This resource examines the historical and theological background of the rites used for baptism and confirmation in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978). The introduction of the LBW as the standard book in Lutheran worship not only provided North American Lutherans with a new rite for baptism but also new understandings of the meaning of baptism. Baptism was suddenly seen as being central to Christian identity, rather than merely serving as an infant rite of passage performed occasionally in private. It also allowed for full participation of the liturgical assembly and employed a greater use of ritual and gesture. Simultaneously, the greater stress on baptism was accompanied by an attempt to downplay the theological and liturgical importance of confirmation, the centerpiece of Lutheran spiritual formation for those persons baptized in infancy. Confirmation was revised as the "Affirmation of Baptism", allowing it only a secondary role as a part of the original rite of baptism. Truscott argues that these changes have affected how North American Lutherans think about and practice Christian initiation. He also critically evaluates the LBW rites and makes proposals for the future renewal of Christian initiation in North American Lutheranism. This book is a historical and theological study of the work of the ILCW [Inter-Lutheran Commission for Worship] on baptism and the whole process that resulted in the order for baptism and confirmation in the LBW [ Lutheran Book of Worship ]....Truscott goes into great detail to show the process involved in the formation of these services...Especially valuable are the extensive quotes of primary source material and the multiple appendices which give many of different forms and drafts of the baptismal and confirmation services in the process leading up to the LBW....this book is valuable... ( Lutheran Quarterly ) It is not often that the doctoral thesis of a theologian is able to communicate on a level that can be understood by most people in the church. It is even rarer that such an endeavor can be embraced by an audience beyond the academic community to which it was originally addressed. In The Reform of Baptism and Confirmation in American Lutheranism , Jeffrey Truscott is able to do both....Anyone with a curiosity about the process of liturgical renewal will find satisfaction in this book....I recommend Reform to those who are impassioned about the current 'Renewing Worship' project, regardless of where one's passions lie....Anyone who reads Reform will come away with an appreciation of liturgical reform. ( Doxology ) ...a most welcome addition to the shelf of books detailing the history of Christian initiation rites. (Paul Turner Worship ) This book is a historical and theological study of the work of the ILCW [Inter-Lutheran Commission for Worship] on baptism and the whole process that resulted in the order for baptism and confirmation in the LBW [Lutheran Book of Worship]....Truscott goes into great detail to show the process involved in the formation of these services...Especially valuable are the extensive quotes of primary source material and the multiple appendices which give many of different forms and drafts of the baptismal and confirmation services in the process leading up to the LBW....this book is valuable..... ( Lutheran Quarterly ) Jeffrey A. Truscott is an instructor in liturgics at Japan Lutheran College and Theological Seminary in Tokyo.