"In this work, we do not intend to deal with the liturgical aspects of baptism, but are going to set down the teaching contained in the New Testament concerning this rite of initiation. This project is a vast and important one....And since it is so broad and so complex, we have thought best to approach it by way of various themes, rather than by making a separate study of each inspired author in turn, which would have involved much repetition of idea.
"After an introductory chapter, which details the texts that constantly reappear in the rest of the book, we proceed to a study of the religious context of contemporary Judaism in which Christ's institution of baptism had its roots. D. Mollat then propounds the imagery which St. Paul used to account for all aspects of baptism, and Fr. Boismard considers the origin of the formula 'I renounce Satan, his pomps and his works.' Thereafter, we consider in turn the relationship between baptism and faith, the community aspect of baptism, and the work of baptism in renewing our lives and incorporating us into Christ." --From the Introduction, Augustin Grail, O.P.
Contributing Authors: A. George S.M., J. Delorme, D. Mollat S.J., J. Guillet S.J., M.E. Boismard O.P., J. Duplacy, J. Giblet, Y.B. Tremel, M.E. Boismard O.P.
Translated by David Askew
