BAPTISM

SyllabusLearn about: Significant practices in the life of adherents – ONE significant practice within

Christianity drawn from: Baptism, Marriage ceremony, Saturday/Sunday worship

Learn to: describe ONE significant practice within Christianity drawn from: Baptism,

Marriage ceremony, Saturday/Sunday worship demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian

community

Significant practices for the life of adherentsChristianity has significant practices to both mark changing status within the community and celebrate communally key beliefs essential to the expression of faith. All Christian churches recognise the importance of ritual and religious practice both in the home and together as a community. Baptism, marriage and Saturday/Sunday worship are three practices evident in most expressions of Christianity.

BaptismBaptism has been used since ancient times as a rite to mark purification, commitment and inclusion in the religion. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan (Mark 1:9). John the Baptist had used baptism as a purification ritual for his Jewish followers. For Jesus as the Messiah, it was also a signifier that he would baptise – not with water but with the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave instructions for his own followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is the rite that marks the admission of an individual into most of the Christian churches. Infant baptism has been practised since early times of Christianity. In the early third century CE, Tertullian mentioned it as a practice used by early Christians and Hippolytus of Rome wrote detailed instructions on how to conduct it.

The benefits of religious practiceWhat are the benefits of religious practice for adherents?

• Church attendance is one of the most important indicators of marital stability and happiness.

• The practice of religion has been shown to help people move out of poverty by providing people with direction, motivation and purpose in their lives.

• Religious practice helps to reduce levels of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse and even mental illnesses such as depression.

• Religious practice helps to reduce levels of crime.

Table 1 The rite of baptism

RITUAL ELEMENT

ROMAN CATHOLIC ANGLICAN GREEK ORTHODOX BAPTIST CHURCH

Celebrant Priest priest or minister priest ministerOther roles

Parentsgodparentscommunity

parentsgodparentscommunity

cantors: sing response in Greekparentsgodparentscommunity

believer (candidate)community

Sacred text

Romans 6:3–11Matthew 28:16–20

The Collect of the DayLesson from scripture

Romans 6:3–11Matthew 28:16–20

The Sunday servicereadings

Significantsymbols

baptismal font, water, oil, candle, white cloth

baptismal font, water, oil, candle

baptismal font, water, oil, candle, new clothes, movement around church

baptismal garment(white)baptismal pool

Sacred space

church or baptistery church church baptismal pool

Features of ritual

The Eucharist mayinclude rite of baptism (e.g. EasterVigil Mass)

rite of baptism child is received into the church – Eucharist and full initiation are part of the ceremony

adult rite of baptism / believer’s baptism

Structure of ritual

• priest greetscommunity

• priest questionsparents and confirms their wish for baptism

• priest, parents and godparents trace the sign of the cross on child

• Liturgy of the Word• homily• rite of exorcism and

• gathering hymn,• psalm or anthem• priest greets community• the Collect of the Day is

prayed• lesson from scripture• sermon• presentation and

examination ofcandidate

• baptismal covenant is

• begins in entrance of the church

• exorcism• signing of the cross• naming• lighting of the

baptismal candle• removal of clothes• anointing with oil• blessing of the water• full immersion in the

• believer’s baptism is part of the Sunday worship service

• includes testimony by the person being baptised declaring their faith in Jesus Christ

• full immersion in pool

anointing with oil• baptismal waters

blessed• profession of faith• baptism with water on

forehead• child clothed in white

cloth• parents and godparents

given candle• Prayers of the Faithful• the Lord’s Prayer• final blessing

prayed• prayers of thanksgiving

and blessing over thewater

• prayers of consecration over the oils

• baptism• the Lord’s Prayer

recited• concluding prayer

baptismal font• sacrament of Chrismation• dressing in new clothes• religious dance circle font

three times• tonsure - cutting of the

hair• Holy Eucharist

Impact onindividual

For most Christian denominations, baptism is normally celebrated in childhood. Usually the parents and godparents take the child to the church community and the child is welcomed into the church. Baptism marks the movement of the child/adult to a recognised place within the community of the church.

The rite of exorcism is included in the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches.

Adult baptism is part of Baptist and Pentecostal church practice.

In infant baptism, parents and godparents make promises on behalf of the candidate.

The community renews its baptismal promises on this occasion.

ROMAN CATHOLIC ANGLICAN GREEK ORTHODOX BAPTIST CHURCH

How baptism expresses Christian beliefsThe Roman Catholic, Anglican and Greek Orthodox churches baptise children as they believe it is important the child is brought up in the faith of the community and offered the gift of salvation through the church. Other denominations, such as Baptist, Churches of Christ and many of the evangelical churches, choose to wait until the candidate is an adult as they feel this is more faithful to the New Testament practice of baptising adults. This is called ‘believer’s baptism’. Often this is done in a pool in the church, or at a beach or river. Believer’s baptism recognises a person’s dedication of their life to Christ and his teachings. In many of these churches, a naming or dedication ceremony is held for a baby rather than a baptismal rite.

Anglican and Baptist Churches use the service of the day and include the baptismal rite as part of the normal church service. The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches have separate services, or in the case of the Roman Catholic Church, the baptism can be part of the Easter Vigil Service.

The Society of Friends (Quakers) holds that outward rites such as baptism are not necessary to be part of the community. Even a child raised as a Quaker must confirm their readiness to join the community as an adult worshipper. The Salvation Army also does not follow the practice of baptizing followers. The Army feels that there are dangers in a heavy dependence on ceremonies and rituals. To become a Salvation Army soldier, adherents have to study the ways of the Army, acknowledge allegiance to the ways of the Army and pray for God’s help in keeping their promise.

Sacred sources: Baptism• rite of initiation into the church (1 Corinthians 12:13)• symbolism of water (Mark 1:9)• immersion in water (John 3:5)• anointing with oil (1 Samuel 10:1–3)• candle (John 1:19)• new clothes (Galatians 3:26–27)

The significance of baptismBaptism is a rite of passage. In the Christian community it marks transition from outside the community via initiation into new life in the Christian church. Salvation is the key teaching of baptism (Acts 2:38).

Table 2 The Significance of the baptismal rite

ANALYSIS BAPTISMAL RITE

Name The word ‘baptism’ comes from the Greek baptizo, to dip, plunge or immerse. The history of Christianity places baptism as a ritual from the early times – Jesus called on his followers to undertake it in his name.Baptism is mentioned by historians Tertullian and Christian presbyter Hippolytus of Rome.

Principal beliefs The ceremony centres on acknowledgement and commitment by the candidate (or parents and godparents) to the core beliefs of Christianity: the divinity and humanity of Jesus, God and the Trinity, revelation, salvation.Readings from scripture and the words of the prayers reaffirm these beliefs.

The individual’s connection to beliefs Baptism initiates the candidate into the Christian community.The symbolism (water, candle, oil, new garment) reminds the candidate and community of the connection to the church.

Relation to the Christian community Baptism reaffirms the community’s commitment to their own baptismal promises.The community is more aware than the candidate (a baby) of the commitment to their faith and their role in assisting the candidate in remaining part of the church.

ActivityOutline the significance of the use of water for the Christian ceremony of baptism. Integratethese two photographs into your answer.

Infant baptism Baptism by immersion

The Significance of Baptism for Individuals and the Christian CommunityBaptism is clearly a most significant practice for most Christian denominations. It has profound significance for the person who is baptised and is also important for the Christian community as a whole. The significance can be viewed from a number of different perspectives.

Links to earliest Christian ChurchesFirstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed with Jesus' life and ministry itself. Secondly, it can be regarded as significant for the theological reflection that if offers to both the individual and the community. Thirdly, it has enormous significance in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally, it has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual and the community.

Ancient RiteBaptism is an ancient ritual. It has belonged in the life of the Christian community since its inception and indeed predates the Christian movement in the context of Judaism. It seems apparent that some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus, had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 1:4).

Jesus' baptismJesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew 28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.

Links to early Christian ChurchFor the earliest Christians baptism was a profoundly significant event and for Christians today, the possibility of sharing in an event of such ancient significance is rich and rewarding. It is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples.

Theological reflectionThe rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. There are images of death and new life which call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus. There are also images of creation and renewal which convey an understanding about the great saving actions of the God of Israel. Further aspects of the rite of baptism allow reflection on the struggle between good and evil in the images of light and darkness. Other images call for reflection on the idea of repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and renewal. Indeed it is difficult to find significant aspects of Christian theology which are not captured in the tradition, the symbols and the ritual actions associated with the practice of baptism.

Preparation for BaptismThe richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual. Whether it be for the candidate preparing for their own baptism or a parent or God parent preparing for a child's baptism, there are abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite of baptism. Many Churches invite candidates to prepare for baptism or to prepare for their role as parents or God parents through engaging in a preparation course which helps them make connections between theological themes and their own experience.

Reflection and renewalFor the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal. Many Christian communities invite congregations to renew their own baptismal promises on the occasion of baptisms in the local Church community. These occasions challenge the members of the community to constantly reflect on their vocation as Christians and the significance of their own baptism. The involvement of the community in assisting candidates prepare for their baptism and praying for those involved is yet another dimension of the significance for the community.

Theological dimensionFurther significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.

Gift of the Holy SpiritThis is significant for the individual who, through their baptism, receives the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both their growth through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.

Rite of passageBaptism is also an authentic rite of passage. It marks the transition of the individual from one stage or state in life onto the next. In terms of the Christian community it marks the transition of a person from being outside of this community to becoming a fully initiated.

Thus for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and faith. For the community, the process of supporting a person through their preparation and welcoming them into the community through baptism is also highly significant. The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.

Activities

Evaluate the significance of baptism for individuals and the Christian community.

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY

Extended response

Introduction• Define the key area first

• Make a judgement of the significance in your opening line.

• Identify the significance and reasons for the significance

Baptism is .........................................................

This sacrament is highly significant .....................................

For the individual Baptism is a process of renewal and salvation.

Overview paragraph• What is Baptism? • Links to Christianity and

Symbolism

Describe ( briefly) process of baptism Link to Christian theology concepts

Body Paragraphs Focus on the Individual INDIVIDUAL SIGNIFICANCE

first Initiation Salvation ForgivenessRite of passage

COMMUNITY SIGNIFICANCE Renewal of Faith Relationship with the Church Baptism occurs within Christ’s body – The Church

Conclusion• Reiterate the introduction

Sample Responses

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)Describe ONE of the following significant practices within Christianity:

• Baptism • Marriage ceremony • Saturday/Sunday worship

Response 1Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for people wishing to join the Christian community. The core elements of the rite of baptism are the immersion in water or the sprinkling or pouring of water and the profession of faith by, or on behalf of, the person being baptised.

While there is considerable variety in the forms of baptism used by various Christian denominations, the core elements of baptism in water and a profession of faith are evident across the spectrum of Christianity.

Other elements that are frequently included are readings from the bible, a sermon or homily from the presiding minister, the tracing of the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person being baptised, anointing with oil, prayers for the candidate, clothing in a white garment and presentation of a lighted baptismal candle.

The most common form of baptism involves the baptism of infants, however, some Christian denominations do not accept this practice and will only baptise adults who have made a conscious decision to follow the Christian faith.

While baptism may be celebrated as a separate rite, there are many examples of it being incorporated into the main form of Sunday worship where the whole community is gathered.(214 words / Band 3)

Response 2 Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for people wishing to join the Christian community. The rite of baptism is significant to adherents of Christianity in a number of ways.

Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed with Jesus' life and ministry itself. Secondly, it can be regarded as significant for the theological reflection that if offers to both the individual and the community. Thirdly, it has enormous significance in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally, it has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual and the community.

The fact that baptism is an ancient ritual is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples.

The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. The richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual. There are abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite of baptism. For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal.

Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. This is significant for the individual who, through their baptism, receives the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both their growth through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.

Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage, for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and faith. The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.(401words / Band 6)

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)Analyse how ONE significant practice within Christianity expresses the beliefs of Christianity

Response The practice of baptism is an important rite in most denominations of Christianity. It holds a central place as a rite of initiation and expresses many significant beliefs of the Christian tradition.

The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and humankind's dependence on God. It calls to mind images of the accounts of creation (Genesis 1:2), the flood (Genesis 7-8) and the Exodus. (Exodus 14).

The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit in John's Gospel (John 3). This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit.

The act of repentance proclaimed in baptism expresses the idea of turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism. Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or renouncing sin and evil and turning in a positive way to live the life of the Spirit.

The practice of baptism in the Christian tradition also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate through the body of Christ in the mystery of Jesus' dying and rising.

The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the Christian tradition. The most obvious of these is the sign of the cross which is used in a number of places in the rite. This simple symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith.

The symbol of water reflects the belief in rebirth and in cleansing from sin which are at the heart of the Christian gospel. The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol. Oil is a traditional symbol for healing and strength. In baptism, Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus. The use of a white garment symbolises the purity of the baptised person and expresses the idea that in baptism the individual is cleansed from original sin. (422 words / Band 6)

Question 2 - Christianity (20 marks)Outline the purpose and assess the significance of ONE of the following practices in Christianity: Baptism, Marriage ceremony, Saturday/Sunday worship

ResponseBaptism is clearly a most significant practice for most Christian denominations. It has profound significance for the person who is baptised and is also important for the Christian community as a whole. The significance can be viewed from a number of different perspectives.

Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed with the life and ministry itself. Secondly it can be regarded as significant for the theological reflection that if offers to both the individual and the community. Thirdly it has enormous significance in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally it has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual and the community.

Baptism is an ancient ritual. It has belonged in the life of the Christian community since its inception and indeed predates the Christian movement in the context of Judaism. It seems apparent that some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 1:4).

Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew 28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.

For the earliest Christians baptism was a profoundly significant event and for Christians today, the possibility of sharing in an event of such ancient significance is rich and rewarding. It is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples.

The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. There are images of death and new life which call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus. There are also Images of creation and renewal which convey an understanding about the great saving actions of the God of Israel. Further aspects of the rite of baptism allow reflection on the struggle between good and evil in the images of light and darkness. Other images call for reflection on the idea of repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and renewal. Indeed it is difficult to find significant aspects of Christian theology which are not captured in the tradition, the symbols and the ritual actions associated with the practice of baptism.

The richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual. Whether it be for the candidate preparing for their own baptism or a parent or God parent preparing for a child's baptism, there are abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in

the rite of baptism. Many Churches invite candidates to prepare for baptism or to prepare for their role as parents or God parents through engaging in a preparation course which helps them make connections between theological themes and their own experience.

For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal. Many Christian communities invite congregations to renew their own baptismal promises on the occasion of baptisms in the local Church community. These occasions challenge the members of the community to constantly reflect on their vocation as Christians and the significance of their own baptism. The involvement of the community in assisting candidates prepare for their baptism and praying for those involved is yet another dimension of the significance for the community.

Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.

This is significant for the individual who through their baptism receives the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both their growth through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.

Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage. It marks the transition of the individual from one stage or state in life onto the next. In terms of the Christian community it marks the transition of a person from being outside of this community to becoming a fully initiated.

Thus for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and faith. For the community, the process of supporting a person through their preparation and welcoming them into the community through baptism is also highly significant. The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.(940 words / Band 6)

COURSE SUMMARY NOTES

Christianity – Baptism

What is it? Admits candidate into Christian Church Community Brings new life door way to other sacraments Frees us from all original and future sin reborn as a son of God

Baptism is a Christian rite in which new members are initiated into the Christian community. Baptism has been used since the beginning of Christianity when it was used to initiate adults only, only becoming open to children in more recent centuries. Baptism involves profession of the faith by the immersion of the forehead. It is common to all Christian faiths, although there are some minor variations.

“Baptise them in the name of the F, S, HS and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you” (Mt 28:19-20)

What happens during Baptism?1. Welcome rite2. Questioning of parents responsibilities3. Signing to Priest with sign of cross4. Celebration of liturgy of the word5. Exorcism, then child is anointed6. Blessing of Baptismal water7. Parents profess faith8. In the name of the F, S, HS, child anointed with oil9. Clothing and candles10. Conclude with Lord’s Prayer

What symbols are used during Baptism? Water - represents cleansing of all sin for new beginning Oil - represents strength for life’s struggles White clothing - represents purity and new life Candle - represents light of Christ. Jesus represented as ‘light of the world’

How does it demonstrate key Christian key beliefs?1. Welcome: demonstrates a ‘community’ event for significance for individual and

community2. Readings from Bible: demonstrate central role of faith in Jesus3. Exorcism: demonstrates deliverance from evil4. Profession of faith: demonstrates key segments of Nicene Creed5. Baptism: water demonstrates cleansing sin, new beginning, faith in triune God6. Candle / White garment: demonstrates light of Christ and new beginning free of sin7. Anointment: demonstrates strengthening of individual for future challenges8. Eucharist: demonstrates full membership and participation in church community

Why is it significant for individuals and communities?Individual, Baptism signifies: Personal orientation to dedicate on life to believing in Christian faith Experience of being forgiven of all past faults, now to live according to Jesus Invitation to participate in worshipping life of Christian Church Accepting responsibility to live as a Christian through Jesus’ values and be a member

of the Church community Access to other and further Christian rites

Community, Baptism signifies: Fidelity to Jesus’ command to extent his message to all people “Baptise all nations, teach them all my commandments” (Mt 28:19-20) Vitality within the Church, inclusion of new members Opportunity to learn from new members, newer ways to spread Jesus message Reminder of Church identity- community called to existence by God, reliant on God’s Holy Spirit Allow participants to play active part in Church activities Parents and God Parents guide the baptised in future life

What are the variants of Baptism within Christianity?Orthodox Church: Initiation as infant Triple immersion Anointment of forehead AND eyes, nose, mouth, ears, chest, hands, feet Bread and wine for Eucharist

Protestant Church: Initiation as adult Full body immersion Only a person who repents can be ‘born again’ Infants who ‘do not understand enough to hold faith in Jesus’ cannot be baptised

COURSE SUMMARY POINTS

1. Syllabus Point 3.1 – Foundation Studies: Christianity

Describe the significant practice of Baptism within Christianity

Baptism is used in most Christian denominations. It signifies initiation into the beliefs and practices of the Christian tradition. Baptism has significance as a statement of a person’s beliefs in the Christian tradition – a necessary element for salvation.

Baptism allows Christians to share in the death and resurrection of Christ as it cleanses people from their sins. It is performed using gestures, sacred writings and symbols

The Salvation Army and the Society of Friend are examples of Christian groups which do not participate in baptism. For the majority of Christians today, baptism was carried out when they were infants – it is common practice in Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity.

The parents and god parents must make commitments on behalf of the child, and agree to nurture the child in the Christian faith. In other Christian groups such as the Baptist and Pentecostal Churches the baptism of infants is not accepted. Members are expected to choose to be baptized as adults having made their own decision to repent and be born again.

The idea of baptism stems form the sense of being immersed in water. This symbolises being surrounded by and imbued with the beliefs and practices of the Christian community.

The baptismal ritual is usually carried out within the church, and is contained within or celebrated net to the main forms of Sunday worship. The majority of baptisms involve the sprinkling or pouring of water onto the head of the child. In orthodox churches the child is immersed briefly in water on three occasions.

There are a variety of aspects included in baptism across different denominations. The core elements are the baptism with water and the profession of faith.

Baptism is often incorporated into the celebration of the Eucharist, in particular the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This begins with a welcome and greeting from the priest/deacon, followed by a questioning of the parents and godparents to confirm their wish for baptism.

The priest or deacon and godparents trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead. The liturgy of the word follows, which includes readings from the Bible and a homily from the priest or deacon.

The homily is followed by the rite of exorcism and the anointing with the oil of chrism. The waters of baptismal font are then blessed, and those present make a profession of faith, including a

renunciation of sin. The baptism follows, usually involving a pouring of water on the child’s head. The child is then clothed in a white baptismal garment, and the parents and godparents receive a baptismal candle.

The priests of deacon pray the prayer of Ephphatha, asking that the child’s ears will be open to receive the word of God and that their mouth will open to proclaim the Gospel.

The Our Father is then prayed followed by a final blessing.

- Four main symbols: water, the oil of chrism, white garment, baptismal candle- Main gestures: sign of the cross, trinitine blessing, profession of faith- Sacred writings: liturgy of the word, which incorporate the first reading gospel

acclamation and the Gospel

2. Syllabus Point 3.2 – Foundation Studies: Christianity

Demonstrate how Baptism expresses the beliefs of Christianity

The origins of Baptism are ancient, pre-dating Christianity itself. Some Jewish groups were practicing baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist had baptism as the hallmark of his ministry, and Jesus accepted the baptism of John. He then gave instructions to his followers to baptize people in his name.

Water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as the creator and humankind’s dependence on him. This calls to mind images of the waters of chaos from the Genesis account of creation, the destructive power of the flood in the story of Noah, and the miraculous crossing of the red Sea in the accounts of Exodus.

The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the spirit in John’s Gospel. The imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life of the spirit.

The Christian understanding of baptism contains a sense of the repentance highlighted in the ministry of John the Baptist. John announced that his ministry was only a preparation for the one who was to come. The act of repentance proclaimed in John’s baptism expresses the idea of turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism.

Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or renouncing sin and evil and turning in a positive way to live the life of the spirit. Baptism also expresses the belief of Christians in the church as the body of Christ. Christians are baptized into the church, which is the body of Christ.

The early church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation. It was sign of their repentance, and proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The belief that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.

The symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the Christian tradition. The sign of the cross is used in a number of places in the rite. This simple symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God which is at the heart of Christian faith. The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol, used in the sense of mandating or setting someone aside for a purpose. It is seen in the anointing of a king such as the anointing of Saul. Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus.

Another symbol used is a white garment, symbolizing the purity of the baptized person. Baptism is therefore a new beginning for Christians.

The giving of a candle to the parents and godparents or to the newly baptized person also conveys significant expressions of Christian belief. It brings to mind notions of Jesus being the light of the world, and the word of god being a guiding light for the people to follow. It also symbolizes the conflict between good and evil – light dispelling the darkness in and through the ministry of Jesus.

This expresses the idea of the gifts bestowed on the individual and their responsibility to use these gifts in service to others.

The Baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle and presented to the person being baptized or the parents of a child. The candle symbolizes the light of God, now always present within the individual. It is said to be the light which darkness cannot overcome, which guides and illuminates one’s way.

This expresses the fundamental belief in salvation: which suggests that humans require deliverance from god from the power of sin and darkness

Sacred writings are incorporated in the liturgy of the word which consists of the first reading, gospel acclamation and the gospel. Scripture shows that baptism directly adheres to god command which expresses the desire of Christians to live in accordance with god’s will.

3. Syllabus Point 3.3 – Foundation Studies: Christianity

Analyse the significance of Baptism for both the individual and the Christian community.

Baptism has profound significance for the person who is baptized. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole. It has ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed with the life and ministry itself. It is also significant for the theological reflection that it offers to both the individual and the community, and in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian community. This is significant for the individual as they receive forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

As an authentic rite of passage, Baptism is an ancient ritual, belonging in the life of the Christian community since its inception. It predates the Christian movement in the context of Judaism. Some Jewish groups were practicing baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry – Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John. He gave instructions to his followers to baptize people in his name.

Baptism relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs. Christians today have the possibility in sharing in an event of ancient significance. It is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share in the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of the church.

The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection, with images of death and new life. This calls to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus, of creation and renewal. It also conveys an understanding about the great saving actions of the God of Israel. It creates a reflection on the idea of repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and renewal.

Opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual developments are created in the rite of baptism. Many churches have preparation courses which help make connections between theological themes and life experience.

For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal. Many Christian communities invite congregations to renew their own baptismal promises. This challenges the members of the community to constantly reflect on their vocation as christians and the significance of their own baptism.

The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. The early church community regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation. Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ.

Baptism is an authentic rite of passage – it marks the transition of the individual from one stage in life onto the next. It also marks the transition from being outside of this community to being full initiated.

For the individual there is significance in a sense of belonging with the community; the sharing of a common mind and faith. The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.