Dooppraxis en gereformeerde theologie

Abstract

Christian baptism is a so-called concentrated practice; soteriology, ecclesiology and spirituality come together in this central Christian sacrament. Many questions surround the practice of baptism in a late-modern secularised Dutch society. For example, how is classic Reformed theology received in contemporary congregations? We asked four ministers to write a reflection on issues that are significant in the practice of baptism in their congregations. This article reports on their reflections and points to three areas in which the practice of baptism in contemporary Reformed churches needs further theological work: the didactic structure of Reformed baptismal practices, the divergence between personal spirituality and the pivotal notion of ‘covenant’ in Reformed theology, and the inherent theological understanding of the reality of salvation in relation to baptismal practices.