Umeå universitets logga

This is an essay within the subject of practical theology. The main interest is baptism. The aim of this essay is to describe the baptism theology of the Church of Sweden (Svenska kyrkan) and the history of the baptism. The goal is also, with the help of qualitative research, to study the view of the baptism with the ones who choose to let their children be baptized according to the liturgy of the Swedish Church in the diocese of Härnösand. The attempt is to give the Swedish church a pattern of action and a direction based on the result of my research. It is a describing, an explaining and an essay with the purpose to bring forth action.

     First, I give a brief summary of the history of the baptism with a part about Martin Luther’s view of the baptism. Then analyze the baptismal theology in the Church of Sweden using the texts of the bishops, the baptism order of service, the writings in the diocese of Härnösand. I also look at two theologians that have based their baptismal theology on empirical research. I systemize this theology to guide the reader into the next chapter.

     Second, I present my informers view of the theology. Their view is that the baptism is self-evident. Several of the parents expresses that baptized increases the possibilities to go to confirmation even though some wonder if the baptism in makes the possibilities for the child to choose less. The major view by the parents is that the baptism is a celebration of the new child and a ceremony of becoming a family. Theologically the parents share the view that by the baptism the child becomes a member in Gods family and get Gods blessing and protection. Some of the expresses that the water cleanses but they don´t know from what. Neither the cross or death has anything to do with baptism. The baptism is a single event. The parents have no problems with expressing the creed.

     My research has shown that the parents of the baptized children have little knowledge about the biblical stories, they are not using a theological language and the symbolical language is differing from the symbols of theology. There are both contrast and similarities between the parents and the church when talking about the baptism. Despite this, there are several opportunities for communication between the Swedish Church and the parents. In this essay I give a direction for the future work in the diocese of Härnösand.