The washing of regeneration: baptismal theology among ministerial candidates in the Presbyterian Church in America

Craig R Higgins

Etd

The washing of regeneration: baptismal theology among ministerial candidates in the Presbyterian Church in America

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Craig R Higgins. The Washing of Regeneration: Baptismal Theology Among Ministerial Candidates In the Presbyterian Church In America. Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/683b4aad-a7f3-4339-bd5f-f7ea44962d56.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

C. R. Higgins. The washing of regeneration: baptismal theology among ministerial candidates in the Presbyterian Church in America. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/683b4aad-a7f3-4339-bd5f-f7ea44962d56

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Craig R Higgins. The Washing of Regeneration: Baptismal Theology Among Ministerial Candidates In the Presbyterian Church In America. Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/683b4aad-a7f3-4339-bd5f-f7ea44962d56.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Craig R Higgins

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In Copyright

Abstract

This study examines the baptismal theology of those who are preparing for ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church in America. Biblical exegesis demonstrates that baptism, though multivalent, is the rite of entrance into the new community established by the redeeming work of Christ. An historical survey of the Reformed tradition, giving special attention to the work of John Calvin and the documents of the Westminster Assembly, concludes that the Reformed tradition has held to a highly developed baptismal theology, seeing the sacrament not as a mere symbol but as an instrumental means of grace. Baptismal theology has, however, become a source of debate and division, often focused on the question of 'baptismal regeneration.' This thesis asserts that the church can move beyond these debates by the renewal of a rich, instrumental baptismal theology--a renewal essential to the church's missional identity.

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