This is a superb biblical theology mapping the images, symbolism and metaphors of water through the Old testament and connecting to the sacrament of Baptism in the New Testament. This is an academic level book in its detail and references, but is readable and applicable for ministers, lay leaders and to all who are interested in Biblical theology. Isaac Morales is a Dominican friar and an Associate Professor of Theology at Providence College but, as stated in the introduction, this book is useful for the church catholic. As someone who teaches and preaches regularly, I have found this book to be immediately helpful in teaching others and preparing discipleship materials. I thoroughly recommend this book and will be encouraging other ministers, leaders and students to read it.

As someone who was baptized into the RCC as a baby, I was interested in this read. As someone who believes that the RCC teaches a false gospel, I finished the book.
I wouldn't recommend this book and disagree with catholic theology on both the bible and baptism.

*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Christian Baptism is probably the one key rites of initiation shared by all Christian traditions in some form or another. Over the years I have extensively contemplated on the nature and meaning of this sacrament as a preacher’s kid, catholic catechist, lay dominican and deacon candidate, so I thought that I had a pretty good handle on the subject. This book managed to surprise me with a well organized exploration of the central themes (redemption/salvation, communion/unity, new life/spirit and the new priesthood, which were comfortably familiar) as well as several nooks and crannies where I never thought to look before (such as how water is used within the OT - Part 1). Although this book was written by a Catholic theologian, his fundamentally solid biblical exegesis and accessible writing makes the book suitable for anybody who wants to understand the many dimensions of this sacrament, and why it forms the principle foundation for christian life (I would strongly recommend this as a group study as well).

Introduction: The Foundation of Salvation
Part 1 - Written for Our Instruction: Water in the Old testament

1. The Waters of Life
2. The Waters of Death
3. The Waters of Freedom
4. The Waters of Purity

Part 2 - The Substance Belongs to Christ: Baptism in the New Testament

5. Christ, the Model of Baptism
6. Christ, the Source of Baptism
7. Baptism “in the Name”
8. Dying and Rising with Christ
9. Being Clothed with Christ
10. Baptism and New Birth
11. Baptismal Purity
12. Baptismal Unity

Conclusion: Salvation through Worship
Appendix: Infant Baptism

I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheBibleAndBaptism #NetGalley.