Of Water and the Spirit: A Liturgical Study of Baptism

by Alexander Schmemann

A study of the Orthodox understanding of Baptism and Chrismation.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Church, Religion, Christian, Faith

170 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann was a prominent Eastern Orthodox theologian and priest of the Orthodox Church in America.

Reviews

[K.J. Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This liturgical study of baptism is a hidden gem. While working through each aspect of the Orthodox Church’s baptismal liturgy was tedious at times, this book immersed me in the wonder of being made whole in Christ. Our baptismal identity—as beloved by God—is the water that quenches our thirst as we journey toward the better, renewed world of Christ’s Kingdom.

I hope and pray the Church can recover her identity as baptized saints, as Beloved, through books like this and the application of them into our life together today.

PS For the non-theology nerds, this book will be a hard read. But if you give it time and focus, you’ll find yourself in awe of what God has given us. Just a head’s up. It’s not light reading.

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I disagree with the various rubrics that Orthodox Baptism involves, Schmemann view of the Christian life is astounding. A fantastic read.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent liturgical study of Baptism, it is not the first time I've read it, and I chose to re-read to bolster my understanding of Baptism for Church School teaching.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful work of liturgical scholarship focusing on Christian initiation from an Eastern perspective.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful articulation of how Baptism is both "mother and tomb." Schmemann's vision of the Christian life is astoundingly wonderful.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start. In classic orthodox fashion, the brilliant Alexander Schmemann cannot fully explain baptism and chrismation and churching without also talking about marriage, birth, church history, the prophet/priest/king roles of the believer, sexuality, and our relationship to the work and to the church. Deeply impactful, insightful, and thought provoking. I’m so grateful for this book.

[Невен Паштар · Rating 5 out of 5]

И за испразне атеисте (мада тешко да ова тема им је интересанта - част изузецима) и површне (као и оне који се сматрају истинским) хришћане ова књига представљаће нешто јако ново. Незнање - ријеч која описује и једне и друге (мене)!

[Christopher Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baptism and the Holy Spirit. Excellent read for anyone that wants to actually take their baptism seriously and enter into the Kingdom with a clear understanding of the sacrements offered through the Body of Christ.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful application of liturgical theology, on the meaning of baptism and eucharist, with a very helpful discussion of the Christian understanding of "death."

[Zecchaeus Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is tied with Fr. Hopko's The Names of Jesus for my favorite book!

[Natan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good explanation of the baptismal liturgy in detail. Even my heterodox friend overwhelmed by this book.

[Lukas Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liturgical theology par excellence. Schmemann’s method and vision are magnificently on display.

Not much to say. I’m a Schmemanniac. It’s great.

[Jon Beadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brisk walk through the orthodox baptism liturgy. It has moments of brilliance, but none of the whimsy of his other works.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned how early Christians were introduced into a completely new worldview/community.

The candidates for Baptism…were progressively introduced into the life of the Church by special rites which included exorcisms, prayers, explanations of the Holy Scripture, etc. This preparation involved the entire community, which thus was preparing itself for the reception of the new members. (p. 15)

Much of the tradition of Lent and Easter originally came out of the ceremonies of baptism. Lent was a 40 day preparation for the new members and the whole church.

[Victoria Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really only skimmed this book as I was looking for some specific information for a presentation, but wow, this is fabulous.

I was familiar with Fr. Schmemann as a liturgical theologian who was passionate about reuniting theology, liturgy, and spirituality in the church, and his approach of learning what the church teaches by examining what the church does exactly matches my own tendencies.

I need to get back to that presentation, but I'll be blogging about baptism, chrismation, the "eighth day rites" and confirmation, and the churching rites in the not too distant future!

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Schmemann! He combines deep learning with deep spirituality, and communicates it in a practical way. The book reads like a long sermon on the importance of baptism, and the relevance of ancient church traditions to the modern world.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A exciting introduction to Baptism and charismation by the great orthodox liturgical theologian, read with The Eucharist

[The Rev. J. Curtis Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book ever written on the meaning and significance of baptism!

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read long ago

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most beautiful book I have ever read.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

a clear, definitive explanation of the Orthodox understanding of baptism

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one. Must be read by any and all Christians.