Entering the Household of God: Taking Baptism Seriously in a Post-Christian Society

Every priest and minister knows there is more, much more, to baptism than a brief ceremony. The Book of Common Prayer makes it very clear that parents and godparents have a duty "to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church." But, in this post-modern, post-Christian world, how does a parish priest overcome the obstacles our culture puts in the way of carrying out this task? Fortunately, the Rev. Claudia A. Dickson has made a study of the gifts and responsibilities that are both implicit and explicit in the rite of baptism. And she has distilled her study into this helpful and succinct volume. You will find a basic history of baptism, followed by suggested plans for study sessions for parents, godparents, candidates, or individuals preparing to renew their baptismal vows. Questions for discussion and simple group exercises are designed to ensure lively conversation and, at the same time, to ensure that participants have a solid sense of the implications of the baptismal rite. Throughout the discussion, there are useful cross-references to the Service of Holy Baptism, which is reprinted in this volume.