Baptism

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

A Rite of Passage - special ceremony that marks important events in life, they have rituals which are associated with the passing of time on the earth
4 main Christian rights of passage - Baptism, Confirmation (your own decision to be a Christian), Marriage and Death
Baptism, confirmation and marriage are all sacraments (event where Christians believe they receive special blessings from God)

Question 2

Why is it important?

Answer 2

Beginning life as a Christian
Following Jesus’ example, doing what he asked
People enter the Christian faith and become members of the Church

Question 3

Infant Baptism

Answer 3

Some groups of Christians baptise people whilst babies
Takes place in a church
Private or ordinary service
Water is poured on the baby for spiritual cleansing
Parents are given a candle at the end (to signify the baby belongs to Jesus - the light of the World)

Question 4

Believers Baptism

Answer 4

Some groups of Catholics don’t believe in Infant baptism
Delayed until the child requests it
Seen as an act of personal faith to Jesus
It should be a personal choice, and when you understand it fully
Believer takes vows, symbolically immersed in water to wash away sin