Baptism in the theology of Martin Luther
By: by Jonathan D. Trigg.
Series: Studies in the history of Christian thought,; v. 56
Publisher: E.J. Brill
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Leiden; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 234
Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546; Baptism -- History -- 16th century; Baptism -- Lutheran Church; Lutheran Church -- Doctrines -- History -- 16th century
Description: Baptism in the Theology of Martin Luther satisfies the need for a comprehensive survey, in English, of Martin Luther on baptism. The mature Luther was unstinting in praise of baptism. How does his vigorously expressed sacramental understanding sit with his earlier reformation insights? What is its impact upon justification, faith, conversion, the Church? The tensions and paradoxes are examined.

Analysis of formal doctrine is complemented by a picture of baptism 'in action', culled mainly from the Lectures on Genesis. Central is baptism's 'present tense' - its abiding force in the Christian's life, ever available for an encounter with God. His insistence that Christian progress is not onwards from baptism, but a repeated return to it emerges from the heart of Luther's thought. It is one of his most distinctive and important bequests to the Church.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [228]-231) and indexes.
Rev. version of the author's thesis (doctoral)--University of Durham, 1991.