Date of Award
2-12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Laura Gordon, DMin
Second Advisor
Jamale Kempt, DMin
Third Advisor
Martina Hagler, DMin
Abstract
There are many definitions of water baptism. A definition that is like the Biblical form of baptism and the context of this essay is the immersion or ‘dipping’ into a body of water. In the Christian church, this is viewed as a ceremonial ritual mimicked after the event when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34). In some ecclesial settings, the water is lightly sprinkled on the person’s forehead.
Many Christian writers assert that the Jordan River was unholy until Jesus’s Baptism. The theophany at the Jordan River transcended the value of the River. Spiritually, this event would set the tone for all baptisms to follow. With one exception, the sinless God-man representing God to humans and humans to God, Jesus himself had no sins that needed to be forgiven (Acts 2:38). Jesus’ identity as the Son of God was confirmed.
This dissertation seeks to initially explore the many facets of water in the beginning. The motifs of water in the Creation, water in Noah’s Flood, and water in The Red Sea is theologically and metaphorically a symbol of water Baptism exemplifying the justice of God. Metaphorically, the Earth was immersed in the waters as in baptism (Genesis 1:2).
This paper explores how the waters of baptism are necessary in the life of the Black Male who like the earth in the beginning also metaphorically experiences a perpetual baptism due to societal and cultural domination. Spiritual cleansing, rebirth, and freedom from systemic issues and socio-political constraints, through the waters of Baptism, are eschatologically possible when the Black Male is resurrected with Christ out of the waters of Baptism.
It may be determined if through water baptism Jesus metaphorically grants justice for suffering, a new identity, and new birth.
Recommended Citation
Pennywell, Reba Renee', "The Mystery of Water Baptism: A Metaphorical Exploration of Water Baptism and the Black Male who, due to Historical, Political, Societal, and Cultural Domination, May Experience the Justice of Jesus in the Water" (2025). Doctor of Ministry. 686.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/686