1st Edition
Infant Baptism in Reformation Geneva The Shaping of a Community, 1536–1564
By Karen E. Spierling
Copyright 2005
272 Pages
by
Routledge
272 Pages
by
Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
This book examines the beliefs, practices and arguments surrounding the ritual of infant baptism and the raising of children in Geneva during the period of John Calvin's tenure as leader of the Reformed Church, 1536-1564. It focuses particularly on the years from 1541 onward, after Calvin's return to Geneva and the formation of the Consistory. The work is based on sources housed primarily in the... Read more
Contents: Introduction: infant baptism and the definition of community; Infant baptism in the 16th century: doctrine and liturgy; Catholic baptismal traditions in reformed Geneva; Godparents: a tradition reformed; Baptising illegitimate children; Raising children in reformed Geneva; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
Biography
Dr Karen E. Spierling is Assistant Professor of Early Modern Europe in the Department of History, University of Louisville, USA.
'This is an excellent study for anyone interested in the development of Reformed Protestant theology in a practical setting.' The Journal of Ecclesiastical History 'This is an excellent study for anyone interested in the impact of practical issues of society, culture and politics on the formation not only of theological views but also on the implementation of that theology in practice.' History 'This work should be read by students of Early Modern history and the theology of the time.' Colloquium ’In Infant Baptism in Reformation Geneva, Karen Spierling successfully negotiates the boundaries of a number of historiographical traditions and concerns, and presents a handsomely produced volume... Generally, this is a reliable and valuable study providing a good analysis of a number of archival data regarding baptismal issues and infractions that presented a not trivial challenge to the consolidation of Reformation Geneva.’ Sixteenth Century Journal ’This is fascinating study that adds greatly to the understanding of the practice of infant baptism in Calvin's Geneva...’ Calvin Theological Journal
