Timothy Radcliffe writes on the beauty of baptism, and how its rediscovery is key to the thriving of Christianity today.

Timothy Radcliffe holds a unique position in the modern Catholic Church. As Master of the Dominican Order in Rome for nine years, he held one of the most senior and influential appointments the Catholic Church has on offer. But he is a member of an Order of Preachers and is thus truly apostolic. The order's motto consists of one word, Veritas (Truth), and it is the vigorous pursuit of intellectual and emotional truth which is the hallmark of his writing. This new book will not disappoint his admirers. Here, Fr Radcliffe argues that Christianity will only thrive today, overcoming the challenges of secularism and religious fundamentalism, if we rediscover the beauty of baptism. It touches the deepest dramas of human life: birth, growing up, falling in love, daring to give oneself to others, searching for meaning, coping with suffering and failure, and eventually death.

Take the Plunge is a spirituality book based on living initiation, so its appeal is not limited to sacramental preparation or explicitly baptism-based programs. It would be a helpful resource for preaching, for faith formation of adults or young adults, and for any interested lay reader. Though written from a Catholic perspective, the ecumenical consensus on initiation may make it ecumenically useful as well.