Baptism is the entry point into the Christian family and the Church is the community of the baptized. It is fundamental to our Christian identity and many congregations renew their baptismal promises on Easter Day each year - such is its significance. This title explores a subject that is fundamental to the Christian experience: baptism.

Esther De Waal

Other titles by Esther de Waal, available from Canterbury Press

Title page

Copyright information

Dedication

Preface and Acknowledgements

List of Illustrations

I Baptism

Introduction

Preparing for Easter

Recovering Our Historical Roots

Recovering Our Symbolic Identity

The River of Grace

II The Prologue

The Prologue

Lectio Divina: A Gift for the Baptized

III Reflections

Listen

Beloved

The Battle

The Heart

Transformation

Light

Good Deeds

Love

The Paschal Mystery

Continuing to Learn

IV Anthology

Anthology

Acknowledgements of Sources

Baptism is the entry point into the Christian family and the Church is the community of the baptized. It is fundamental to our Christian identity and many congregations renew their baptismal promises on Easter Day each year - such is its significance. Yet, how well do we understand the spirit and depth of those vows and how much do they shape our daily lives? Parts of the Rule of St Benedict are believed to be based on addresses given to those about to be, or who had recently been baptized, and they are a practical guide to 'choosing the road that leads to life'. With her characteristic insight and wisdom, Esther de Waal, draws out timeless spiritual teaching on how to live when reborn 'of water and the spirit'. A follow on volume to the author's, classic book "Seeking God" - a bestseller for 25 years.

'An attractively produced and sensitively illustrated hardback.' -- TIm Hurren 201206

ESTHER DE WAAL is one of today's most celebrated spiritual writers. Seeking God, her classic book on the relevance of the Rule of St Benedict, has opened up the riches of the monastic tradition to readers throughout the world for almost 25 years. Greatly in demand as a speaker and retreat leader, she lives in Herefordshire.

'An attractively produced and sensitively illustrated hardback.'

Baptism is the entry point into the Christian family. It is fundamental to our Christian identity so much so, many congregations renew their baptismal promises on Easter Day each year. This title explores a subject that is fundamental to the Christian experience.

\["For Christians wanting to deepen their baptismal understanding", "Helps you grasp the significance of baptism promises", "You will live more fully as a member of Christ's family"\]

Discover the depth of your baptismal vows with "Seeking Life".

The Good Book Stall

The Prologue of The Rule of St Benedict is part of his catechesis for Baptism. Esther de Waal suggests that we use Benedict's words as Lectio Divina, reflecting on our own Baptism promises, perhaps in preparation for their renewal at Easter. There are four main sections; 'Baptism', ('Preparing for Easter', 'Recovering \[both\] Our Historical Roots' and 'Symbolic Identity', and a description of the Rites of Baptism c.390), 'The Prologue', 'Reflections' (on the Prologue - Lectio Divina) and 'Anthology ( a selection of extracts from instructions to catechumens and baptismal homilies from some Fathers of the Church). The 'Notes' at the end contain references. It is a pity that the pictures could not be in colour.  
For the author, '...the Rule remains a source of continuing support and challenge.' (p. x), which is the way of St Benedict - to endlessly encourage and inspire. She admits that 'This is a very personal book...' (ibid); however, she successfully shares with the reader, the one who prays to improve, her vast understanding of Benedictine spirituality as it can be lived in the World: 'I cannot be true to my baptism unless it makes a difference to the way in which I live.' (p.67). This book will help us all in living our Baptism.

Seeking Life

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Seeking Life

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