Christianity - Baptism

Question 1

Intro (baptism)

Answer 1

• rite of initiation
• individual influenced to devote life to the lord
• becomes disciple of Jesus
• extoll agape love
• build kingdom of God
• Symbols of Baptism
• Baptism’s expression of principal beliefs
• significance of Baptism for the individual and the community.

Question 2

Body 1 - symbols

Answer 2

• call to action to spread Jesus’ word
• purity of the water symbolises cleansing
• water symbolises the transition from original sin to a new role of service
• in the River Jordan Jesus is described as coming up out of the water, “seeing heaven open up” (1 Peter 3:5)
• expressed differently in different denominations
• Catholic baptisms: affusion of water over an infants head symbolises the purity of Jesus’ resurrection
• Orthodox Baptism relies on complete submersion
• pentecostal churches believe adherents are born with “sola gratia” and Baptisms merely an expression of faith as Jesus’ disciple
• Other denominations do adult Baptism
• “through his only Son, God granted humanity freedom from sin” (Matthew 7:8)
• oil used in Baptism reflects the anointing of adherents to be called to service

Question 3

Body 2 expression of Christian principle beliefs/teachings

Answer 3

• Agape Love
• build the Kingdom of God
• Jesus’ salvation is the primary belief evident
• bring God’s vision of his kingdom into fruition
• “spirit, love, peace, hope and joy for all” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
• The light of the Baptismal candle expresses that Jesus is the light of the world
• purity of the white baptismal gown
• encouraged to live out God’s will of service and faith in gratitude
• “free from sin and safe from all distress” (Lords prayer).
• St Augustine and St Ignatius believed in infant damnation for those who refuse to baptise children
• “love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 13: 34)
• to be a disciple you must spread the word
• “Everyone will know that you are his disciples” (John 13: 35)
• values of selflessness and service
• values of love, service and hope to build the kingdom of God

Question 4

Body 3 - significance of Baptism for the individual and the community

Answer 4

• Baptism has extreme significance for both individual and the community
• John XXIII’s integration of Vatican II increased involvement of community during Baptism
• congregation renew their own Baptismal vows
• As Baptism is a dated rite. That Jesus himself took
• Baptism is an expression of faith outwardly, whereby their initiation rites draw an individual previously born outside of the community, to the inside of it
• Hypostatic Union of Jesus

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

• Therefore
• multiple facets of the practice
• extoll the core values that govern their religious faith. - recap points
• Regardless of denominations, the rite of Baptism provides a platform off of which adherents are able to experience their position as eternal disciples of Jesus