The Church Fathers and Holy Baptism (Introduction I) ...

I was ordained in 1968. From 1968 until I left parochial ministry (August 2006) I have struggled, indeed agonized, over the discipline as related to Holy Baptism and Holy Matrimony. To make a long story short I am convinced beyond all doubt that we baptize and marry persons that should receive neither. Call me a strict constructionist.

In each place I served I put in place discipline always knowing it was inadequate. In contrast to the early centuries of the Church contemporary discipline is lax to the max -- including mine. So, my various policies over the years were inadequate when measured by history. You can read the policy I put in place at the Cathedral at which I served by clicking here.

To a lesser extent I have for decades concerned myself with, if not worried about, the theology of Holy Baptism which I held. That said I did the best I could to impart what I knew and believed about this foundational sacrament. It is the theology of Holy Baptism -- not the discipline of -- that will occupy our attention in the days ahead.

Doing ministry on paths other than parochial has given me time -- time to think, read, listen, watch, and pray. I have done all of these in larger quantities than ever before. In particular I have been spending time with the Fathers of the Church. They have come into my world by invitation and there they interact with me as men of inspiration, education and correction.

Beginning on Monday, if the Lord wills it, I will begin a series about the Church Fathers and Holy Baptism. I want to explore with you what I have found in their writing about Holy Baptism. The pertinent questions include: What did they believe theologically? What did they believe was accomplished in Holy Baptism? What is its importance? What would the Fathers think of the minimizers who wish to open the Altar to the unbaptized as an act of "radical hospitality?" I hope you will join me. GRL3