The spiritual significance of water: baptism, wild swimming and nature spirituality

Abstract

In the context of continuing decline in the numbers of people seeking baptism in the Church of England, this article will explore the sacrament of baptism from a novel angle. Baptism will be explored through a subjective and integrated focus on water. Human experience of water will be put into conversation with the theology and practice of baptism, through subjects as diverse as theology, ecology, nature writing, liturgical studies, and church history. The study has implications for how baptisms are conducted and the mission of the church.