Christianity - Significant practices in the life of adherents

Question 1

what is baptism?

Answer 1

• introduction into Christian faith/church
• washing away of sin
• symbolises purification - spiritual transformation
• gift from the Holy Spirit

Question 2

can you be baptised as a teenager/adult?

Answer 2

yes! any age can be baptised

birth - paedobaptism
adulthood - credobaptism

Question 3

what are the three types of baptism?

Answer 3

aspersion, affusion, immersion

Question 4

what is aspersion?

Answer 4

water is sprinkled over the head

Question 5

what is affusion?

Answer 5

water is poured over the head

Question 6

what is immersion?

Answer 6

entire body is lowered into a pool of water

Question 7

what is the ‘original sin’?

Answer 7

when Adam and Ever sinned by eating the forbidden apple in the Garden of Eden

Question 8

what are the symbols of baptism?

Answer 8

water, oil of chrism, white garments, candle

Question 9

what does water symbolise in baptism?

Answer 9

• adherent ‘dies’ in their old life, and comes into their new life as a member of the Christian church (new life)
• become a model of the teachings of Christ

Question 10

what does the oil of chrism symbolise in baptism?

Answer 10

• gift of the Holy Spirit

- reminder to walk in the steps of Christ

Question 11

what do white garments symbolise in baptism?

Answer 11

• ‘wearing’ Christ spiritually

- purity of commencing a new life

Question 12

what does the candle symbolise in baptism?

Answer 12

• moving from death to a new life in Christ
• given to the godparents by the parents to promise that they’ll promote the Christian life to the newly baptised adherent

Question 13

what are the different variants that practice baptism?

Answer 13

• roman catholic
• baptist
• pentecostal
• presbyterian

Question 14

how do roman catholics celebrate baptism?

Answer 14

• baptism is required for ALL catholics
• enables them to move onto other sacraments
• mostly performed at birth
• typically aspersion

Question 15

how do baptists celebrate baptism?

Answer 15

• not necessary for salvation
• only immersion
• believe that the adherent has already been saved

Question 16

how do pentecostalists celebrate baptism?

Answer 16

• symbolises acceptance into the Christian community
• gift from the Holy Spirit
• only for adults
• only immersion

Question 17

how do presbyterians celebrate baptism?

Answer 17

• one of only two sacraments
• sign of a covenant agreement with God
• can be aspersion, affusion or immersion

Question 18

what are the five principal Christian beliefs?

Answer 18

• Jesus’ divinity and humanity
• Jesus’ death and resurrection
• trinity
• revelation
• salvation

Question 19

what is the Christian belief of Jesus’ divinity and humanity?

Answer 19

Christ was divine (son of God) but was made in human form and died

Question 20

what is the Christian belief of Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Answer 20

Christ was the sacrificial lamb, put to death on the cross, rose 3 days later, and was resurrected into heaven

Question 21

what is the Christian belief of the trinity?

Answer 21

One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Question 22

what is the Christian belief of revelation?

Answer 22

How God reveals himself to Christians: scripture, church traditions, and good works

Question 23

what is the Christian belief of salvation?

Answer 23

Christ sacrificed himself for Christians so they can have access to eternal life

Question 24

how is jesus’ divinity and humanity reflected in baptism?

Answer 24

• lit paschal candle: represents Christ bringing light to the world
• anointed with oil of chrism: symbolises healing and strength
• adherents are called to share and carry out the teachings of Christ

Question 25

how is jesus' death and resurrection reflected in baptism?

Answer 25

- the baptised 'crucify' their old life - 'rise' into their new life - images of drowning the old self and rebirth parallels Jesus' resurrection "...having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead" (Col 2:12)

Question 26

how is the holy trinity reflected in baptism?

Answer 26

- baptism = entry into a new life with the Holy Trinity - water is poured on adherent THREE times "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"

Question 27

how is revelation reflected in baptism?

Answer 27

- listening to God's words in the readings - readings such as the creation story, the red sea (Exodus), and the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt 3) “Repent and be baptised, every one of you" (Acts 2:38)

Question 28

how is salvation reflected in baptism?

Answer 28

- belief that they are saved through faith in Christ - an act of God's grace - called to turn away from sin - turning to a life of the Holy Spirit - white garments: being cleansed from 'original' sin "In the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). "Through baptism, we belong to God and possess the joy of salvation." (Pope Francis, 2019)

Question 29

how does baptism shape an individual?

Answer 29

- initiates them into the Christian church - identifying with Christ - placing them onto a new journey of faith - act of repentance, moving from original sin to a Christian life - follow the teachings, practices and beliefs of the church - allows participation in other Christian sacraments "Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away" (Acts 22:16) "For all who have baptised in the name of Christ have clothed yourselves with him." (Gal 3:27)

Question 30

how does baptism shape the community?

Answer 30

- entire community is tasked with welcoming the new adherent on their journey of faith - godparents are tasked with the responsibility of raising the child in the Christian faith - ceremony reminds adherents of their own baptism --> allows them to repent and ask for forgiveness - community is a source of support and guidance for other adherents - communal celebration is important in their journey of faith "Baptism is the best gift we have received." (Pope Francis, 2019) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28: 19-20)

Question 31

how does the roman catholic church baptism shape an individual?

Answer 31

- baptism = first step on the path to grace - model oneself on the teachings of Christ - time of thanksgiving for the gift of salvation

Question 32

how do the anglican and catholic church baptisms shape an individual?

Answer 32

places adherents onto the sacred path to salvation in Heaven

Question 33

how does the orthodox church baptism shape an individual?

Answer 33

- removes original sin | - allowing rebirth into a Christian life