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Introduction

R.S. Coursework- Baptism AO1 Baptism is the ceremony in which a person becomes a member of the Family of Jesus Christ and God; so it is seen as a sacrament. A Sacrament is an outward sign of the giving of God's grace and salvation to a person. Baptism is one of the seven sacraments in some Christian Churches. Many Christian traditions believe in Baptism however only The Salvation Army and The Society of Friends (Quakers) do not accept Baptism or the Eucharist as they feel there is no need to show any outward signs of personal beliefs. I will now describe an Infant Baptismal ceremony which is from the Roman Catholic tradition. Other Churches that practise this type of Baptism are: The Anglican Church, Methodist, Orthodox and United Reform Church. The Baptism ceremony takes place at a Church at a font during a service of Holy Communion and begins with the Priest waiting at the door to welcome the Parents, Godparents and the child which signifies a Christian's entry into the church. ...read more.

Middle

The child is anointed with Chrism and is dressed in a white baptismal robe. A candle is lit from the paschal candle and given to the child's parent. The candle illustrates the concept of the Light of Jesus coming into the life of the child. That is when the ceremony is concluded, perhaps with a hymn. The baby is also given its Christian names during this ceremony, which is also called christening. Believer's Baptism is practised by Baptist churches, Pentecostal churches and other Evangelical Churches. In Believer's Baptism, the candidate is an adult. The traditions who carry out this type of Baptism say that to be baptized as an adult is acceptable as Jesus was too in Mark 1:9-11. Also the candidate will be fully immersed alike to Jesus. I will now give an outline of the ceremony. It begins with the minister giving a short and touching speech at the pulpit explaining the importance of Baptism. From time to time he may call on the congregation to profess their faith and recall their own Baptismal ceremony. ...read more.

Conclusion

This, thus, symbolises that the person will have shared in the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of the features used in Baptism are: the white garment. White is the sign of forgiveness and pure life. Then, we have Water (in the font or bapistry) which shows the washing away or "drowning" to the old life or sins and inner cleanliness. Also, the concept of water being an essential need in life, the water in Baptism is said to bring a spiritual and eternal life. It symbolises the dying of Original Sin and the rising with God into a new life. The Chrism (oil) symbolises the Church and the child becoming a member of Christ's "body" and is used when a cross is made on the candidates' forehead. The candle symbolises the light of Jesus in the life of the person of Him being priestly, a prophet and Kingly. The light is said to show good from evil as a prophet would say. The priest and worship is the incense rising up. The light also provides warmth and a guiding light like a shepherd or King. ?? ?? ?? ?? Sharan Punny ...read more.

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Baptism section.