Christian Baptism Research Paper

In a contemporary Christian environment one of the most prominent practices to have a significant contribution to Christianity as a living religious tradition is Baptism. It is the Christian religious rite of sprinkling water on to a person's forehead or immersing them in water, symbolising purification or regeneration and admission to the Christian Church and is of utmost importance for most Christian denominations. During the process of baptism, many different symbols are used, each representing a different principle belief that has been conveyed in sacred texts. Different denominations recognise baptismal practices as a sacrament of initiation but may be performed otherwise, perceptions differ at what age one should be baptised and they

The elements of this practice also equip the individual to perform this ritual in a successful manner and allow adherents to be disciples of the Lord in the Christian community. The welcoming rite and opening prayers help to create a joyful atmosphere, which enhance the nobility of the rite and exhibit the admission into the Christian Church. As the mother recites the Apostles Creed her sins within are washed away, which becomes symbolic for her new found purity. The immersion of the child within water is the focal point of the ceremony, at is signifies the cleansing and purification of the child. The water symbolically purifies the adherent of all their sins, namely the original sin that every Christian is born with, exhibiting spiritual rebirth “...rise and be baptised, and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Upon the third and final immersion in water, “I indeed baptised you with water, but He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) the child is held at a higher altitude than before, this is symbolic of their rebirth and signifies the newfound connection within the Christian community “but you were washed... justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). As the Liturgy of Baptism is read, the baby is anointed with Myron oil. The oil is rubbed in the sign of the cross, which represents a royal seal of their acceptance into

Some of these include the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Quaker denominations. However, baptism practices may vary between denominations. For all manner of Catholics, baptism is sacramental in the name of the Holy Trinity “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) and grants eternal salvation and remission of sins by God’s grace. They practice infant baptism. Latin Rite Catholics use the method immersion or affusion. Roman Catholics use aspersion but the water must flow on the head. Eastern Catholics use full or partial submersion. As for Eastern Orthodox Churches, baptism is sacramental; for salvation and remission of sins. Baptism is by full or partial immersion and also participate in infants’ baptism. Therefore, “I indeed baptised you with water, but He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) is implemented in both the Orthodox and Catholic denomination as they both believe that baptism symbolizes salvation, commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, fulfils the command of Christ to baptise, cleanses away sins, confers grace, and publicly expresses one's faith. Ultimately being a part of their major sacraments. On the other hand, the Quaker denomination do not believe in outward ritual of baptism. They