Infant Baptism: Sacramental Theology (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Infant Baptism: Sacramental Theology (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Infant Baptism is Section LVI 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 revisits infant baptism in light of the catechism's sacramental teaching. He argues that infants may receive baptism by promise and ecclesial nurture even before personal profession.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "No: it is only given to explain how it is that in their case the profession of repentance and faith can be dispensed with." He further explains the section by saying, "He means that, in the matter of receiving the grace of His kingdom, the man of full age must be conformed to the likeness of the infant, rather than the infant to the likeness of the man of full age."

Theological Themes

• Infant baptism
• Promise and nurture
• Faith of the Church
• Covenantal inclusion

Scripture References

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

• Luke 18:17
• Acts 2:39
• Romans 5:15
• Mark 10:14

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's sacramental exposition of the Church Catechism. It is connected with the Prayer Book rites of Baptism and Holy Communion, and with the Anglican distinction between outward sign and inward grace. 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
• Sacrament
• Baptism
• Holy Communion
• Church Catechism