Baptism

Synopsis:In this book, Gordon Heath and James Dvorak bring together three traditions that are not often brought together under one roof: Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. Authors from a number of Protestant traditions, as well as one from Orthodoxy and one from Catholicism, have contributed to a volume that provides a grander vision of the diversity of the church as well as a deeper sense of the differences that divide and the similarities that unite. This book provides a much-needed and helpful forum for a variety of Christian positions to be presented and defended so that Christians can at least operate out of understanding rather than ignorance. The authors also hope that such understanding will nudge people closer together as baptized followers of Jesus Christ. The gracious spirit of each contributor to this volume indicates that it is possible. All contributors in this volume write about their own tradition, and a number write not just as academics but also as ordained leaders in their churches. The insider's perspective that each author brings allows passionate presentations of each perspective but also committed defenses of the same.Endorsements:Through such cross-pollination of traditions a fuller, more fruitful discussion will take place, and perhaps lead even to greater unity among Christians. Similarities between the views are striking and even comforting, pointing to much more agreement than one might expect. The frequent references to Romans 6, explanations of corporate/communal salvation, and the connection of concepts of baptism with the various ecclesiologies are all tremendously helpful. The differences in methodology are interesting and instructive. Putting these views on the table clearly will help in ecumenical discussion. This book will become required reading for my pastoral theology course.--William E. KooiProfessor of TheologyOklahoma Christian UniversityAuthor Biography:Gordon L. Heath is associate professor of Christian History at McMaster Divinity College, and Director of the Canadian Baptist Archives. His publications include Doing Church History: A User-friendly Introduction to Researching the History of Christianity (2008).James D. Dvorak is associate professor of Greek and New Testament at Oklahoma Christian University. He is currently co-editing a volume on New Testament ecclesiology.