
Inscriptions from Early Christian Baptisteries in Rome
Author(s) -
Robin M. Jensen
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
acta ad archaeologiam et artium historiam pertinentia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.101
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 2611-3686
pISSN - 0065-0900
DOI - 10.5617/acta.5777
Subject(s) - apostle , baptism , martyr , context (archaeology) , art , classics , power (physics) , theology , history , literature , philosophy , archaeology , physics , quantum mechanics
This is a study of Latin inscriptions from early Roman baptisteries with attention to their particular imagery, theological assertions, and liturgical context. The themes most prominent in these documents reflect on the practice of baptism as a cleansing from sin, incorporation into the community, death to the old self, and rebirth to new life, as realized through the acts of immersion, anointing, and sealing of the newly baptized. The figure of the church as fertile mother and the consecratory power of the Holy Spirit are concretely expressed in many of these texts. The significance of baptism at the martyrs’ shrine is equally prominent, particularly in light of Rome’s preeminent shrines to Saints Peter and Paul. Additionally, the role of the bishop as shepherd is especially emphasized in Rome, where the figure of Peter is venerated not only as martyr but also as Rome’s first bishop and the apostle especially authorized to bind and lose sinners.