John Burgess explores the distinctive qualities of Christian identity by demonstrating how baptism, the Eucharist, and the Commandments are basic points of orientation for Christians. He challenges the church and its members to identify and claim key practices and disciplines of faith to deepen baptismal identity and give the Christian life solid form today. His work ultimately seeks to stimulate pastors, educators, and church leaders to encourage the church to practice ways of life together that will lead to a more faithful living of the Christian faith.

Worship (Vol. 80, No. 1, Jan. 2006) “[A]n eminently readable book filled with spiritual wisdom and practical insight.” –Paul Turner, St. Munchin Church, Cameron, Missouri

John Burgess has taught at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary since 1998, where he is the James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology. He has received grants from the Fulbright Program, the Center of Theological Inquiry, and the Henry Luce III Foundation. His books from WJK include Why Scripture Matters, After Baptism, and Encounters with Orthodoxy. Of special interest to him are Reformed theology and issues of religion and nation.