This study is about a paradoxical appraisal of infant baptism in the Anglican Communion as a response to the mission and doctrinal challenges of baptism controversy in the Christian domain. Given the situation in the background, it is opined in this study that the Anglican theology of baptism needs to be appraised critically in line with its mission. The practice of infant baptism in Anglican Communion is being misunderstood doctrinally by some other Pentecostal denominations that insist on adult baptism of immersion mode. This misunderstanding of baptism in matters of its significance, function, efficacy, method and the adequacy of the outward mode has made this study very imperative. In other words, the lack of consistent knowledge and teaching about infant baptism seems to be the main factor that enables the baptism theology to have a great influence on the infant baptism debate in Nigeria. That is why this study will investigate the better understanding of the Scriptural significance and mode of infant baptism and survey the Anglican theology of baptism in order to respond to its doctrinal challenges in the Nigeria Christian environment.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Purpose of the Study
1.5 Methodology
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Organization of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
2. CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Theoretical Foundation
2.1.2 Initiatory Theory
2.1.3 Leadership Successional Theory
2.1.3 Expectancy Theory
2.2 Baptism and Church History
2.2.1 Baptism
2.2.2 Church History
2.3 Significance of Baptism
2.3.1 Baptism as Means of Grace
2.3.2 Baptism as Initiation into the Church
2.3.3 Baptism as Remission of Sin
2.3.4 Baptism as Participation in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
2.3.5 Baptism as Regeneration
2.3.6 Baptism as the Gift of the Holy Spirit
2.3.7 Baptism Eschatological Dimension
2.4 Conceptual Framework
2.4.1 Paradoxical Exposition
2.4.2 Concept of Infant Baptism
2.4.3 Historical Development of Infant Baptism
2.4.4 Reasons for Infant Baptism
2.5 Empirical Review
3. CHAPTER THREE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM
3.1 Meaning
3.2 Baptism in the Scripture
3.3 Types of Baptism
3.3.1 Water baptism
3.3.2 Baptism is a figure of salvation in Christ (1Pe 3:21)
3.3.3 Baptism by the Holy Spirit
3.3.4 Baptism with the Holy Ghost
3.3.5 Baptism of Christ's suffering
3.3.6 Baptism with fire
3.4 Mode
3.5 Candidates
4. CHAPTER FOUR INFANT BAPTISM IN THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
4.1 What is the Anglican communion
4.2 Doctrines of The Anglican Communion
4.3 Baptism in the Anglican communion
4.4 Anglican Beliefs and Practices of Infant Baptism
4.5 Arguments in favour of Infant Baptism
4.6 Arguments against Infant Baptism
4.7 The Paradoxes of Infant Baptism
4.8 Appraisal
5. CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Contribution to Knowledge
Research Objectives and Themes
This work aims to provide a paradoxical appraisal of infant baptism within the Anglican Communion, addressing the missional and doctrinal challenges posed by baptismal controversies. The study explores the Scriptural significance and historical development of infant baptism, seeking to reconcile differing theological perspectives and clarify the Anglican position.
- The historical development and Biblical basis of infant baptism.
- Arguments for and against infant baptism in the light of the Bible.
- The Anglican theology of baptism and its significance as a sacrament.
- The intersection of baptism with the covenant community and mission.
- Pastoral strategies for addressing baptismal controversy in the church.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 Baptism
Baptism is an outward act that symbolizes the inward phenomenon of coming to and accepting Jesus Christ as real, as God incarnate, as the sacrificial means by which those who believe in him can be forever reconciled to God. The purpose of baptism is to give visual testimony of our commitment to Christ. It is the first step of discipleship (Acts 8:26-39). Baptism is an invitation to join the Church family. When a baby or younger child is baptised, the parents accept the invitation on behalf of their child. Older children and adults accept the invitation themselves. Often adults are baptised at Easter. Baptism is a special time for the person who is to be baptised, for their family and friends and the parish community (Richard, 2017).
The Old Testament. In the Septuagint4 βαπηíδω occurs very infrequently (II Kings 5:14; Isa. 21:4). in Isaiah 21:4 it is used in a figurative sense to translate the Hebrew word txb which means to terrify, startle, or fall upon. It would appear that nothing very determinative regarding the precise import of βαπηíδω can be derived from this instance. In II Kings 5:14 the reference is to Naaman‟s baptising of himself seven times in Jordan, and βαπηíδω translates the Hebrew word. It is the word βαπηω which occurs most frequently in the Septuagint, occurring some seventeen times. In most of these instances it translates the Hebrew word just as Βαπηíδω does in II Kings 5:14. It means to dip or be moist with. In Leviticus 11:32 βαπηω translates the Hebrew word azb and no doubt refers to immersion — the articles concerned are put into water. In Psalm 68:23(24) βαπηω translates the Hebrew word ~lbf which means to smite through. But the Greek seems to convey a different idea, one akin to that of the Hebrew word lbf. There need be no question then that βαπηíδω means to dip and so also does βαπηω which the Greek rendering is.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: This chapter establishes the background, problem statement, research questions, and methodology concerning the study of infant baptism within the Anglican Communion.
CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: This section examines theoretical foundations including initiatory theory, leadership successional theory, and expectancy theory, alongside a review of baptismal history, significance, and conceptual frameworks.
CHAPTER THREE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM: This chapter focuses on the theological meaning, types, modes, and candidates of Christian baptism from a Biblical perspective.
CHAPTER FOUR INFANT BAPTISM IN THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION: This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of Anglican beliefs, doctrines, and historical practices regarding infant baptism, including arguments for and against the rite.
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The final chapter summarizes the research findings, offers a conclusion on the validity of infant baptism, and provides practical recommendations for the church.
Keywords
Anglican Communion, Infant Baptism, Baptism, Covenant Theology, Sacrament, Holy Spirit, Regeneration, Scripture, Ecclesiology, Biblical Interpretation, Initiation, Faith, Christian Doctrine, Justification, Covenant Community
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research provides a paradoxical appraisal of infant baptism within the Anglican Communion, investigating its Biblical, historical, and theological foundations to address doctrinal controversies.
What are the central themes of the work?
The study centers on the theological justification of infant baptism, the significance of the baptismal rite, the role of the covenant community, and the practical challenges of maintaining this tradition against differing denominational views.
What is the main research question of the book?
The work aims to address whether infant baptism is Biblical, what the arguments for and against it are, and how the Anglican theology of baptism can be appraised to respond to modern missional and doctrinal challenges.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs extensive use of primary and secondary data, including interviews, personal observations, textbooks, church documentations, and a thorough review of relevant theological and historical literature.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body treats theoretical frameworks, the history of baptism in the church, the significance of the rite as a means of grace and initiation, and an evaluative discussion on the practice of infant baptism in the Anglican tradition.
How would you characterize this work with keywords?
The work is characterized by terms such as Anglican Communion, Infant Baptism, Covenant Theology, Sacrament, Biblical Interpretation, and Ecclesiology.
Why is the "covenant" concept central to this discussion?
The covenant concept is central because proponents of infant baptism root the practice in the Old Testament covenant tradition, arguing that it represents the continuation of the covenant sign for the children of believers.
How does the Anglican Communion justify the use of sprinkling instead of full immersion?
The Anglican Church argues that the efficacy of baptism is found in the mystic work of the Holy Spirit rather than the outward mode; therefore, they authorize both sprinkling (affusion) and immersion, often citing historical and practical considerations.
How do the authors differentiate between the "Old Covenant" and the "New Covenant" in relation to baptism?
The text argues that while the substance of God's covenant remains, the external ritual of circumcision in the Old Covenant has been fulfilled and replaced by baptism in the New Covenant, moving from an emphasis on lineage to an emphasis on faith and profession.
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- Newman Enyioko (Autor:in), 2020, Appraisal of Infant Baptism in the Anglican Communion, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/537297
