The Rite of Baptism

Paper Summary:

This paper examines baptism as a "rite of passage" in which existing members of the Christian community welcome initiates. The paper explains that baptism is one of two sacraments regularly observed in most Protestant churches and is considered one of the sacraments of "Christian initiation", along with confirmation and the Eucharist. The paper looks at the several spiritual goals that one who attains baptism expects to receive as a result of completing their ceremony. The paper then describes the baptism ceremony. In conclusion, the paper shows that in employing two powerful and sacred elements in the sacrament of baptism, namely "water" and "word", the Christian church successfully welcomes new members into its fold and helps them navigate a spiritual passage from the chaos of the secular world to the ordered life of the faithful.

From the Paper:

"After the recitation of the Gloria Patri, the Pastor announced the joyous occasion of the ceremony of Baptism being performed during the service. She called the family of the infant up to the raised platform where she usually stands in front of the congregation. The mother and father of the infant, both dressed in formal attire, climbed the stairs of the platform, followed by the child's godparents, to join the Pastor. The baby was dressed in a long white gown covered with lace and ribbons, and her head was covered with a small bonnet. As if impressed by the formality of the occasion herself, she remains silent and periodically requires her mother to shift her from one arm to the other while she looks down at the rows of people plaintively."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baptism. William H.W. Fanning. 1999. Catholic Encyclopedia. 29 Apr. 02<http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm>
• Bell, Catherine. Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church: Article 1- The Sacrament of Baptism. Michael Olteanu. 1994. Christus Rex. 29 Apr. 02 <http://www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/baptism.html>
• Marty, Martin E. Baptism. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1977.
• Richmond Congregational Church: April 7, 2002: Second Sunday of Easter. Richmond: Richmond Congregational Church, 2002.

More papers on The Rite of Baptism:

• Analytical Essay # 122086 : "Christian Baptism"
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• Essay # 74267 : "The Seven Sacraments"

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