Hoe diep is het water van de doop?

Abstract

This article reflects on the Reformed theology and practice of infant baptism from an intercultural and ecumenical perspective. It looks at the socio-cultural and ecumenical context in which the Reformed theology and practice of infant baptism emerged, and the current Dutch context in which infant baptism is practiced and the appropriation of the Reformed theology and practice of infant baptism in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (lib.). It then examines the ecumenical questions around the practice of ‘re-baptism’, and makes a distinction between re-baptism as related to joining an Evangelical or Baptist church, and re-baptism of Reformed believers, who remain members of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (lib.). Finally, the article weighs the questions and topics on the future of the Reformed theology and practice of infant baptism in the Netherlands, especially against the background of the ecumenical conversation with Evangelical and Baptist Christians.