C5 - rites of passage Flashcards
define sacrament
A religious ceremony or act regarded as a means of divine grace, such as baptism or marriage.
define original sin
The Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve.
define baptism
sacrament in Christianity that symbolizes initiation into the faith and the cleansing of sins. It represents a commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
define Catechesis
The religious instruction given to a person in preparation for baptism.
define Immersion
The act of being submerged in water, symbolising death to sin and rebirth in Christ.
define rite of pasage
ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone’s life
define Godparents
Individuals chosen to support a child’s spiritual growth and guide them in their faith journey.
define Sponsors
Individuals who take responsibility for guiding a person in their faith, particularly during confirmation.
define Anointing with Oil
A ritual representing being set apart for God’s purpose and blessing.
define Lighting a Candle
A symbolic act representing the light of Christ entering the individual’s life.
types of baptism & which denominations practice which
-infant baptism - Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican
-adult baptism - Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical
-dedication - Evangelical
-believer’s baptism - Baptist, Pentecostal
what is:
-infant baptism
-adult baptism
-dedication
-believer’s baptism
-infant baptism - Performed on infants, symbolizing entrance into the Christian community; involves sprinkling or pouring water.
-adult baptism - Baptism of adults who have converted to Christianity, often involving full immersion.
-dedication ceremony - A ceremony where parents dedicate their child to God without baptizing them.
-believer’s baptism - Baptism of individuals who profess personal faith, usually by full immersion.
significance of infant baptism
-signifies the child’s entry into the Christian community and the parents’ commitment to raise the child in the faith.
-involves the use of holy water, prayers, and the signing of the cross on the child’s forehead & choosing Godparents
-belief that God’s grace is available to all = about the individual’s faith & God’s initiative in welcoming the child into the faith community.
-significance: believed to cleanse original sin which is inherited by man
-has sponsor/ god parent
significance of adult baptism
-emphasises the individual’s personal faith and decision to follow Christ
-the person makes a conscious choice to accept Jesus as their Savior & catechesis happens
-do full immersion = seen as a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the individual’s death to sin and rebirth in Christ
-significance: reflects the belief that baptism should be a personal decision made by someone who understands the commitment they are making
significance of dedication
-parents dedicate their child to God without performing baptism
-focus is on the parents’ commitment to raise the child in a Christian environment
-pastor prays for child, no water used
-significance: allows parents to express their intentions to nurture their child’s spiritual life without the theological implications of baptism, particularly the belief in original sin
Significance of believer’s baptism
-person chooses to be baptized after making a personal decision to accept Christ.
-symbolizes their faith and commitment to the Christian community & a public declaration of their beliefs
-significance: importance of personal faith and the conscious decision to follow Christ.
-has sponser
Role of Godparents
-chosen during infant baptism
-support the child’s spiritual growth & guide them in their faith journey
-involved in Church activities and child’s religious education
Role of sponsers
-involved in adult baptism, affirming the individual’s faith & commitment to the church.
-mentors & help newly baptized people in the community
Baptism rituals & their symbolism
- Immersion in Water: the cleansing of sins and new life in Christ, associated with believers’ baptism.
- Pouring Water: presence of the Holy Spirit and the washing away of impurities, used in infant baptism.
- Anointing with Oil: being set apart for God’s purpose and blessing, performed during the baptism ceremony.
- Lighting a Candle: the light of Christ entering the individual’s life, in baptism services to represent the new believer’s journey of faith.
similarities in baptism among denominations
- All traditions view baptism as a significant rite of initiation into the Christian faith.
- Each emphasizes the importance of community and support in the baptism process.
differences in baptism among denominations
- Infant vs. Believers’ Baptism: Catholic and Orthodox churches do infant baptism, Protestant do believers’ baptism. This difference stems from varying theological interpretations of sin and grace.
- Methods of Baptism: The Catholic and Orthodox churches use immersion/ pouring, Protestants may use both methods depending on the denomination. This reflects differing views on the symbolism and necessity of the baptismal act.
- Role of Godparents: Prominent in Catholic and Orthodox practices but less emphasized in Protestant traditions. This highlights the varying views on community involvement in a child’s spiritual upbringing.
infant baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - after birth, holy water & prayers, Godparents
Orthodox - after birth, holy water & prayers, Godparents
Protestant - no common
adult baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - not common
Orthodox - not common
Protestant - full immersion; declaration of faith
dedication in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - not common
Orthodox - not common
Protestant - common; parents commit to raising child in faith