6.2 Assignment: Final Baptism Position Paper
Introduction and Alignment
Building on the historical and biblical work undertaken the two previous weeks, this week you will write an essay that synthesizes the biblical, theological and historical foundations of Christian Baptism into a position paper arguing for particular “norms” regarding the theology and practice of Baptism. (Note: you will complete a similar paper during Workshop 13 regarding Communion.)
Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
 Argue a convincing position regarding the normative theology and practice of Christian Baptism.

Resources
 Holy Bible, any translation
Instructions
1. Drawing upon the historical and biblical research you have undertaken during Workshops 4 and 5, and additional self-directed research as needed, compose a paper taking and defending your position on the best (i.e. most appropriate, based on your interpretations / perspectives) theological understanding and practice of Christian Baptism. You should address the following areas of contention:
a. Who is the proper or ideal subject (i.e. candidate) for Baptism? In other words, take a position on paedo-Baptism (i.e. infant Baptism) vs. credo-Baptism (i.e. believers’ Baptism). If your position favors one to the exclusion of the other, be sure to explain why you believe the other view is invalid; if you wish to recognize the validity of both, be sure to offer arguments defending the validity of each one.
b. What is the proper process of preparation for Baptism? What role does a profession of faith play (and whose profession of faith)? Are there certain requirements in terms of catechism or Christian education? (This of course depends a great deal on the position you take on the previous item.) Defend your view, explaining the ideal process of preparation for Baptism.
c. What is the proper form of Baptism? Address the elements (e.g. is water essential? any significance to amount, temperature, etc? any other elements?); the mode of reception (e.g. immersion, affusion or pouring, aspersion or sprinkling); and the formula and liturgical framework of the ritual (e.g. the words and actions). Also, address whether it is appropriate to celebrate Baptism outside the context of a corporate worship service, and who is authorized to baptize.
d. What about rebaptism? Is it to be encouraged, discouraged, avoided altogether? Defend your view, taking care to draw upon biblical, historical and theological norms, and not simply relying on experience or anecdotal evidence.