Using the Baptismal Sign of the Cross-Daily 5

2 The Dangerous Grace of Baptizing 12

3 Using the Faith Connected with Baptism 27

4 The Useful Gifts and Benefits of Baptism 41

5 Water Alone Is Useless in Baptism 73

6 The Significance of Baptism with Water 82

7 The Dangers and Rewards of Infant Baptism 89

8 Baptism and Faith-Faith and Baptism 95

9 User's Guide to Baptism 113

To adults being baptized-and everyone else 114

A letter for an infant being baptized-to be opened someday 122

To you parents, of course 130

A conversation with a child's godparents 136

The gospel for the baptizer 140

Words for the community that receives the baptized 145

Questions for Reflection and Discussion 157

Abbreviations 163

Index of Topics 164

Index of Biblical References 167