Christian Baptism As Seen by Outsiders:

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Christian Baptism As Seen by Outsiders: "
Karl Olav Sandnes

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1085302
Doc. No	:	LA128931
Call No	:	‭10.1163/157007212X635849‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Karl Olav Sandnes
Title & Author	:	Christian Baptism As Seen by Outsiders: [Article] : Julian the Apostate As an Example\ Karl Olav Sandnes
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Vigiliae Christianae
Date	:	2012
Volume/ Issue Number	:	66/5
Page No	:	503–526
Abstract	:	How did ancient pagan intellectuals look upon Christian baptism? The aim of the present article is to provide such an outsider’s perspective. This serves a double purpose: to depict pagan critique of Christian faith and baptism in particular, but also to see if this critique in any way mirrors contemporary baptismal theology and practice. Julian the Emperor has two texts wherein baptism is addressed at some length. The claim that sins and mischief could simply be washed away by merely being immersed in a bath was appalling to him. The simplicity involved in Christian baptism was offensive. The only true remedy for a sick soul was the exercise provided for by the toil of Greek education. Julian’s critique mirrors fundamental convictions held by Christians on baptism, which may be summarised in the word of grace. How did ancient pagan intellectuals look upon Christian baptism? The aim of the present article is to provide such an outsider’s perspective. This serves a double purpose: to depict pagan critique of Christian faith and baptism in particular, but also to see if this critique in any way mirrors contemporary baptismal theology and practice. Julian the Emperor has two texts wherein baptism is addressed at some length. The claim that sins and mischief could simply be washed away by merely being immersed in a bath was appalling to him. The simplicity involved in Christian baptism was offensive. The only true remedy for a sick soul was the exercise provided for by the toil of Greek education. Julian’s critique mirrors fundamental convictions held by Christians on baptism, which may be summarised in the word of grace.
Descriptor	:	baptism
Descriptor	:	grace
Descriptor	:	Greek education and philosophy
Descriptor	:	Julian the Emperor
Descriptor	:	simplicity
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/157007212X635849‬