Infant Baptism: Baptismal Identity (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Infant Baptism: Baptismal Identity (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Infant Baptism is Section IV of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler defends the baptism of infants by appealing to Christ's reception of children, the covenantal character of baptism, and the place of children within the Church's pastoral responsibility.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Because Christ is the second Adam." He further explains the section by saying, "I was baptized into Christ, the second Adam, in order that I might receive grace from Him to undo the evil I had received from the first Adam."

Theological Themes

• Infant baptism
• Covenant and grace
• Children in the Church
• Baptismal nurture

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Mark 10:14
• Acts 2:38-39
• Ephesians 2:3
• Matthew 19:13-15

Anglican Context

This section is connected chiefly with the Book of Common Prayer baptismal office and the opening clauses of the Church Catechism, especially the language of Christian name, sponsors, renunciation, faith, and obedience. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Baptism
• Church Catechism
• Book of Common Prayer
• Godparents