Borders of Baptism: Identities, Allegiances, and the Church

Description: It's a simple claim, really - that for Christians, "being a Christian" should be their primary allegiance and identity. For those who proclaim Jesus as Lord, this identity should supersede all others, and this loyalty should trump all lesser ones. It may be a simple claim, but it is a controversial one for many people, Christians and non-Christians alike. The Borders of Baptism uses the idea of solidarity among Christians as a lens through which to view politics, economics, and culture. It offers Christians a fresh perspective capable of moving beyond sterile and dead-end debates typical of debates on issues ranging from immigration and race to war, peace, and globalization. The Borders of Baptism invites Christians of all traditions to reflect on the theological and political implications of first "being a Christian" in a world of rival loyalties. It invites readers to see what it might mean to be members of a community broader than the largest nation-state; more pluralistic than any culture in the world; more deeply rooted in the lives of the poor and marginalized than any revolutionary movement; and more capable of exemplifying the notion of;e pluribus unum' than any empire past, present, or future.

Brief description: Michael L. Budde is professor of Catholic studies and political science, and senior research professor in the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology (CWCIT) at DePaul University in Chicago. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including Foolishness to Gentiles: Essays on Empire, Nationalism, and Discipleship; The Borders of Baptism: Identities, Allegiances, and the Church; and The (Magic) Kingdom of God: Christianity and Global Culture Industries.

Review Quotes: "Contemporary Catholic and Protestant ethics are rather divided on the significance of the renewed focus on Christian identity in theology. Whatever side one is on, Michael Budde's The Borders of Baptism is essential reading. Budde's vision of ecclesial solidarity is stunning, moving the discussion beyond platitudes and slogans to both argue for and display the practices necessary for Christians who wish to take seriously their baptismal commitment."
-John Berkman
Lupina Centre for Spirituality, Healthcare and Ethics

"What would it look like if Christians took their baptisms and baptismal vows seriously, not just in so-called 'spiritual' matters, but in every aspect of life? With his usual wit and clarity Michael Budde shows us some of the ways that baptism intersects with issues of immigration, race, national identity, class, and globalization. A must read for those who take ecclesial solidarity and discipleship as their defining loyalty."
-Barry Harvey
Baylor University