Abstract In this article the writer describes how Methodists, Apostolics, the Word Church, and the New Age Movement view baptism. The writer describes the practice of baptism and explains that it refers back to the time and action of Jesus, who was baptised by his cousin, John the Baptist.
From the Paper "The practice of baptism is of long standing within Christianity. At its most basic, baptism consists of either immersion in water or sprinkling with water as a form of replicating the actions of Jesus Christ when he allowed himself to be baptized by his cousin, known as John the Baptist. Within the context of the early Christian faith, Pentecost characterized the practice of baptism as a means of cleansing the spirit and the soul of any sinfulness and preparing the individual ... "
Abstract This paper reviews the history of baptism and holy communion in the United Methodist Church can seem confusing. Since the early days of the Church's founding, the significance of these two sacraments have changed and transformed. The paper discusses how initially they were quite important, but since waned in importance in the Church, becoming akin to personal choices instead of acts of divine community with God ("By Water and the Spirit"; "This Holy Mystery"). The current conception of both these rites of sacrament, as a consequence, is uncertain for many members of the laity in the United Methodist Church. Indeed, some of the clergy are unsure how these acts should be integrated within the context of worship. Nonetheless, Church doctrine has some very clear lessons to teach about both the baptism and holy communion.
Abstract This paper studies John Calvin's work "Institutes of the Christian Religion," in which he addresses the issues of infant baptism and circumcision within the Christian faiths. The paper shows that Calvin believed that infant baptism is a divine institution, which infants can not be deprived of without violating the will of God. The paper also demonstrates how Calvin paralleled the practice of baptism for the Christians with circumcision for the Jews, as based on the Scripture. The paper begins with an explanation of the baptismal rituals and their historical and religious development. Next, the paper explores the ritual of circumcision within the Bible and discusses its connection to infant baptism. The paper then presents the views of religious authorities who oppose infant baptism, before concluding with a detailed summary of Calvin's views in favor of it.
Outline
Introduction
Definition of Baptism Infant Baptism -Historical Perspective
The Meaning of Circumcision
Circumcision and Infant Baptism Those Opposing Baptism Calvin's Defense of the practice of Infant Baptism and Circumcision
Conclusion
From the Paper "Calvin instantly attempts to show the continuity between baptism and circumcision (3). He argues that the regeneration of the Abrahamic covenant and institution of circumcision connected in Genesis included "the promise of eternal life." He says Christ Himself implies this in Mathew , and Paul testify it almost explicitly Calvin points out that the proof that circumcision is an external rite equivalent to an internal regenerative work of divine grace is the statements in Dt. 10:16 and 30:6 that God circumcises the hearts; in other words, external circumcision is a counterpart to the preceding internal circumcision. Circumcision indicates the purging from sin, the setting aside of the sinful flesh, and a public testimony of obedience, the very things baptism is said to specify. In sum, both circumcision and baptism signify the preceding work of regeneration (4). The disparity between the two ceremonies, asserts Calvin, is not in the internal work both indicate, but just in the external aspect of the rite."
Abstract This paper explains the importance of the sacrament of baptism and explains how we can see the sacrament of baptism, its effects and the way it leads a person to salvation. The paper is divided into 3 chapters: 1) the historical background of the sacrament of Baptism, 2) the celebration of the sacrament of baptism 3) the theology of Baptism.
Outline:
Introduction
The History of Baptism The Celebration of Baptism Baptism: Gateway to Salvation (Theology of Baptism)
Conclusion
From the Paper "The name baptism came from the Greek noun baptisma which means "the dipping, washing", less commonly 'Baptismas' stemming from the verb 'Bapto' which means to dip or "immerse". In the New Testament this verb is used in the literal sense (Lk 16:24; Jn 13:26, Acts 19:13). From this is derived the iterative from ... which, in classical Greek was used in the literal sense of "Dipping" and in the figurative sense of being over whelmed" with sufferings and miseries.1
"The basic verb is Greek bapto, meaning "dip in or under", also "dye". In the New Testament this word occurs only rarely and always with its literal sense, as in Lk 16:24. It never has the sense "baptize". The form baptize is the term which in different constructions is employed in the New Testament for "baptize". This verb can have varied but related sense as "immerse" sink, drown, go under, sink into, and bathe". The range of meaning adds to its suitability for and act which itself has different comotations and cab be given, in the context of the gospel, such a richly diversified significance. The noun for baptism is baptisma, which occurs only in the New Testament, only in singular, and only for baptism. The term seems to denote not only the external act but also inner meaning and force. Thus the baptism denoted may be that of the Spirit as well as water, and even the baptism of cross.2"
Abstract 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."
This paper gives a detailed account of the ritual of baptism within in the New Testament of the Bible. It covers the history of baptism, as well as the reasons for it.
Abstract The paper explains why the ritual of baptism is such an important experience in the Christian community, as well as the background of the ritual itself. With baptism, a person is following the instructions of Jesus. Also, the person is immersed in the death and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is the most clear and explicit act that Jesus instructed for his disciples in order for them to follow him.
From the Paper "Baptism is a pivotal part of the Christian faith and is performed in Christian communities in accordance with Jesus' directions in the New Testament. Being baptized not only means becoming a part of the Christian community, but also being thrust into the death and resurrection of Christ and receiving eternal life in Jesus. While one of the functions of baptism is to absolve a person of his or her sins, Jesus insisted that he be baptized in order to, "Fulfill all righteousness."1 In the New Testament baptism is done in order to immerse a person into the Paschal Mystery, to become a member of the Body of Christ and join the Christian community, and to publicly proclaim a person's repentance."
Abstract This paper explains that baptism is a sacrament that has proved divisive throughout history as seen not only in differences between Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestants, but also within denominations. The author points out that one thing that is agreed upon is the importance of the sacrament of baptism for the church, for the individual, and its importance in the Early New Testament Church. The paper explores the New Testament and other early sources to answer present day questions about baptism. The author presents the commonalities and diversities in these sources as well as his own personal view of the Sacrament of Baptism.
From the Paper "Many other Early Church Fathers wrote to give us understanding of the importance of this rite, such as Cyprian of Carthage, Hilary of Piotiers, Gregory of Nazianzus, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose of Milan, John Chrysostom of Constantinople, and Augistine of Hippo. These writers emphasized the importance of the Trinity in baptism, the importance of the rite itself, gave further instruction on procedure, defined baptism as a rite of initiation in the church body, as a need for remission of sins or regeneration (Acts 2:38), and as a commitment to Christ and the Church."
Tags: john, trinity, structure, competentes, infants, training
Abstract This paper discusses the origin of Baptism and its development from the years 200 A.D. to 1500 A.D. and compares the Sacrament of Baptism and its development from that period to its present day form in the Catholic Church. The paper concludes by describing what has changed and what has survived. .
Abstract This paper examines the scriptural basis for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and compares it to James Dunn's classic work on the same. It looks at how Dunn approaches the subject from a dispensational and existential philosophy and how so many of his conclusions are subject to reconsideration under the full light of Scripture. It shows how his questionable belief regarding the deity and messianic identity of Christ is also reason to question the conclusions he draws. In conclusion, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the church's experience of the same are compared and contrasted to the Eastern Christian views of the theology of the Holy Spirit. Vladimir Lossky.s work, "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church", also provides the basis for this comparison.
From the Paper "This debate has carried with is the unspoken corollary which needs to be addressed in order to clearly evaluate the scriptural record. In Christ, all men, women, slave, free, Jew or gentiles are forever equal. Yet, in experience, there are some who do participate in the experience of the Holy Spirit baptism, and some who do not. In discussing this issue, the related underlying question is "Well, if some do have it, and some don"t, then some Christians must by "closer to God" or "more right" than others. This emotional based value judgment has clouded an effective discussion of this experience for centuries. Each believer is on an individual walk with Christ. Those who have been a part of the Christian traditions for decades are no more favored by God than those who have just begun their journey."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.
From the Paper "As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.
From the Paper "As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."
Abstract The following paper critically analyzes 'Beowulf', a collection of heathen tales of the early Northland, put together and shaped by a Christian Anglo-Saxon poet in the era of Bede who was influenced by both Greek/Roman and Church sources. This paper examines the significant parallels apparent between Beowulf's adventure and Christ's death, decent into hell and resurrection. However heathen the original story was, the writer argues that it is reasonable to suppose that the account of Beowulf's decent into the grim fen, his encounter with the demon-brood staining the water with blood and his triumphant emergence from it into joyous springtime is at least an allegory of baptism. The following paper gives ?Beowulf and the "Historic Age" a far fuller historical meaning and even greater artistic value than the writer would have if it were only interpreted on a story level. The writer contends that if one were to start from scratch and invent a story whose every detail was to allegorize the story of salvation (which C.S. Lewis did in his "Narnia" series, for example), one could not do much better than was done in Beowulf by using plot inherent in the ancient tales.
From the Paper ?A classic work of literature is one that endures past its own generation. One reason a work endures is because it can be read, enjoyed and promote thought not only for the author's contemporaries, but for people who read it for years to come. In order to do that, it must contain universal themes that remain true across times and cultures.One thing that successive generations of readers do with a classic is relate its themes to their own lives and times. A classic may mean one thing to one person who reads it and another thing to another person. Quite often readers recognize a simple story as an allegory for something else. A recent example of this is how the "Star Wars" saga has come to be "adopted" by Christian readers because Christians realized that many of the main concepts could be metaphors for Christian ideals. "The force" can be God or the Holy Spirit who helps the Jedi (those chosen to lead and defend the common people, or in the Christian tradition, the clergy or ministers or even "everyman" Christians) to fight "the dark side".?
Abstract This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.
From the Paper "As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."
Explores the doctrine of founder John Wesley on the role and significance of water baptism in the individual's state of grace and partaking of communion.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 11 sources, 1995, $ 111.95
From the Paper "Throughout its more than 250-year history, the Methodist Church has placed great significance on its observation of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Indeed, owing to the frequency and fervor with which John and Charles Wesley and their small society, the "Holy Club" organized by Charles at Oxford in 1728 (Bowmer (b), 24), celebrated the Lord's Supper, the group was known to some as Sacramentarians (Parris, 18; many others). The Anglican Church in John Wesley's time practiced the observance of the Lord's Supper on a quarterly frequency (if not less often); the Holy Club partook of the elements at least monthly. It is believed by some that Wesley himself took communion on average once every five days, and perhaps even daily at the times of church festivals (Parris, 18; Spivey, 190)."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that one cannot expect to understand baptism without first understanding the sacraments and beliefs of Christianity in general. The writer also notes that it is important to have an understanding of Christianity itself in order to be aware of what the Book of Psalms really means for Christians. Further, the writer points out that it is sad that the teachings of Jesus stay mostly in the church, where everybody already knows what they are, instead of making their way out onto the street where not nearly enough people know them or try to make them work. The writer concludes that it is easy to be holy in church, but far harder to be holy out on the street where all of the aggravations and temptations take away from the truth of the sacraments and the beliefs of Christianity, and cause difficulties for many people.
From the Paper "One cannot expect to understand Baptism, however, without first understanding the sacraments and beliefs of Christianity in general. The Book of Psalms has often been said to be the "book of evidences" to discuss and strengthen the Christian faith and the reasoning behind it. It still applies to Christianity today and can easily be used by a counselor or other individual in order to help those that are struggling with their faith because of the significance of much of what the Book of Psalms has to say regarding Jesus Christ and what He did for humanity (Lawler, 1996). This has much to do with why the sacraments are used in the ways that they are. It is important to have an understanding of Christianity itself in order to be aware of what the Book of Psalms really means for Christians. Christianity has many similarities to Judaism (Burr, 1961). In fact, the term 'Christian' was first used in Syria to find a name for an emerging religious movement that was made up of both Jews and Gentiles. These individuals worshipped the messiah, which was the title given to a Jewish teacher named Jesus of Nazareth. The Romans had executed Jesus as a political criminal in Judea."
