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Christianity - Baptism short answer
Studies of Religion- Unit 4
High School - Australia
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ROS - Baptism Questions (SA)
Briefly outline ONE significant practice within Christianity [2 or 3]
Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation whereby the individual is welcomed into the Trinitarian family as, “by one spirit we are baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Baptism is a purifying ritual as through wetting, anointing or full immersion the individual is cleansed and welcomed into the Christian community, ultimately providing a framework for their entrance into the Kingdom of God.
Analyse how this chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity [6]
The significant practice of Baptism is the ultimate expression of faith in Christianity. The unification of the trinity during Jesus’ baptism indicates that through the practice, Christians may recognise the nature of God and, as such, express their beliefs in the Triune God which lies at the heart of Christian faith. Elements and symbols incorporated within Baptism express key Christian beliefs which facilitate the spiritual transformation of the individual. Water is a central symbol that simultaneously reflects the Christian belief in and dependence on God, the creator of humanity. Full submersion in water as practiced by Greek Orthodox Church reflects belief in accounts of creation such as the flood (Genesis 7-8) as well as the Exodus (Exodus 14). Additionally, as Christians believe in revelation and Jesus Christ who baptized, it is essential to undergo the significant practice as “Unless one is born again of water and spirit, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). The Baptismal Candle is symbolic of the universal Christian belief that Christ has enlightened those who have been baptised and affirms the word of God as a guiding light in the life of the adherent. In the Catholic Church, it furthermore serves as a representation of the perseverance of the baptised soul waiting for Christs return, which in turn is expression of belief in revelation. Moreover, the white garment worn is symbolic of purity and spiritual rebirth as adherents find new life in Christ, thus expressing belief in the life, death and resurrection of Christ as in the words of St Paul, adherents “Put on Christ and rise with Christ”.
Analyse the significance of Baptism for the INDIVIDUAL [8 marks] Baptism is of unbridled significance for a Christian as it is a sacrament of initiation whereby the individual is welcomed into the Trinitarian family as, “by one spirit we are baptized into one body” ( COR 12:13). As a purifying ritual, it is of immense significance to the individual as it facilitates spiritual rebirth as through the wetting, anointing or full immersion the individual is cleansed and welcomed into the Christian community. This purification is critical for the individual as it provides a framework for their entrance into the Kingdom of God as, “unless one is born again of water and spirit, they cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Elements and symbols incorporated within Baptism are of vital significance to the individual as the support their spiritual transformation by providing a platform for adherents to achieve salvation. The Baptismal Candle is symbolic of the universal Christian belief that Christ has enlightened those who have been baptised and affirms the word of God as a guiding light in the life of the individual. In the Catholic Church, it furthermore serves as a representation of the perseverance of the baptised soul waiting for Christs return. Moreover, the white garment worn is symbolic of purity and spiritual rebirth as Baptism enables adherents to partake in the sacrament of the Holy Communion empowering them to achieve salvation and entrance to the Kingdom of God. These symbols and baptism itself has been practiced by all adherents which provides a connection to early Christian communities, intrinsic connections between adherents and a subsequent common identity for the individual. Thus, providing the adherent with an environment promoting their pursuit for Christ as a model which is of paramount importance in their development and life.
Analyse the significance of Baptism for the COMMUNITY [8 marks] Baptism is extremely significant for the CC as it is a SOI whereby the individual is welcomed into the TF as, “by one spirit we are baptised into one body” (1 COR 12:13). It as it has been practiced by all adherents hence providing contemporary adherents with a connection to early Christian communities and facilitating the formation of an IC between adherents. This is critical as it advances a sense of commonality and unity within the CC as all were baptised, “in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:16). FM, when adherents congregate to witness another adherent’s baptism, they stand witness to their own affirmation of belief in God which provides unity within the community. This unification of the CC provides all adherents a heightened level of ‘social security’ as they are
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Christianity - Baptism short answer
Subject: Studies of Religion- Unit 4
