Baptism of Tertullian & Cyprian

After the ETS meeting in Ft. Worth, I mentioned that I particularly appreciated a paper by Dr. Rex Butler entitled: "Sacramentum: Baptismal Practice and Theology of Tertullian and Cyprian." Of course, I do not embrace the theology of baptism endorsed by these church fathers, but I did want to quote a few sentences from Rex's paper.

Tertullian indicated in his treatise, De Baptismo, that baptism candidates received "pre-baptismal instruction . . . Prior to the cermony, the candidate engaged in prayer, fasting, humility, a nightlong vigil, and confession of sin . . .The final step toward baptism was the renunciation of Satan . . . baptism was conducted by triple immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit . . . After emerging from the baptismal water, the one newly baptized was anointed with consecrated oil, was signed with the cross, and had the administrator's hands imposed in welcome of the Holy Spirit . . . The new members of the church then joined the congregation for prayers and for their first celebration of the Eucharist, at which time they were given a drink of milk and honey, which symbolized the Promised Land."

Baptism in no way washes sins away; nor does it save in any way. I am struck, however, at the rich biblical symbolism involved in the ceremony described in part above. While I still might want a simpler ceremony, which seems more in line with the New Testament, I do think we can learn from this ancient church practice. Should there not be a more compelling baptismal service than what we have most of the time? Do we glorify God and encourage the baptismal candidate by just tacking the baptism on to a service, either at the beginning or at the end? We Baptists strongly embrace "believer's baptism," but do we really think it is a significant part of a corporate worship service?

Just some musings about baptism and Baptist church practice.