Description
Book SynopsisWriting in the middle of the twentieth century, G.W. Bromiley was acutely aware of the renewal of debates surrounding baptism taking place within the Anglican church and elsewhere. These debates, which are still the cause of denominational division, can be best understood by tracing them back to their origins in the sixteenth century. Analysing the Anglican Reformers'' views on baptism''s sacramental status, its liturgical format and its theological substance, Bromiley places the current diversity of positions in its proper context. The legitimacy of infant baptism, the authority of ministers and the efficacy of grace are all discussed. Whether a scholar of ecclesiological and doctrinal history, or of the current debate within and between churches, this study is essential reading on the question of baptism past and present.
Trade ReviewBromiley begins by discussing "traditionalist" (i.e., pre-Reformation) perspectives before turning to the Lutheran, continental Calvinist, and English Reformers. He is careful to highlight both the continuities and discontinuities not only between the "traditionalists" and the Reformers, but also among the different segments of the Reformers themselves. The resulting overview feels compact yet thorough, serving as a solid introduction to perennial questions and controversies pertaining to baptism as they arose during the Reformation. James Clark, Review Editor,The North American Anglican.
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction I. The Sacrament (1) General Concept (2) Signification (3) Types (4) Necessity II. The Participants (1) The Minister (2) Irregular Ministers (3) The Subject (4) Infant Baptism III. The Rite (1) Prerequisites (2) Matter and Form (3) Ceremonies (4) Circumstances IV. The Grace (1) Effects (2) Efficacy (3) Infants (4) Post-baptismal Sin Conclusion Bibliography Index of Names Index of Subjects Index of New Testament References
