Baptism As Death And Birth: A Psychological Interpretation Of Its Imagery

Christian baptism, the subject of much recent investigation, centers upon two major images: death with Christ and new birth. This paper summarizes scholarly research on the meaning of these images in the New Testament and other ancient sources. It then introduces Lifton's psychological theory o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bregman, Lucy 1944- (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Dep. [1987]
In: Journal of ritual studies
Year: 1987, Volume: 1, Issue: 2, Pages: 27-41
Further subjects:B Baptism
B Symbolism
B Christian symbolism
B Crucifixion
B Death
B Christianity
B Mothers
B New Testament
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:Christian baptism, the subject of much recent investigation, centers upon two major images: death with Christ and new birth. This paper summarizes scholarly research on the meaning of these images in the New Testament and other ancient sources. It then introduces Lifton's psychological theory of death symbolism and the construction of death equivalents and applies this to the ancient Christian images and their patterns of associated meanings. Such symbolism aids in apprehending death and integrating it into an ongoing affirmation of life. Ancient baptismal death and birth imagery appears to have worked powerfully and meaningfully in this way.
ISSN:0890-1112
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of ritual studies