The meaning of baptism for the community of Jesus Christ

A declaration of the Theological Commission

Authors

  • Comissão Teológica da Confederação de Gnadau Author
  • Claus Schwambach Faculdade Luterana de Teologia Translator

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25188/2447.7443.2014v22n1.59

Keywords:

Theology of baptism, Infant baptism, Baptism in Pietism, Gnadau Communion Movement

Abstract

The present text contains a theological declaration of the Gnadau Confederation Theological Commission, in Germany, on the matter of baptism. In a first moment, the authors present diverse arguments utilized by members of Christian communities to query the practice of infant baptism, besides mentioning other difficulties faced by Christian churches in relation to the baptismal practice. In a second moment, the authors develop a definition of what they understand by baptism and what it affects, according to the Reformation (in special Lutheran) and Pietistic theological tradition. On a third topic, diverse observations on the theology and baptismal practice made throughout the history of the church will be registered. On the forth topic, diverse dimensions that are part of the practical experience of baptism in the daily life of the Christian will be presented. And, lastly, a series of Scripture based counter-arguments and also from the theological tradition of the Reformation and Pietism will be made, in relation to the criticisms made in contemporaneity to baptism, in special to the practice of infant baptism.

Author Biography

  • Comissão Teológica da Confederação de Gnadau

    A Declaração, em sua versão alemã, foi discutida e elaborada pela Comissão Teológica de Gnadau. Fazem parte dela: Hans-Joachim Martens, Woltersdorf; Karl-Heinz Bormuth, Marburg; Dr. Joachim Drechsel, Marburg; Dr. Helmuth Egelkraut, Weissach im Tal; Gottfried Geweniger, Lößnitzo; Dr. Eberhard Hahn, Tübingen; Dr. Rainer Knieling, Wuppertal; Dr. Christoph Morgner, Siegen; Dr. Klaus vom Orde, Recklinghausen; Theo Schneider, Dillenburg; Paul-Gerhard Schwesig, Cöthen; Claus-Dieter Stoll, Sulz am Neckar; Martin Westerheide, Puschendorf. Ela foi resultado de um consenso entre as entidades que compõem a Confederação de Gnadau (“Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband” – cf. <http://www.gnadauer.de/>. Acesso em: 15 abr. 2014) na Europa, em especial, Alemanha.  Foi aprovada na reunião da Confederação de Gnadau em Dillenburg, no dia 6 de março de 2001. A versão final, base desta tradução, data de 06.03.2001. A tradução visa a torná-la acessível ao público brasileiro. A Confederação de Gnadau representa o Pietismo, que atua de acordo com a tradição teológica da Reforma protestante, em especial, luterana.

Published

2014-06-01

How to Cite

The meaning of baptism for the community of Jesus Christ: A declaration of the Theological Commission. (2014). Vox Scripturae, 22(1), 175-188. https://doi.org/10.25188/2447.7443.2014v22n1.59