Studies Of Religion CHRISTIANITY BAPTISM

Syllabus Points describe ONE significant practice within Christianity describe ONE significant practice within Christianity  demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity  analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian community

Describe

Why Baptise? Jesus instructs it (Matthew 28:19-20) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them …” Death/Life symbol – Romans 6:3 – Baptism reflects the belief that Christians die to sin just as Jesus died – this is part of an argument that grace does not mean we should sin with abandon!

Romans 6 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Steps in baptism Pledge – vows of repentance, faith & obedience ( exorcism – RC & Greek Orthodox ) Pledge – vows of repentance, faith & obedience ( exorcism – RC & Greek Orthodox ) Statement of faith – recite Apostle’s creed Statement of faith – recite Apostle’s creed Baptism in water – sprinkle, dip, submerge? Baptism in water – sprinkle, dip, submerge? Name – Trinitarian formula Name – Trinitarian formula Sign of the Cross Sign of the Cross Welcomed into life of the church Welcomed into life of the church

Symbols 1. Water – 1. Water –  Genesis 1:1-2, 6-10  Genesis 6:17-22  Exodus 14:21-31 it is a sign of being washed clean from sin and beginning a new life with Christ. It is a sign of life and one way through which God revealed Himself. In the New Testament, water is a sign of a 'clean start' - being 'reborn'. 2. Light - Lit Candle - Jesus is called the light of the world. That light that has come into their lives. 2. Light - Lit Candle - Jesus is called the light of the world. That light that has come into their lives. 3. The sign of the cross - the forehead of the baptismal candidates. Christians are united with Christ and not afraid to stand up for him. 3. The sign of the cross - the forehead of the baptismal candidates. Christians are united with Christ and not afraid to stand up for him.

Symbols (cont’d) 4. White robes/garments – traditionally priest and baptised wear white. Made pure – cleansed. 4. White robes/garments – traditionally priest and baptised wear white. Made pure – cleansed. 5. Repentance - an important part of baptism 5. Repentance - an important part of baptism “Repent and be baptised … in the name of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) (Peter’s first sermon) 6. Congregational promises 6. Congregational promises

Demonstrate beliefs

Sacrament Sacraments = sacramentum (Lat) cf mysterion (Gk) Sacraments = sacramentum (Lat) cf mysterion (Gk) = a secret revealed OR something of mystical significance – a symbol Represents the more sacred acts in Christian ministry = “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace” approved by Jesus Christ. (Catechism for Confirmation, Anglican Church, Australian Anglican Prayer Book (1978) p.542) = “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace” approved by Jesus Christ. (Catechism for Confirmation, Anglican Church, Australian Anglican Prayer Book (1978) p.542) Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican – all agree Baptism & Lord’s Supper = sacrament Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican – all agree Baptism & Lord’s Supper = sacrament

Baptism (Anglican) “Outward, Visible sign” = Water & baptised in the Name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” “Outward, Visible sign” = Water & baptised in the Name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” “Inward, Spiritual Grace” = death to sin & new birth to righteousness “Inward, Spiritual Grace” = death to sin & new birth to righteousness

Beliefs (Prelim. Course) Trinity – “in the name of …” Trinity – “in the name of …” Salvation – recognition of the death and resurrection of Christ Salvation – recognition of the death and resurrection of Christ –Death – identify with the necessary sacrifice for sin –Resurrection – join in new life made possible through sacrifice and victory over death Church – joined to Christ – people united = body of Christ Church – joined to Christ – people united = body of Christ

Significance

Significance Commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) Commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) Places Death of Christ at centre (Romans 6) Places Death of Christ at centre (Romans 6) Sign of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 6:11) Sign of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 6:11) 11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Note: Christians believe they need forgiveness of sin for salvation and right relationship with God Unity of those who have been baptised i.e. the church (1 Corinthians 12:13) Unity of those who have been baptised i.e. the church (1 Corinthians 12:13) 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Variants Roman Catholic view Application of the rite of baptism removes original sin and results in justification (being right before God). Emphasis is on administration of the rite

Variants Reformed view (Protestant) Emphasis on receiving the rite and the act of belief Emphasis on receiving the rite and the act of belief Not saved by baptism – but by faith Not saved by baptism – but by faith Child is still responsible to take up belief in Christ and voluntarily to enter into union with Christ cf circumcision Child is still responsible to take up belief in Christ and voluntarily to enter into union with Christ cf circumcision Baptist – Adults only – must be accompanied by profession of faith

Variants (Homefun) Find two variants of Christianity from the list below and research how they differ from each other re: baptism Find two variants of Christianity from the list below and research how they differ from each other re: baptism  Anglican  Roman Catholic  Greek Orthodox  Baptist

Sprinkled v Dunked? Relevant? Relevant?