Bethan Moorcroft

A01 Describe the central features of infant and believers baptism. Explain clearly the Christian beliefs which lie behind each feature you describe.

        

        Baptism has been a huge part of Christian life since Jesus himself was baptised. Initially only adults were baptised, but people then wanted their children to be welcomed into God’s family too and so there are now two forms of baptism.

        Believers’ and Infant baptism are both used for this initiation. Each of them have certain features that have an importance in the ceremony, some of them being the same. Both Believers’ and Infant baptism are done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Water is also used in both ceremonies. It is a fundamental feature in all Christian baptisms. It is, of course, essential to life, and so shows that baptism begins another life, an eternal life. Water is used for cleansing too. Baptism brings inner cleanliness, cleansing the soul from sin. And finally, water also refreshes. Baptism refreshes the candidate by giving them joy and strength. They have begun a new and exciting journey with God. 

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        Infant baptism is the most common of the two. Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist and United Reform Churches practise infant baptism, each performing a liturgical service. The ceremony takes place around the font. This is a large basin or structure that holds blessed water and it is usually placed either at the door or near the front of the church. Being near the door symbolises that through baptism the child enters the Christian family. If the font is at the front of the church, then simply it is so that the entire congregation can see and welcome the child into the ...

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