Volume II develops a sacramental theology that addresses the needs of all adult Christians. The chapters on Marriage show how conversion both humanizes and Christianizes human sexuality, providing the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of Christian Marriage. The discussion of Orders examines the responsibilities of ordained leaders and throws light on the rise of clericalism and on the meaning of priestly identity and ministry, in addition to clarifying the relationship between the priesthood of the laity and that of the ordained. A discussion of Christian nurture explains the practical and theoretical meaning of infant Baptism. This volume also examines the three sacraments that most foster ongoing conversion: Reconciliation, Anointing and Eucharist. After situating each of these rituals in its Biblical and historical setting, the author shows how each contributes to ongoing Christian conversion.

Volume II develops a sacramental theology that addresses the needs of all adult Christians. The chapters on Marriage show how conversion both humanizes and Christianizes human sexuality, providing the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of Christian Marriage. The discussion of Orders examines the responsibilities of ordained leaders and throws light on the rise of clericalism and on the meaning of priestly identity and ministry, in addition to clarifying the relationship between the priesthood of the laity and that of the ordained. A discussion of Christian nurture explains the practical and theoretical meaning of infant Baptism. This volume also examines the three sacraments that most foster ongoing conversion: Reconciliation, Anointing and Eucharist. After situating each of these rituals in its Biblical and historical setting, the author shows how each contributes to ongoing Christian conversion.

Originally published in 1999, The Rites of Christian Initiation was haled for its clarity and comprehensiveness. Kalian McDonnell, OSB, called it the best overall treatment of Christian initiation available, and Paul Bradshaw predicted it would be the standard textbook on the subject for very many years to come." The current edition draws on new translations of early texts on baptism as well as recent scholarship on the early traditions in the East and West. It is sure to replace itself as the new standard reference on the rites of Christian initiation. Maxwell E. Johnson's expanded and revised text provides a more complete view of the history and interpretation of the rites in the Eastern Church, including two chapters that explore the pre-Nicene Eastern and Western traditions in detail. Revisiting the theology of baptism, this edition also provides more nuanced positions on the Eastern and Western traditions. Finally, recent liturgical developments in American Protestant churches, particularly Lutheran, as well as the ongoing development of the RCIA and confirmation practices of Catholics, made it necessary to revisit the place and meaning of these rites in the church today. Maxwell E. Johnson, PhD, is professor of liturgy at the University of Notre Dame and an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has published in Worship and is the editor of and contributor to Living Water, Sealing Spirit: Readings on Christian Initiation (Liturgical Press, 1995) and the revised and expanded edition of E.C. Whitaker, Documents of the Baptismal Liturgy (Liturgical Press and S.P.C.K., 2003), to which this study serves as a companion volume. "

Evan Howard, a noted authority on Christian spirituality, provides a holistic, accessible, and informed introduction to Christian spiritual formation written from a broadly evangelical perspective. Howard joins Scripture with themes of community, spirit, formation, and mission in a single integrative guide. The book includes helpful features such as figures, charts, chapter overviews, and formation-focused questions. Its evangelical-ecumenical and global perspectives will appeal to a wide audience. Resources for professors and students are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

new birth uses the metaphor of Church as Family of God as a countervailing and transforming imagery in its various considerations. Inspired by the sense of life's itinerary-together with its triumphs and startling reversals and its unexpected twists and turns-new birth sees hope, amidst social darkness and an ethos of selfishness, as interior to God's purposes for human wellbeing. Within this perspective, new birth further recognizes that the risks always remain, that believers can distort true hope in this world and fail to love according to the spirit of the Gospel. Admittedly, when we as Christians love one another, we can be together and encourage each other. And as we support each other, we strengthen one another. Furthermore, when we protect love from aberration, we protect the best in ourselves and build up a future for humanity. In light of this understanding, it then becomes very important for us to see and identify Christian discipleship as a way of making us become effective agents of love in this world. This also means, however, that in the Church we have the imperative to hold each person tenderly, trustingly, and deeply. Moreover, this consciousness demands the strength of continual and active faith which holds assurances and wellsprings of significance and growth in courage, human vibrancy, and interpersonal goodness. Accordingly, the community called Church as the family of God constantly needs the powerful and positive force of continual renewalùwhich conversion bringsùas an increasingly sublime value. And the dynamic impulse of such renewal introduces and enlarges the wellspring of hope in our world. It further provides a good starting point to challenge Christian believers to invest huge importance and prestige in playing constructive roles in giving shape to their positive relations and destiny. "new birth is a brilliant and a clear-sighted work. Written with intellectual vigor, this work is a powerful and practical way of bringing faith into day-to-day life of the people and into the culture at large. It invites, challenges, and inspires. I find the handling of some of the biblical passages very insightful! And people growing in their relationships have much to attach importance to. Once again, Pius Ojara has demonstrated himself to be a first-class intellectual and an outstanding thinker."ùchristopher a. brooks, Professor of Anthropology. School of World Studies Virginia Commonwealth University "I like the way, Pius Ojara writes about family and culture and Church in this book. I can't Wait to read his next book."ùfr. uwem akpan, sj, Author of Say that You're One of There

At a time when the fractious legacy of the Protestant Reformation is coming under new scrutiny, Anthony Siegrist explores the implications of ecumenism for believers' baptism. Writing from within the tradition of the Radical Reformation, he challenges dominant ecclesiological assumptions and argues that this central practice needs to be reconstrued. Siegrist works constructively to develop a concrete account of believers' baptism that attends closely to the dynamics of divine initiation. Siegrist deliberately stretches the traditional Anabaptist conversation to include not just expected voices like Yoder and Marpeck, but also luminaries from the broader Christian tradition; Barth, Bonhoeffer, and a variety of ancient sources are creatively engaged. The intent of Participating Witness is eminently practical, but its argumentation is carried out with theological rigor.

This is a long-awaited and needed book about the mutual relationship between moral theology and spirituality -- in the past, at the present time, and with hope for the future. It is a gentle and convincing book, both in its tone and in its arguments. It is in the best sense a scientific book and at the same time an existential text. It appeals to mind and heart. This is a most useful book for every Christian striving to become ever more a discerning person, aiming at integration of prayer and life. Books like this strengthen my unbroken optimism about the ongoing renewal of Christian ethics and Christian spirituality."" Bernhard Haering, Gars, Germany In 'Becoming Good, Becoming Holy', Mark O'Keefe makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Christian life in its wholeness and integrity. By connecting love and justice; prayer, discernment, and moral decision making; fundamental option and spiritual growth, he challenges unhelpful divisions between Christian ethics and spirituality. His vision of conversion and of the Christian life as a dynamic totality will appeal to a wide range of readers."" Elizabeth Dreyer, Washington Theological Union Clearly written and insightful, 'Becoming Good, Becoming Holy' is a convincing response to the Second Vatican Council's call to renew Catholic moral theology by centering it on our life in Christ. Best of all, O'Keefe underscores both the pivotal connection between Eucharist and morality, and the integral role of prayer and discernment in Christian moral decision making."" Paul Wadell, Catholic Theological Union Mark O'Keefe, OSB, is Associate Professor of Moral Theology at St. Meinrad School of Theology and a Benedictine monk at St. Meinrad Archabbey. He is the author of 'What Are They Saying About Social Sin?' and his articles have appeared in 'New Theology Review', 'Irish Theological Quarterly', 'New Blackfriars', 'Eglise et Theologie', and other theological journals.