Practicing Baptism: Christian Practices and the Presence of Christ
Where is Jesus Christ? This fundamental question is the starting point of this book, which investigates the shape of Christian life and ministry in a post-Christendom context. Over the last decades there has been a shift in much of Western theology towards focusing on Christian practices in ministry and theological education. This may be seen as a way to deal with theological anxiety in an era of heightened personal autonomy. In Practicing Baptism Bard Norheim critically analyzes the engagement in Christian practices. As a response to this engagement Norheim develops a missional and diaconal theology for ministry, focusing on the presence of Christ in Christian practices. Fundamentally, this is an attempt to answer a pressing question for today: What do Christians do? Norheim draws on Martin Luther's theology and his notion of the three modes of Christ's presence, the present tense of baptism, and Luther's idea of the marks of the church. Based on this reading of Luther's theology, Norheim suggests that Christian life and ministry could be interpreted through the concept practicing baptism.
"Norheim is a creative force, effortlessly melding theology, the
practice of ministry, and the world of popular music. Norheim is a
theologian, a youth missionary, and musical artist in Norway and
Estonia. Practicing Baptism introduces his writing to North
America where, I predict, it will be received enthusiastically.
Norheim is an expert at blending divergent perspectives and genres
into beautiful melodies. In this book, you'll hear North American
ecclesial practice theory placed in deep conversation with Luther's
theology, moving with a tempo that will help you in your
ministry."
--Andrew Root, Luther Seminary
"Bard Norheim is the up-and-coming theologian in the youth ministry
world. In Practicing Baptism he builds a powerful critique
of the practices paradigm, drawing on a rich and detailed
engagement with the Lutheran theology of baptism. This book is an
essential read for all of those who care about the theological
enrichment of youth ministry."
--Peter Ward, King's College
"Bard Norheim has written a magnificent book. It not only
summarizes the many strengths of the Christian practices
conversation, but deftly critiques some leading voices for
inadequate attention to what, exactly, makes such practices
Christian. It develops an exciting interpretation of Martin
Luther's theology of baptism as something one practices daily.
Highly recommended for a wide range of readers, from pastors and
youth workers to professors of practical, historical, sacramental,
and systematic theology."
--Christian Scharen, Luther Seminary
"Norheim is a creative force, effortlessly melding theology, the
practice of ministry, and the world of popular music. Norheim is a
theologian, a youth missionary, and musical artist in Norway and
Estonia. Practicing Baptism introduces his writing to North
America where, I predict, it will be received enthusiastically.
Norheim is an expert at blending divergent perspectives and genres
into beautiful melodies. In this book, you'll hear North American
ecclesial practice theory placed in deep conversation with Luther's
theology, moving with a tempo that will help you in your
ministry."
--Andrew Root, Luther Seminary
"Bard Norheim is the up-and-coming theologian in the youth ministry
world. In Practicing Baptism he builds a powerful critique
of the practices paradigm, drawing on a rich and detailed
engagement with the Lutheran theology of baptism. This book is an
essential read for all of those who care about the theological
enrichment of youth ministry."
--Peter Ward, King's College
"Bard Norheim has written a magnificent book. It not only
summarizes the many strengths of the Christian practices
conversation, but deftly critiques some leading voices for
inadequate attention to what, exactly, makes such practices
Christian. It develops an exciting interpretation of Martin
Luther's theology of baptism as something one practices daily.
Highly recommended for a wide range of readers, from pastors and
youth workers to professors of practical, historical, sacramental,
and systematic theology."
--Christian Scharen, Luther Seminary
- Title: Practicing Baptism: Christian Practices and the Presence of Christ
- Author: Bård Eirik Hallesby Norheim
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2014
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781630872847, 9781498268011, 9781625641755, 1630872849, 1498268013, 1625641753
- Resource ID: LLS:9781630872847
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:04:54Z
Bard Eirik Hallesby Norheim is a Norwegian theologian, pastor, youth missionary, and musical artist (Reverend B). His first full-length book in English, Practicing Baptism (2014), came with a musical album and music video titled "Practicing Baptism" (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kVeQ9oL6kk). Norheim grew up on the west coast of Norway, by Bergen. After living and serving in post-Soviet Estonia for many years, he is passionately involved in researching and teaching youth ministry. He is now serving as Chair of the IASYM (International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry) and works at NLA University College in Bergen, Norway, as Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Head of Department of Theology and Religion.