Overview

Baptism is a foundational rite and sacrament of the church. Over the centuries, the significance of baptism for Christian life and faith has been confirmed by the church, but baptism remains a highly controversial topic. Numerous disagreements exist between denominations and faith traditions--including the various descendants of the original Methodist movement--over the doctrine and practice of baptism. Who can be baptized? Why is baptism done? What does the rite mean? New Life in the Risen Christ: A Wesleyan Theology of Baptism seeks to address confusion over baptism and offer a coherent treatment of the sacrament from a Wesleyan theological perspective. Distinguished scholars from around the world are brought together in this volume to examine the writings of John Wesley and offer scholarly reflections on topics related to the sacrament of baptism. Their work is an invitation to remember and be thankful for baptism as the sign of divine grace that initiates Christians into a new reality: life in the risen Christ.

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9781666735970

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Reviews

"""Baptism has often been a theological Achilles heel for the descendants of Charles and John Wesley. But this excellent volume of insightful essays shows that they need not be vulnerable at this sacramental spot. Come, read, and be instructed by excellent reflections on this essential sacrament. I know no better collection of essays looking at the various facets of baptismal theology from a Wesleyan perspective."" --Lester Ruth, Duke Divinity School ""New Life in the Risen Christ is a feast! It rightly locates baptism within the wider horizon of God's redemptive work in Christ and in the Spirit. Along the way, it clears up many confusions and casts a vision of baptism that inspires both gratitude and generosity. Scholarly but accessible, it is a must-read for Wesleyans who long for the renewal of the church and the healing of the world."" --Jason E. Vickers, Baylor University ""Methodists have tended to get confused about baptism, both theologically and pastorally. They will be less confused if they read this book. It is comprehensive, learned, rooted in careful exegesis and responsible history, and eminently readable as it relates baptism to themes dear to Wesleyan theology such as salvation, holiness, evangelism, the Holy Spirit, justice, works of mercy, and the means of grace. Every pastor in any stream of the Methodist tradition ought to have it on his or her shelf."" --Jennifer Woodruff Tait, editor, Christian History Magazine"

Author Information

Jonathan Powers is the assistant professor of worship studies at Asbury Theological Seminary.

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