expressions of religious identity Flashcards
Baptism is a significant sacrament in both Catholic and Baptist traditions of Christianity. However, the two traditions differ in their baptism practices in various ways. How do they differ?
- Method of Baptism
- Age of Baptism
- Significance of Baptism
- Role of the Baptizer
- Symbolism
Method of Baptism
In the Catholic tradition, baptism is typically performed by pouring or sprinkling water on the person’s forehead, while in the Baptist tradition, baptism is performed by immersion in water, which means the person is completely submerged in water
Age of Baptism
Catholic tradition practices infant baptism, which is the practice of baptizing babies. Baptists, on the other hand, practice believer’s baptism, which means that only adults who have made a personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ are baptised
Significance of Batism
In the Catholic tradition, baptism is viewed as a sacrament that cleanses the original sin and initiates a person into the Christian faith. In contrast, in the Baptist tradition, baptism is seen as an outward sign of an inward transformation, a public declaration of faith, and a symbolic act of being buried with Christ and raised to new life.
Role of the Baptiser
In the Catholic tradition, only a priest or deacon can administer baptism, while in the Baptist tradition, anyone who has been called by God and authorized by the local church can baptise
Symbolism
In the Catholic tradition, water symbolizes purification, and the act of baptism signifies being born anew. In contrast, in the Baptist tradition, baptism symbolizes death to the old self and resurrection to new life in Christ
Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is a sacrament that is practiced in both Catholic and Baptist traditions of Christianity. However, there are some differences in how the two traditions practice and understand the Eucharist. What are some of the key differences?
- Beliefs about the Eucharist
- Method of Communion
- Frequency of Communion
- Meaning of Communion
Beliefs about the Eucharist
Catholics believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation
In contrast, Baptists believe in the doctrine of memorialism
What is transubstantiation?
Transubstantiation holds that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ during the consecration of the mass
What is memorialism?
Memorialism holds that the bread and wine are only symbolic of the body and blood of Christ, and do not actually become them
Method of Communion
In the Catholic tradition, communion is received by kneeling at the altar rail and receiving the bread on the tongue from a priest or minister. The wine is then given to the communicant by the priest or minister.
In the Baptist tradition, communion is often served by passing plates of bread and cups of grape juice through the congregation, which individuals then take on their own.
Frequency of Communion
In the Catholic tradition, communion is typically received at every mass, which is usually celebrated daily.
In contrast, Baptists generally practice communion less frequently, with some churches observing it monthly, quarterly, or even annually.
Meaning of Communion
For Catholics, the Eucharist is the central act of worship, and it is seen as a means of receiving the grace of God and being united with Christ and the Church.
For Baptists, the Eucharist is seen as a commemoration of Christ’s death and an opportunity for believers to remember the sacrifice he made for their salvation.
What is Evangelism?
Evangelism is proclaiming the gospel (good news) about Jesus, usually to non-Christians
The mission of the Church in the Early Church
The mission of the Church in the early Church was primarily focused on evangelization and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the gentiles. This was carried out through the work of the apostles and early Christian communities