20 best books on baptism – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you looking for a book on baptism that will deepen your understanding of this sacred ritual? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 20 best books about baptism that will inspire and enlighten you. Whether you are a new believer seeking guidance or a seasoned Christian wanting to explore the depths of baptism, these books will provide you with the knowledge and insights you need. Dive into the world of baptism literature and discover the riches that these books have to offer.


The Baptism

by Shelia P. Moses

The Baptism by Shelia P. Moses is a captivating book about the sacred ritual of immersion, a captivating book on baptism that delves deep into the spiritual journey of its characters. This mesmerizing book about baptism takes readers on a profound exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of forgiveness.

Baptism: Three Views

by David F. Wright, Sinclair B. Ferguson, and Bruce A. Ware

“Baptism: Three Views” is an insightful and thought-provoking book that delves into the age-old debate surrounding the practice of initiation into the Christian faith. This captivating read presents three distinct perspectives on the subject: immersion, sprinkling, and believer’s baptism.

Authored by renowned theologians David F. Wright, Sinclair B. Ferguson, and Bruce A. Ware, this comprehensive book explores the rich history, theological foundations, and biblical interpretations behind each view. Whether you’re a curious seeker, a passionate believer, or a dedicated scholar, this baptism book offers a deep exploration of the sacrament, allowing you to form your own understanding and convictions.

Within these pages, you’ll encounter engaging arguments and counterarguments, as each author crafts a compelling case for their respective stance. From the immersive symbolism of baptism by immersion to the theological significance of sprinkling, and the profound personal commitment of believer’s baptism, this book encompasses a wide range of perspectives, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking a well-rounded understanding of baptism.

So, whether you’re searching for a book about baptism to strengthen your faith, engage in theological discourse, or simply satisfy your curiosity, “Baptism: Three Views” is the perfect choice. Dive into this captivating exploration of the sacrament, and emerge with a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives that shape the practice of baptism in the Christian faith.

Baptism: A Biblical Study

by Jack Cottrell

Baptism: A Biblical Study by Jack Cottrell

Are you curious about the significance of baptism in the Bible? Look no further! ‘Baptism: A Biblical Study’ by Jack Cottrell is the ultimate book on baptism that will quench your thirst for knowledge on this sacred topic.

This book is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the biblical teachings on baptism. Cottrell, a renowned theologian and biblical scholar, delves into the depths of the Scriptures to unravel the true meaning and purpose of baptism.

Whether you are seeking to understand baptism for personal reasons or want to gain a deeper insight into this sacred act, this book about baptism is a must-read. Cottrell presents his findings in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for both scholars and those new to the subject.

Throughout the pages of this baptism book, Cottrell examines various aspects of baptism, including its historical context, its role in salvation, and its connection to the life of a believer. By exploring these topics, he provides a solid foundation for readers to grasp the biblical significance of baptism.

If you are looking for a book that tackles the intricate details of baptism, then ‘Baptism: A Biblical Study’ is the one for you. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as Cottrell’s insights shed light on this timeless sacrament, helping you to deepen your understanding and appreciation for baptism.

So, grab a copy of this captivating baptism book and get ready to uncover the treasures hidden within the biblical teachings on baptism. You won’t be disappointed!

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir takes readers on a gripping journey through the depths of war, offering a unique perspective on the harrowing experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War. This powerful memoir by Larry Gwin is not just a book about baptism, but rather a baptism book that immerses readers in the baptism of fire that soldiers faced in the jungles of Vietnam.

Gwin’s vivid storytelling transports readers into the heart of the war, as he recounts his own personal experiences as a young infantry officer. With gritty detail and raw emotion, he paints a vivid picture of the chaos, fear, and camaraderie that defined the lives of those on the front lines.

Through his baptism book, Gwin explores the transformative power of war, how it shapes and changes those who are thrust into its merciless grip. He delves into the psychological toll, the loss of innocence, and the devastating impact on both soldiers and the Vietnamese people caught in the crossfire.

While the title may suggest a book on baptism, Gwin’s memoir goes far beyond a religious ritual. It delves into the rebirth of individuals in the face of unimaginable horrors, the moral dilemmas they face, and the resilience they find within themselves. It is a book that challenges readers to confront the complexities of war and its lasting effects.

In Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir, Gwin offers a poignant and thought-provoking account that forces readers to reconsider their preconceived notions of war. This baptism book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the bonds forged in the most dire circumstances, and the sacrifices made by those who answered the call to serve.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir, written by Larry Gwin, is an extraordinary book that takes readers on a riveting journey through the harrowing experiences of the Vietnam War. This gripping memoir offers a unique perspective on the baptism of fire that soldiers faced in the brutal and unforgiving jungles of Vietnam.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Discover the gripping true story of one soldier’s journey through the chaos and madness of the Vietnam War in Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin. This extraordinary book immerses readers in the harrowing experiences of Gwin, who served as a young Army officer during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

Gwin’s powerful memoir takes you on a visceral and emotional rollercoaster, offering a front-row seat to the horrors of war and the toll it takes on the human spirit. Through vivid descriptions and heart-wrenching accounts, he brings to life the baptism of fire that each soldier faced, where the line between life and death was razor-thin.

While the title may suggest a religious theme, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is not a book about religious ceremonies. Rather, it explores the concept of baptism as a metaphor for the transformative and life-altering experiences that soldiers endured in Vietnam. It delves into the profound psychological and emotional impact of war, as well as the bonds of brotherhood forged in the crucible of combat.

Gwin’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply personal, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a soldier’s mind as he navigates the chaos and moral ambiguity of war. His vivid descriptions transport you to the jungles of Vietnam, where danger lurks at every turn and survival becomes the ultimate test of courage.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is not just a book about baptism; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a tribute to the countless men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. It serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of understanding and remembering the past.

If you are seeking a gripping and thought-provoking read that explores the human experience in the crucible of war, look no further than Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir. Larry Gwin’s powerful storytelling and unflinching honesty make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War or the complexities of the human condition.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read? Look no further than Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin. This compelling book takes you on a journey into the heart of the Vietnam War, where the author recounts his experiences as a young soldier. But don’t be fooled by the title – this is not your typical ‘book on baptism.’

No, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is not about religious ceremonies or the act of immersing oneself in water. Instead, Gwin uses the term ‘baptism’ as a metaphor for the intense and life-altering experiences he and his fellow soldiers faced in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam. It’s a baptism by fire, an initiation into a world of chaos and violence.

Gwin’s writing style is raw and honest, pulling you into the heart of the action as he describes the horrors of combat, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the constant fear that lingers in the air. Through his vivid storytelling, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional toll that war takes on those who fight in it.

This book is not just for history buffs or military enthusiasts. It’s a book that explores the human condition, the fragility of life, and the bonds that are formed in the face of adversity. It’s a baptism book that will immerse you in a world far removed from your own, making you question the nature of war and the sacrifices made by those who serve.

So, if you’re ready for a gripping and emotionally charged read, dive into Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin. Prepare to be captivated, enlightened, and forever changed by this powerful account of one man’s baptism by fire in the Vietnam War.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin is not your typical book on baptism. Instead, it delves into the harrowing experiences of a young soldier during the Vietnam War.

In this gripping memoir, Gwin takes us on a journey through the jungles of Vietnam, where he faced unimaginable challenges and witnessed the horrors of war. As the title suggests, the baptism he experiences is not one of religious significance, but rather a baptism by fire and blood.

Gwin’s vivid storytelling and raw emotions make this book about baptism a truly captivating read. Through his eyes, we gain a deep understanding of the physical and psychological toll that war takes on those who serve.

With every turn of the page, Gwin’s words immerse us in the chaos and confusion of combat. We feel the adrenaline rush, the fear, and the camaraderie that binds soldiers in the face of danger.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is more than just a baptism book. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. Gwin’s memoir is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the Vietnam War, and a tribute to their courage and bravery.

If you are seeking a gripping and thought-provoking read that goes beyond the traditional notions of baptism, then Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is a book you don’t want to miss.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

“Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir” by Larry Gwin is not your typical book on baptism. In fact, it has nothing to do with religious rituals or water immersion. Instead, this gripping memoir takes you on a raw and emotional journey through the horrors of the Vietnam War.

With vivid and captivating storytelling, Gwin paints a vivid picture of the baptism of fire experienced by young American soldiers as they are thrown into the chaos and brutality of war. From the intense battles in the jungles to the camaraderie forged in the face of death, this book about baptism in the fire of war is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Through Gwin’s personal experiences as an infantry officer in the 101st Airborne Division, readers are immersed in the harrowing reality of combat. The author’s attention to detail and his ability to convey the sights, sounds, and smells of war make this baptism book a truly immersive and haunting read.

While the title may be misleading to those seeking religious literature, “Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir” offers a unique perspective on the baptism of war. It explores the physical and emotional toll that soldiers endure, the sacrifices made, and the lasting impact that war has on those who survive.

So, if you’re looking for a baptism book that will challenge your preconceptions and take you on an unforgettable journey through the darkness and heroism of war, then “Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir” is a must-read.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Discover the Unforgettable Journey of “Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir”!

Prepare to immerse yourself in the raw, poignant, and soul-stirring pages of a book that combines the horrors of war with the profound transformation of the human spirit. Larry Gwin’s Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of one man’s baptism by fire, where the waters of war forever changed his life.

But don’t be mistaken; this isn’t a book on baptism in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a gripping memoir that explores the depths of the human experience, capturing the essence of a young soldier’s journey through the tumultuous landscape of Vietnam.

Gwin’s masterful storytelling paints vivid and haunting pictures of the chaos, fear, and camaraderie that defined his days on the battlefield. With every turn of the page, you’ll find yourself immersed in the harrowing accounts of combat, the loss of friends, and the relentless struggle for survival.

Yet, amidst the chaos, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir offers glimpses of hope and resilience, as Gwin’s spirit is tested and transformed by the crucible of war. His narrative captures the profound moments of humanity that emerged amidst the horrors, reminding us of the power of the human spirit to endure and to find light even in the darkest of times.

So, if you’re seeking a baptism book that delves into the depths of the human experience, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is a must-read. With its powerful storytelling and profound insights, this memoir will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul, forever altering your perspective on the power of the human spirit.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin is not your typical book on baptism. In fact, it has nothing to do with religious rituals or sacraments. Instead, this gripping memoir takes you on a harrowing journey through the jungles of Vietnam during the height of the war.

Unlike any other book about baptism, Gwin’s memoir immerses you in the brutal realities of combat. Through vivid and haunting descriptions, he transports you to the frontlines, where young soldiers like himself faced constant danger and witnessed the horrors of war.

Baptism, in this context, takes on a whole new meaning. It symbolizes the baptism of fire that these soldiers went through, their initiation into the brutal world of warfare. Gwin’s memoir captures the intense emotions and struggles that these soldiers experienced, making it a truly unforgettable baptism book.

If you’re looking for a raw and unflinching account of the Vietnam War, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is a must-read. Prepare to be immersed in the chaos, fear, and camaraderie of the battlefield as Larry Gwin takes you on a journey that will leave you forever changed.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Are you ready to dive into a riveting tale that will submerge you in the depths of war? Look no further than Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin. This extraordinary book immerses readers in the turbulent waters of the Vietnam War, painting a vivid picture of the baptism of fire faced by young soldiers.

But hold on, before you start picturing a religious scripture or a book on baptism, let me clarify. Although the title might suggest a religious theme, Gwin uses the term ‘baptism’ metaphorically, referring to the intense initiation into the horrors of combat.

Through Gwin’s first-hand account, readers are plunged headfirst into the relentless chaos of the Vietnam War. This captivating book about baptism delves deep into the emotional and physical toll experienced by soldiers serving in the conflict.

Gwin’s narrative is like a baptism of emotions, immersing readers in the fear, camaraderie, and heartbreak that defined the Vietnam War. With his raw and honest storytelling, he reveals the humanity that persists amidst the brutality of war, making this book a powerful exploration of the human spirit.

So, if you’re searching for a thought-provoking baptism book, one that will plunge you into the depths of the Vietnam War, look no further than Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin. Prepare to be immersed in a narrative that will leave you forever changed.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is not your typical book on baptism. Instead, it is a gripping and poignant memoir written by Larry Gwin, a veteran of the Vietnam War. This book about baptism takes readers on a journey through the haunting experiences of war, offering a raw and honest account of the author’s time in Vietnam.

As you delve into the pages of this baptism book, you will witness the chaos and brutality of war, as Gwin recounts his harrowing encounters with the enemy and the devastating impact it had on him and his fellow soldiers. Through his vivid storytelling, he paints a vivid picture of the baptism of fire that soldiers face in the battlefield.

Gwin’s memoir is a baptism of sorts, as he opens up about his own personal transformation during his time in Vietnam. He shares his fears, doubts, and struggles, as well as the moments of bravery, camaraderie, and hope that carried him through. His candid reflections on the true nature of war and its profound effect on the human spirit make this book about baptism a powerful and thought-provoking read.

With its vivid descriptions, powerful storytelling, and raw emotion, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir offers readers a unique perspective on the baptism of war. It is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served and a renewed appreciation for the true baptism of humanity.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Are you ready to dive into the riveting world of Larry Gwin’s memoir, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir? This captivating book takes you on a journey through the tumultuous events of the Vietnam War, offering a unique perspective from a soldier who experienced it firsthand. While the title may evoke thoughts of religious rituals, don’t be fooled – this is no ordinary book on baptism. Instead, Gwin uses the term ‘baptism’ as a metaphor for the intense initiation he underwent as a young soldier in the midst of a brutal war.

Through Gwin’s powerful storytelling, you’ll witness the baptism of fire that he and his comrades faced on the battlefield. Gwin’s vivid descriptions transport you to the jungles of Vietnam, where danger lurks at every turn. As you turn the pages of this gripping baptism book, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush and the heart-wrenching fear that defined the soldiers’ experiences.

But Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is more than just a thrilling war story. Gwin delves deep into the emotional and psychological toll that the war took on him and his fellow soldiers. You’ll gain a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought and the lasting impact it had on their lives.

If you’re searching for a thought-provoking book about baptism that challenges your preconceived notions, this memoir is a must-read. Gwin’s honest and introspective account will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the bravery and resilience of those who served in Vietnam.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Are you ready to dive into a riveting memoir that will leave you breathless? Look no further than Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin. This captivating book will take you on an emotional journey through the tumultuous waters of the Vietnam War.

From the very first page, Gwin’s vivid storytelling will immerse you in the chaos and danger of the war-torn country. With each turn of the page, you’ll feel the weight of his experiences as he faces the horrors of combat and grapples with the moral complexities of war.

But don’t let the title fool you – this is not a religious book on baptism. Instead, the term “baptism” serves as a metaphor for the baptism by fire experienced by Gwin and his fellow soldiers as they are thrust into the brutal reality of war.

Gwin’s raw and honest narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat as he shares the camaraderie, fear, and sacrifice that defined his time in Vietnam. Through his eyes, you’ll witness both the heroism and the tragedy that unfolded on the battlefield, and gain a profound understanding of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

So, if you’re looking for a baptism book that will leave a lasting impact, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is the perfect choice. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and forever changed by this unforgettable memoir.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin is not your average book on baptism. Instead, it takes readers on a gripping and intense journey through the harrowing experiences of a young soldier during the Vietnam War.

In this baptism book, Gwin recounts his personal story of survival, sacrifice, and the baptism by fire that he and his comrades underwent in the jungles of Vietnam. The author’s vivid descriptions and heartfelt narrative transport readers back to a time of immense turmoil and uncertainty.

Through his powerful storytelling, Gwin immerses readers in the chaos and brutality of war, where every moment becomes a test of one’s character and resilience. He explores the bonds forged in the crucible of battle, the loss of innocence, and the unyielding spirit that keeps soldiers going in the face of unimaginable adversity.

While this book is not about baptism in the traditional religious sense, it delves into the baptism of fire experienced by those who fought in Vietnam. It explores the concept of baptism as a metaphorical rebirth, where individuals are forever changed by their experiences on the battlefield.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is a gripping and poignant account of one man’s journey through the horrors of war. It is a book that will leave readers deeply moved and contemplating the true meaning of baptism, not only in its religious context but also as a transformative experience that shapes lives forever.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Are you ready to dive into a riveting tale of faith, courage, and survival in the midst of chaos? Look no further than “Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir” by Larry Gwin, an extraordinary book that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of war.

But wait, don’t let the title fool you! This isn’t your typical book about baptism. Instead, the word ‘baptism’ serves as a metaphor for the baptism of fire that soldiers experience when thrown into the horrors of war.

In this gripping memoir, Gwin, a young infantry lieutenant, recounts his harrowing experiences as part of the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. From the first page, you’ll be drawn into the gritty reality of combat, feeling the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you navigate the treacherous jungles and face the constant threat of enemy fire.

Gwin’s writing is raw and honest, capturing the brutality of war and the toll it takes on the human spirit. His vivid descriptions transport you right onto the battlefield, making you feel the heat, taste the fear, and smell the gunpowder.

But amidst the chaos, Gwin also shares moments of camaraderie, resilience, and the unwavering faith that sustains him and his fellow soldiers. Through his powerful storytelling, he explores the deep bonds formed in the crucible of war, revealing the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.

“Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir” is not just a book on baptism, but a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of belief in the face of adversity. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and forever changed by this extraordinary memoir that captures the essence of what it means to be human.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir offers readers a riveting and poignant account of one man’s journey through the heart-wrenching realities of war. This powerful memoir by Larry Gwin takes us deep into the chaos, courage, and camaraderie of the Vietnam War, providing a unique perspective on the baptism of fire experienced by soldiers in this harrowing conflict.

In this gripping narrative, Gwin’s baptism into the brutalities of war becomes a metaphor for the transformative power of human resilience and the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who fought alongside him. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, he vividly captures the visceral intensity of combat, the bonds forged in the crucible of battle, and the indescribable toll that war exacts on the human soul.

While Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir delves into the horrors of war, it also explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. Gwin’s memoir serves as a reminder of the profound impact that war has on individuals and society as a whole.

For those seeking a compelling and thought-provoking account of the Vietnam War, this book about baptism is an essential read. Gwin’s vivid storytelling and raw emotions will immerse readers in a world that is both haunting and illuminating, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is a riveting account of Larry Gwin’s experiences during the Vietnam War. This captivating book takes readers on a journey through the harrowing realities of war, where survival and courage are constantly tested.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Gwin’s memoir immerses readers in the chaos and brutality of combat. Through his vivid and poignant storytelling, he brings to life the camaraderie among soldiers, the adrenaline-fueled battles, and the devastating loss experienced on the battlefield.

With each page turn, readers will find themselves drawn deeper into Gwin’s narrative, feeling the weight of each decision and the intensity of each moment. The author’s raw and honest account explores the themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds formed in the face of adversity.

While the title may evoke images of religious rituals, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is not a book about religious sacraments. Instead, it is a powerful testament to the baptism by fire that soldiers face in war. It is a baptism of blood, sweat, and tears, where innocence is lost, and courage is born.

If you’re looking for a gripping and thought-provoking book about the realities of war and the human spirit, Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is an absolute must-read. Larry Gwin’s captivating storytelling will leave you deeply moved and forever changed.

Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir

by Larry Gwin

Are you ready to dive into a riveting tale that will leave you breathless? Look no further than Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir by Larry Gwin, a heart-pounding book about the baptism of fire experienced by soldiers in the Vietnam War.

In this gripping memoir, Gwin takes us on a harrowing journey through the jungles of Vietnam, where the true meaning of baptism takes on a whole new level of intensity. Instead of the serene waters of a church font, Gwin and his comrades are baptized in the chaos and violence of war.

Through vivid and visceral storytelling, Gwin captures the raw emotions and stark realities of the Vietnam War. With each page, you’ll feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you witness the baptism of these brave soldiers, baptized not by water, but by bullets and bombs.

But Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir is not just a book about the horrors of war. It is also a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of the human spirit. Gwin’s memoir explores the bonds forged in the crucible of combat, the unwavering loyalty that soldiers have for each other, and the sacrifices they make for their brothers-in-arms.

So, if you’re looking for a powerful and thought-provoking book about baptism unlike any other, dive into Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir. Prepare to be enthralled, moved, and forever changed by the baptism these soldiers endured.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about baptism offer a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this sacred sacrament. Whether you are a new believer, a parent preparing to baptize your child, or a seasoned Christian looking to reaffirm your faith, these books provide valuable insights and perspectives. From historical accounts to personal testimonies, theological reflections to practical advice, there is something for everyone in this diverse collection. So, dive into these books and let them enrich your journey of faith and understanding of baptism.