Campus Location
Abilene Campus (Residential)
Date of Award
7-2007
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Graduate School of Theology
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Wendell Willis
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Anthony L. Ash
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Jeff W. Childers
Abstract
This study examined the origin of the terms second baptism and baptism in blood and how these terms and the concepts associated with them affected the baptismal theology of the Patristic church. The research showed that these topoi became motifs in specific martyrdom literature (passions) and Patristic writings of the second-fourth centuries and were probably invented by Tertullian. The authors examined used these terms in their writings to encourage and exhort those facing persecution to remain faithful-even to the point of death. Second baptism and baptism in blood represented the concept that death in a martyrdom context perfected the faith of the individual, granting forgiveness of sins and an eternal home in heaven. Another concept also developed for catechumens who had yet to be baptized, but still faced death for their confession of Christ. Baptism in blood came to represent a first baptism equivalent to water and secured salvation for this group of believers.
Scripture was also used in the Patristic literature to validate the martyrs's actions, and this subsequently affected the baptismal theology of the Patristic church. The research revealed the usage of two primary gospel passages (Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:50), which equated the martyrs's actions with the "imitation of Christ." Another gospel passage (John 19:34) and epistle (1 John 5:6-8) were used for different reasons. The Patristic authors saw two symbols of baptism from one source in these passages and used them to show the efficacy of blood as equal to water for the forgiveness of sins. Second baptism and baptism in blood soon became permanent theological and sacramental terms in the church. A comparison of the Patristic authors's understanding of all four of these passages was contrasted against modem commentators's interpretations. The primary gospel authors's rendering of Jesus's own figurative use of baptism was also compared with specific uses of baptism in the Patristic literature. These contrasts and comparisons revealed both similarities and differences.
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Recommended Citation
Crosby, Casey, "Second Baptism and Baptism in Blood as Motifs in the Martyrdom and Patristic Literature of the Second-Fourth-Centuries A.D." (2007). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 533.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/533