The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation

by Maxwell E. Johnson

Growing from the author's experience in teaching the rites of Christian initiation at different levels, this study, together with selections of primary texts in translation, surveys the development and theology of those rites from their New Testament origins to their current shape in the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran Churches. It is intended for all who seek a solid, detailed, and challenging foundation for their ministries in the "Blessed Sacrament" of Baptism as the Third Christian Millennium dawns.

Genres: History, Church History, Theology

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Terrance Lively · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth a read. An excellent perspective on baptism.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This history of the development of the rites of Christian initiation is quite thorough (though not exhaustive), sifting through documentary evidence from both the East and the West in the pre-Nicaean period, the fourth and fifth centuries, the Middle Ages, the Protestant and Catholic reformations of the sixteenth century, and today. It could be a bit dry and academic for the casual reader, but it’s an indispensable reference for anyone interested in liturgical history. It’s also proving to be quite a substantive resource for a paper I’m writing on the place of mystagogy in the initiation process.

[John Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good but not excellent resource on the Rites of Christian Initiation. If you are looking for a book that will not get lost in details but will concisely relate to you theology, look elsewhere. This book will make you cry at points with the amount of near-useless insights it provides. Truly an academic work, it does succeed (enough for four stars) to cover everything that you would likely ever want to know about the development of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in the Church.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough study of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) from the very beginning. Johnson is a Lutheran scholar. He gives a thorough and balanced overview across the traditions. It's something stellar to study, and its definitely a textbook.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you find yourself lost in historical dates, documents, and details, press on for the conclusions are well worth the cost.