Baptism

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Baptism

The word ‘baptise’ is Greek and means ‘to immerse’ (as in water).

The first

Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and marks a person’s entry into the Christian Church.
Only after receiving Baptism can Catholics receive the other sacraments.

Baptism quotes

‘Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.’ [Mark 16:16].
‘Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the life of the Spirit.’ [CCC1213]

Symbolism

The symbol of the washing away of sins is the pouring of water, invoking the Christian belief in the Trinity.
Just as water can wash away dirt, holy water can wash away sin.

Significance

It is considered the basis for the whole Christian life.
Through Baptism, Catholics believe they are freed from original sin (Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience - eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge) and have a new life as sons and daughters of God and members of the Church.
Once baptised, a person becomes part of the Body of Christ.

What Happens During Baptism

The key features of a Baptism are:

Readings

Readings from the Bible.

Baptismal promises

Baptismal promises made by parents and godparents, rejecting evil and professing belief in God.

Washing with water

Washing with water, baptising in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is usually a pouring of water over the baby’s head.

Anointing with oil

Anointing with oil, which symbolises the strengthening of faith.

Candle

Sometimes, a lighted candle is given to parents to symbolise the light of Christ.

Dressed in white

Many babies will be dressed in white to symbolise purity.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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