Depth Study Christianity HSC Significant Practices

Christianity: Significant practices in the life of adherents

The focus of this study is the contribution of significant practices to an understanding of

Christianity as a living religious tradition.
Syllabus page reference: 40-41

Significant practices: Christianity

Students learn about:

 ONE significant practice
o Baptism

Students learn to:

 describe one significant practice

Baptism

 demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity

 analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the
Christian community

Syllabus Requirements

Students learn about:

 ONE significant practice
o Baptism

Students learn to:

 describe one significant practice
o Baptism

Approaches to Learning

The approaches suggested below indicate a range of strategies that

may be undertaken to allow students to engage with the
requirements of this part of the syllabus. Teachers may wish to use
one or more of these approaches in addressing this area of study.
The suggestions are intended as a guide only and are not
exhaustive.
 Research the meaning of the term "Baptism" and its use prior to the life and
ministry of Jesus
 Use groups to investigate the particular elements of the rite of baptism from a
range of Christian denominations
 Research the issue of infant baptism. Outline the positions of various Christian
denominations to this practice
 Investigate the elements used in the preparation of adults for baptism such as
those found in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the Catholic Church
 Description of Baptism

Initiation rite
Baptism is the ritual used in most Christian denominations to signify the person's initiation into the beliefs
and practices of the Christian community. For most Christian denominations it also has significance as a
statement of a person's beliefs in the Christian tradition and as a necessary element for salvation. Baptism also
allows Christians to share in the death and resurrection of Christ and cleanses people from their sins. The
Salvation Army and the Society of Friends (Quakers) are examples of Christian groups which do not practice
baptism.
Infant baptism
For the majority of Christians today Baptism would have been carried out when they were infants. This is the
common practice in the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity. In this context the parents
and God parents make commitments on behalf of the child and agree to nurture the child in the Christian faith.
In other Christian groups such as the Baptist and Pentecostal Churches the baptism of infants is not accepted
and members would be expected to choose to be baptised as adults having made their own decision to repent
and be born again.
Immersion
The idea of baptism stems from the sense of being immersed in water, which, among other things, symbolises
the idea of being surrounded by and imbued with the beliefs and practices of the Christian community. Some
theologians liken the symbolism of immersion to that of being completely saturated with something as with a
sponge immersed in water.
Sprinkling or pouring of water
The ritual itself is usually carried out in the Church and is often contained within or celebrated adjacent to the
main form of Sunday worship. The majority of baptisms celebrated in the Anglican and Catholic branches of
Christianity involve the sprinkling or pouring of water on the head of the child. In Orthodox Churches the
child is immersed briefly in water on three occasions while adults who are baptised in Churches such as Baptist
and Pentecostal Churches are often fully immersed in water.

Various aspects
Across the different denominations of Christianity there are a variety of aspects included in the ritual of
baptism. The core elements, shared across the spectrum of Christian practice are the baptism with water and
the profession of faith by or on behalf of the person being baptised.
The following outlines of a number of rites of baptism from Christian denominations shows some of the other
features which are often included in the rite.
Anglican Sacrament of Baptism
The following elements are included in the most simple rite of baptism. Other rites of baptism in the Anglican
Church incorporate the rite of Confirmation and/or the rite of Holy Communion.
Rite outlined
The rite begins with a gathering hymn, psalm or anthem. The Priest or Minister then greets and welcomes the
congregation. The Collect of the Day is then prayed, followed by the lessons from the Scriptures. A sermon is
preached which is then followed by the presentation and examination of the candidates. After this the Baptismal
Covenant is prayed and prayers are offered for the candidates. Prayers of thanksgiving and blessing are then
prayed over the water and prayers of consecration are prayed over the oils of Chrism. These prayers are
followed by the Baptism, the Lord's prayer and a concluding prayer.

Catholic Sacrament of Baptism

The following outline is the most simple form of baptism used in the Catholic Church. Baptism is often
incorporated into the celebration of the Eucharist and in particular the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
Rite outlined
The rite begins with a welcome and greeting from the Priest or Deacon. This is followed by a questioning of the
parents and God parents to confirm their wish for baptism. After this the Priest or Deacon and the parents and
God parents trace the sign of the cross on the child's forehead.
The liturgy of the word follows. This includes readings from the bible and a homily from the Priest or Deacon.
The homily is followed by the rite of exorcism and the anointing with oil. The waters of the baptismal font are
then blessed and those present make a profession of faith, including a renunciation of sin. The Baptism follows,
usually involving a pouring of water on the baby's head. The child is then clothed in a white baptismal garment
and the parents and God parents receive a baptismal candle.
The reception of the candle is followed by the ancient prayer of Ephphatha where the Priest or Deacon prays
that the child's ears will be open to receive the word of God and that their mouth will be open to proclaim the
Gospel. The Our Father is then prayed followed by a final blessing.

Orthodox Sacrament of Baptism

Orthodox initiation rite
The Orthodox Churches celebrate the sacrament of Baptism within a wider rite of initiation which also includes
Chrismation (anointing) and Eucharist. The baptism involves immersing the child three times in the baptismal
font. Full immersion is used rather than sprinkling or pouring of water. The triple immersion parallels the belief
in the Trinity and the prayers coinciding with the immersion invoke the Father, Son and Spirit.
The baptism is followed immediately by the anointing of the body with oils and the proclamation of the seal of
the Holy Spirit. This is known as Chrismation. The child then receives Eucharist immediately after through a
small piece of the bread and a few drops of the wine.

Adult Baptism - Believer Baptism

Baptism of adults
All Christian denominations which practice baptism incorporate a rite for the baptism of adults. Among the
Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox Churches the majority of people are baptised as children, however, among
some other Protestant Churches infant baptism is not practiced at all. These Churches believe that baptism
should be conferred only after a person has made a conscious decision to believe in Jesus Christ. Thus these
Churches, such as the Baptist Church, and most Pentecostal Churches such as Assemblies of God, practice
adult baptism, also known as believer baptism.

Baptism in the Spirit

Churches which exclusively practice adult or believer baptism generally do not accept the validity of an infant
baptism in another Christian denomination and usually require a second baptism or a confirmation of
baptism sometimes referred to as baptism in the Spirit.
Baptism is regarded as an ordinance in Baptist Churches. This means that it is something that has been
ordered or required of them by Jesus as indicated in the bible.

Baptist tradition
In the Baptist tradition, believer baptism would normally be held as part of the Sunday worship service. Most
Baptist Churches are designed with a baptismal area to allow for the full immersion of believers. This is
usually at the front of the Church and adjacent to enclosed areas to allow those being baptised to prepare by
dressing in a baptismal garment and also to change from the wet garments after the baptism.
The Baptist service often includes a testimony by the person being baptised who publicly declares their faith in
Jesus.

Pentecostal Churches
In Pentecostal Churches there are few set patterns or rites, however, baptism is usually done through full
immersion and many Pentecostal groups will carry out baptisms in public places such as beaches, rivers and
lakes where full immersion can be practiced. The may also decide to use a swimming pool for the rite.

Syllabus Requirements
Students learn about:
 ONE significant practice
o Baptism

Students learn to:

 demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity

Approaches to Learning

The approaches suggested below indicate a range of strategies that

may be undertaken to allow students to engage with the
 requirements of this part of the syllabus. Teachers may wish to use
one or more of these approaches in addressing this area of study.
The suggestions are intended as a guide only and are not
exhaustive.
 Study the documents on the meaning of baptism from a range of Christian
denomination such as the Book of Common Prayer for the Anglican tradition,
the Baptist Union of NSW explanation of the ordinance of Baptism the
Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Basis of Union from the Uniting
Church.
 Investigate the meaning of the term "repentance" and explain its significance
in the rite of baptism
 Create posters which identify the symbols used in the rite of baptism and some
of the important Christian beliefs expressed in these symbols
 Research the use of the term "baptism" in the New Testament. Use biblical
commentaries to develop an understanding of its importance and its
relationship to important beliefs in the Christian tradition

Baptism and the Beliefs of Christianity

Ancient origins
The origins of the practice of baptism are quite ancient, pre-dating Christianity itself. It seems apparent that
some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is
presented in the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus had baptism as the hallmark of his own
ministry (Mark 1:4).

Jesus' baptism
Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise
people in his name (Matthew 28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian
tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.

Water the central symbol

The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and humankind's
dependence on God. It calls to mind images of the waters of chaos from the Genesis accounts of creation
(Genesis 1:2) as well as the destructive power of the flood in the story of Noah (Genesis 7-8) and finally the
miraculous crossing of the Red Sea in the accounts of the Exodus (Exodus 14).

Water and the Spirit

The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the
Spirit in John's Gospel (John 3). This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of
baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit.

Repentance
The Christian understanding of baptism contains a sense of the repentance highlighted in the ministry of John
the Baptist, even though John himself announced that his ministry was only a preparation for the one who
was to come (Matthew 3). Despite this, the act of repentance proclaimed in John's baptism expresses the idea
of turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism. Christians believe that in baptism they
are turning away from or renouncing sin and evil and turning in a positive way to live the life of the Spirit.

Body of Christ
The practice of baptism in the Christian tradition also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the
body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Christians are baptised into the Church, which is the body of Christ,
and as a consequence of becoming part of this body the believer is able to experience more fully the
significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate
through the body of Christ in the mystery of Jesus' dying and rising.

Early Church
The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element
of salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed
them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies
repentance and forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important beliefs of the
Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.

Symbols and ritual actions

The symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the Christian tradition. The
most obvious of these is the sign of the cross which is used in a number of places in the rite. This simple
symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God which is at the heart of the Christian
faith.

Symbolism of water
The water is another important symbol and, as it has already been noted, one that provides rich symbolism and
links to many ideas in the Christian tradition. The symbol of water reflects the belief in rebirth and in
cleansing from sin which are at the heart of the Christian gospel.

Anointing
The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol. Oil is a traditional symbol for healing and
strength and is also used in the sense of mandating or setting someone aside for a purpose. This sense is seen
in the anointing of a king such as the anointing of Saul, the first king of the Jewish nation (1 Samuel 10:1-3).
In baptism, Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus.

White garment
Another symbol is found in the use of a white garment. This symbolises the purity of the baptised person and
expresses the idea that in baptism the individual is cleansed from original sin. Baptism is therefore a new
beginning for Christians.
Baptismal candle
The giving of a candle to the parents and God parents or to the newly baptised person also conveys significant
expressions of Christian belief. On one hand it brings to mind notions of Jesus being the light of the world
(John 8:12) as well as the word of God being a guiding light for people to follow (Psalm 119:105). The image
of the light also symbolises the conflict between good and evil and the idea of light dispelling the darkness in
and through the ministry of Jesus (John 1:4-6). Finally the symbol of the light expresses the idea of the gifts
bestowed on the individual and their responsibility to use these gifts in service to others (Matthew 5:16).

Summary Points
Students learn to: describe one significant practice

 Baptism used in most Christian denominations

 Signifies initiation into the beliefs and practices of the Christian community
 Has significance as a statement of a person's beliefs in the Christian tradition
Necessary element for salvation
 Baptism allows Christians to share in the death and resurrection of Christ
Cleanses people from their sins
 The Salvation Army and The Society of Friends (Quakers) are examples of
Christian groups which do not practice baptism
 For the majority of Christians today Baptism carried out when they were
infants
 Common practice in the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox branches of
Christianity
 Parents and God parents make commitments on behalf of the child
 Agree to nurture the child in the Christian faith
 In other Christian groups such as the Baptist and Pentecostal Churches the
baptism of infants is not accepted
  Members would be expected to choose to be baptised as adults having made
their own decision to repent and be born again
 Idea of baptism stems from the sense of being immersed in water
 Symbolises being surrounded by and imbued with the beliefs and practices of
the Christian community
 Ritual is usually carried out in the Church
 Often contained within or celebrated adjacent to the main form of Sunday
worship
 Majority of baptisms celebrated in the Anglican and Catholic branches of
Christianity involve the sprinkling or pouring of water on the head of the child
 In Orthodox Churches the child is immersed briefly in water on three
occasions Adults who are baptised in Churches such as Baptist and Pentecostal
Churches are often fully immersed in water
 Variety of aspects included in baptism across different denominations
 Core elements are the baptism with water and the profession of faith

Anglican Sacrament of Baptism

 Baptism in the Anglican Church may incorporate the rite of Confirmation

and/or the rite of Holy Communion.
 Begins with a gathering hymn, psalm or anthem
 Priest or Minister greets and welcomes the congregation
 The Collect of the Day is prayed, followed by the lessons from the Scriptures
 A sermon is preached
 The presentation and examination of the candidates takes place
 Baptismal Covenant is prayed and prayers are offered for the candidates
 Prayers of thanksgiving and blessing are then prayed over the water
 Prayers of consecration are prayed over the oils of Chrism
 The Baptism takes place
 The Lord's prayer is prayed
 A concluding prayer is prayed

Catholic Sacrament of Baptism

 Baptism is often incorporated into the celebration of the Eucharist

 In particular the celebration of the Easter Vigil
 Begins with a welcome and greeting from the Priest or Deacon
 Questioning of the parents and God parents to confirm their wish for Baptism
 Priest or Deacon and the parents and God parents trace the sign of the cross on
the child's forehead
 The liturgy of the word follows
 Includes readings from the bible and a homily from the Priest or Deacon
 Homily is followed by the rite of exorcism and the anointing with oil
 Waters of the baptismal font are then blessed
 Those present make a profession of faith, including a renunciation of sin
 The Baptism follows, usually involving a pouring of water on the baby's head
 The child is then clothed in a white baptismal garment
 Parents and God parents receive a baptismal candle
 Priest or Deacon prays the prayer of Ephphatha asking that the child's ears will
be open to receive the word of God and that their mouth will be open to
proclaim the Gospel
 The Our Father is then prayed followed by a final blessing
Orthodox Sacrament of Baptism

 Orthodox Churches celebrate the sacrament of Baptism within a wider rite of

initiation
 Also includes Chrismation (anointing) and Eucharist
 Baptism involves immersing the child three times in the baptismal font
 Full immersion is used rather than sprinkling or pouring of water
 The triple immersion parallels the belief in the Trinity
 Prayers coinciding with the immersion invoke the Father, Son and Spirit
 Baptism is followed immediately by the anointing of the body with oils and
the proclamation of the seal of the Holy Spirit
 This is known as Chrismation
 Child receives Eucharist immediately after

Adult Baptism - Believer Baptism

 All Christian denominations which practice baptism incorporate a rite for the
baptism of adults
 Among the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox Churches the majority of people
are baptised as children
 Among some Protestant Churches infant baptism is not practiced at
 These Churches believe that baptism should be conferred only after a person
has made a conscious decision to believe in Jesus Christ
 Churches such as the Baptist Church and most Pentecostal Churches such as
Assemblies of God practice adult baptism
 Also known as believer baptism
 Churches which exclusively practice adult or believer baptism generally do
not accept the validity of an infant baptism in another Christian denomination
 Require a second baptism or a confirmation of baptism sometimes referred to
as baptism in the Spirit.
 Baptism is regarded as an ordinance in Baptist Churches
 It is some that has been ordered or required of them by Jesus as indicated in
the bible
 In the Baptist tradition, believer baptism would normally be held as part of the
Sunday worship service
 Most Baptist Churches are designed with a baptismal area to allow for the full
immersion of believers
 Usually at the front of the Church and adjacent to enclosed areas to allow
those being prepare by dressing in a baptismal garment and also to change
from the wet garment after the baptism
 The Baptist service often includes a testimony by the person being baptised
who publicly declares their faith in Jesus.
 In Pentecostal Churches there are few set patterns or rites
 Baptism is usually done through full immersion
 Many Pentecostal groups will carry out baptisms in public places such as
beaches, rivers and lakes where full immersion can be practiced
 May also decide to use a swimming pool for the rite
Summary points
Students learn to: demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity
 Origins of the practice of baptism are ancient
 Pre-date Christianity itself
 Some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus.
 John the Baptist had baptism as the hallmark of his ministry (Mark 1:4).
 Jesus accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9)
 Gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew
28:19) Baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition
 Expresses a number of important beliefs.
 Water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and
humankind's dependence on God
 Calls to mind images of the waters of chaos from the Genesis accounts of
creation (Genesis 1:2)
 The destructive power of the flood in the story of Noah (Genesis 7-8)
 The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea in the accounts of the Exodus (Exodus
14)
 Image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of
rebirth in water and the Spirit in John's Gospel (John 3)
 This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of
baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit
 Christian understanding of baptism contains a sense of the repentance
highlighted in the ministry of John the Baptist
 John announced that his ministry was only a preparation for the one who was
to come (Matthew 3)
 The act of repentance proclaimed in John's baptism expresses the idea of
turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism
 Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or renouncing
sin and evil and turning in a positive way to live the life of the Spirit
 Baptism also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the body of
Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)
 Christians are baptised into the Church, which is the body of Christ
 As a consequence of becoming part of this body the believer is able to
experience more fully the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus
 In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate through the body of
Christ in the mystery of Jesus' dying and rising
 Early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded
baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38)
 Sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed
them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
 The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and
forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important
beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism
 Symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the
Christian tradition
 Sign of the cross is used in a number of places in the rite
 This simple symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the
triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith
 Water is another important symbol and links to many ideas in the Christian
tradition
 Water reflects the belief in rebirth and in cleansing from sin which are at the
heart of the Christian gospel
 The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol
 Oil is a traditional symbol for healing and strength
 Also used in the sense of mandating or setting someone aside for a purpose
 Seen in the anointing of a king such as the anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 10:1-3)
 Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the
ministry of Jesus
 Another symbol is the use of a white garment
 This symbolises the purity of the baptised person
 Expresses the idea that in baptism the individual is cleansed from original sin
 Baptism is therefore a new beginning for Christians
 The giving of a candle to the parents and God parents or to the newly baptised
person also conveys significant expressions of Christian belief
 It brings to mind notions of Jesus being the light of the world (John 8:12)
 The word of God being a guiding light for people to follow (Psalm 119:105)
 Symbolises the conflict between good and evil
 Light dispelling the darkness in and through the ministry of Jesus (John 1:4-6)
Expresses the idea of the gifts bestowed on the individual and their
responsibility to use these gifts in service to others (Matthew 5:16)
Summary Points
Students learn to: analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian
community
 Baptism is a significant practice for most Christian denominations
 Has profound significance for the person who is baptised
 Also important for the Christian community as a whole
 Significance can be viewed from a number of different perspectives
 Can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian
communities and indeed with the life and ministry itself
 Significant for the theological reflection that if offers to both the individual
and the community
 Significance in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian
community
 Significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual and the
community
 Baptism is an ancient ritual
 Belonged in the life of the Christian community since its inception
 Predates the Christian movement in the context of Judaism
 Some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus
 John the Baptist had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 1:4)
 Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9)
 Gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew
28:19) Baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition
 Relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs
 For the earliest Christians baptism was a profoundly significant event
 Christians today have the possibility of sharing in an event of ancient
significance
 Significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share the
same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of
the Church
 Important for the Christian community because in celebrating each rite of
baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention
of Jesus and the early disciples
 Rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection
 Images of death and new life
 Call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus
 Images of creation and renewal
 Convey an understanding about the great saving actions of the God of Israel
Reflection on the struggle between good and evil in the images of light and
darkness
 Reflection on the idea of repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and
renewal
 Difficult to find significant aspects of Christian theology which are not
captured in the tradition, the symbols and the ritual actions associated with the
practice of baptism
 Richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual
 Opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite of
baptism
 Many Churches have preparation courses which help make connections
between theological themes and life experience
 For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant
reflection and renewal
 Many Christian communities invite congregations to renew their own
baptismal promises.
 This challenges the members of the community to constantly reflect on their
vocation as Christians and the significance of their own baptism
 Involvement of the community in assisting candidates prepare for their
baptism and praying for those involved is another dimension of the
significance for the community
 Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological
dimension of its place in the economy of salvation
 The early Church community regarded baptism as a necessary element of
salvation (Acts 2:38)
 Sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed
them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
 The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and
forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important
beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism
 Significant for the individual who receives the assurance that they have
received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
 Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ
 The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community
 Marks both their growth through the new member of the community and also
is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others
 Baptism is an authentic rite of passage
 Marks the transition of the individual from one stage or state in life onto the
next In terms of the Christian community it marks the transition of a person
from being outside of this community to becoming a fully initiated
  For the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced,
the sharing with a community of common mind and faith
 For the community, the process of supporting a person through their
preparation and welcoming them into the community through baptism is also
highly significant
 The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and
enriched by the presence of a new member of the community

Syllabus Requirements
Students learn about:
 ONE significant practice
o Baptism

Students learn to:

 analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the
Christian community

Approaches to Learning

Reflect on their experience of

participation in prayerful activities
with various
The approaches suggested below indicate a range of strategies that
may be undertaken to allow students to engage with the
requirements of this part of the syllabus. Teachers may wish to use
one or more of these approaches in addressing this area of study.
The suggestions are intended as a guide only and are not
exhaustive.
 Analyse the rite of baptism in a Christian denomination from the perspective
of a rite of passage
  Contact a local Christian Church community and investigate the ways in
which the community supports and helps to prepare those who are to be
baptised
 Research the use of the symbol of water in the Christian tradition and highlight
its links to the rite of baptism
 Develop a table listing points of significance for the rite of baptism related to
the individual and the community

The Significance of Baptism for Individuals and the Christian Community

Baptism is clearly a most significant practice for most Christian denominations. It has profound significance
for the person who is baptised and is also important for the Christian community as a whole. The significance
can be viewed from a number of different perspectives.

Links to earliest Christian Churches

Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed
with Jesus' life and ministry itself. Secondly, it can be regarded as significant for the theological reflection
that if offers to both the individual and the community. Thirdly, it has enormous significance in the saving
action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally, it has all the significance of an authentic
rite of passage for both the individual and the community.

Ancient Rite
Baptism is an ancient ritual. It has belonged in the life of the Christian community since its inception and
indeed predates the Christian movement in the context of Judaism. It seems apparent that some Jewish
groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in
the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus, had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark
1:4).

Jesus' baptism
Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise
people in his name (Matthew 28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian
tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.

Links to early Christian Church

For the earliest Christians baptism was a profoundly significant event and for Christians today, the possibility
of sharing in an event of such ancient significance is rich and rewarding. It is significant for the individual
because they walk the same path and share the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the
earliest days of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole because in
celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of
Jesus and the early disciples.

Theological reflection
The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. There are images of death and new life
which call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus. There are also images of creation and renewal which
convey an understanding about the great saving actions of the God of Israel. Further aspects of the rite of
baptism allow reflection on the struggle between good and evil in the images of light and darkness. Other
images call for reflection on the idea of repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and renewal. Indeed
it is difficult to find significant aspects of Christian theology which are not captured in the tradition, the
symbols and the ritual actions associated with the practice of baptism.

Preparation for Baptism

The richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual. Whether it be for the candidate preparing
for their own baptism or a parent or God parent preparing for a child's baptism, there are abundant
opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite of baptism. Many Churches
invite candidates to prepare for baptism or to prepare for their role as parents or God parents through engaging
in a preparation course which helps them make connections between theological themes and their own
experience.

Reflection and renewal

For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal. Many
Christian communities invite congregations to renew their own baptismal promises on the occasion of
baptisms in the local Church community. These occasions challenge the members of the community to
constantly reflect on their vocation as Christians and the significance of their own baptism. The involvement
of the community in assisting candidates prepare for their baptism and praying for those involved is yet
another dimension of the significance for the community.

Theological dimension
Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the
economy of salvation. The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism
as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their
forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs that baptism is
integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of
the Spirit are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.

Gift of the Holy Spirit

This is significant for the individual who, through their baptism, receives the assurance that they have
received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a member
of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both
their growth through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the
gospel to others.

Rite of passage
Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage. It marks the transition of the individual from one stage or state
in life onto the next. In terms of the Christian community it marks the transition of a person from being
outside of this community to becoming a fully initiated.
Thus for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing with a
community of common mind and faith. For the community, the process of supporting a person through their
preparation and welcoming them into the community through baptism is also highly significant. The
community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new
member of the community.
 Glossary
Element of initiation for Orthodox Christians involving
Chrismation the anointing with the oil of Chrism and the seal of
the Holy Spirit

Denominatio
A group within the Christian tradition
n

Exorcism A ritual used to free people from the power of evil

Immersed Completely submerged to the point of saturation

Testimony Personal statement of faith in Jesus Christ

Vocation Calling - the call to live a Christian life

Specimen Questions

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)

a. Describe ONE of the following significant practices within Christianity:
o Baptism
o Marriage ceremony
o Saturday/Sunday worship

(3)
b. Explain the importance of ONE of the following areas to adherents of
Christianity:
o Baptism
o Marriage ceremony
o Saturday/Sunday worship

(6)
c. Analyse how ONE significant practice within Christianity expresses the
beliefs of Christianity (6)

Question 2 - Christianity (20 marks)

Outline the purpose and assess the significance of ONE of
the following practices in Christianity:
 Baptism
 Marriage ceremony
 Saturday/Sunday worship
Sample Response
Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)
a. Describe ONE of the following significant practices within Christianity:
o Baptism
o Marriage ceremony
o Saturday/Sunday worship

(3)
Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian
denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for people wishing to
join the Christian community. The core elements of the rite of
baptism are the immersion in water or the sprinkling or pouring of
water and the profession of faith by, or on behalf of, the person
being baptised.
While there is considerable variety in the forms of baptism used by
various Christian denominations, the core elements of baptism in
water and a profession of faith are evident across the spectrum of
Christianity.
Other elements that are frequently included are readings from the
bible, a sermon or homily from the presiding minister, the tracing of
the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person being baptised,
anointing with oil, prayers for the candidate, clothing in a white
garment and presentation of a lighted baptismal candle.
The most common form of baptism involves the baptism of infants,
however, some Christian denominations do not accept this practice
and will only baptise adults who have made a conscious decision to
follow the Christian faith.
While baptism may be celebrated as a separate rite, there are many
examples of it being incorporated into the main form of Sunday
worship where the whole community is gathered.
(214)
Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)
b. Explain the importance of ONE of the following areas to adherents of
Christianity:
o Baptism
o Marriage ceremony
o Saturday/Sunday worship

(6)
Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian
denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for people wishing to
join the Christian community. The rite of baptism is significant
adherents of Christianity in a number of ways.
Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the
earliest Christian communities and indeed with Jesus' life and
ministry itself. Secondly, it can be regarded as significant for the
theological reflection that if offers to both the individual and the
community. Thirdly, it has enormous significance in the saving
action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally, it
has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the
individual and the community.
The fact that baptism is an ancient ritual is significant for the
individual because they walk the same path and share the same rite
that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of
the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a
whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are
perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of
Jesus and the early disciples.
The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection.
The richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual.
There are abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and
spiritual development in the rite of baptism. For the community, the
theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and
renewal.
Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the
theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. This
is significant for the individual who, through their baptism, receives
the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of the sins
and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a
member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound
marker in the life of the community. It marks both their growth
through the new member of the community and also is witness to
their mission to bring the gospel to others.
Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage, for the individual there
is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing
with a community of common mind and faith. The community is
invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and
enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.
(401 words)

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)

c. Analyse how ONE significant practice within Christianity expresses the
beliefs of Christianity (6)

The practice of baptism is an important rite in most denominations

of Christianity. It holds a central place as a rite of initiation and
expresses many significant beliefs of the Christian tradition.
The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief
in God as creator and humankind's dependence on God. It calls to
mind images of the accounts of creation (Genesis 1:2), the flood
(Genesis 7-8) and the Exodus. (Exodus 14).
The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and
the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit in John's Gospel
(John 3). This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian
understanding of baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life
of the Spirit.
The act of repentance proclaimed in baptism expresses the idea of
turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism.
Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or
renouncing sin and evil and turning in a positive way to live the life
of the Spirit.
The practice of baptism in the Christian tradition also expresses the
belief of Christians in the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians
12:13). In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate
through the body of Christ in the mystery of Jesus' dying and rising.
The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles
regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It
was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin
and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant
beliefs of the Christian tradition. The most obvious of these is the
sign of the cross which is used in a number of places in the rite. This
simple symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the
triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith.
The symbol of water reflects the belief in rebirth and in cleansing
from sin which are at the heart of the Christian gospel. The
anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol. Oil is a
traditional symbol for healing and strength. In baptism, Christians
are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the
ministry of Jesus. The use of a white garment symbolises the purity
of the baptised person and expresses the idea that in baptism the
individual is cleansed from original sin.
(422 words)

Sample Response
Question 2 - Christianity (20 marks)
Outline the purpose and assess the significance of ONE of
the following practices in Christianity:
 Baptism
 Marriage ceremony
 Saturday/Sunday worship

Baptism is clearly a most significant practice for most Christian

denominations. It has profound significance for the person who is
baptised and is also important for the Christian community as a
whole. The significance can be viewed from a number of different
perspectives.
Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the
earliest Christian communities and indeed with the life and ministry
itself. Secondly it can be regarded as significant for the theological
reflection that if offers to both the individual and the community.
Thirdly it has enormous significance in the saving action of God and
the formation of a Christian community. Finally it has all the
significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual
and the community.
Baptism is an ancient ritual. It has belonged in the life of the
Christian community since its inception and indeed predates the
Christian movement in the context of Judaism. It seems apparent
that some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the
ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in the
Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus had baptism as the
hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 1:4).
Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave
instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew
28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in
the Christian tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a
number of important beliefs.
For the earliest Christians baptism was a profoundly significant
event and for Christians today, the possibility of sharing in an event
of such ancient significance is rich and rewarding. It is significant for
the individual because they walk the same path and share the same
rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days
of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a
whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are
perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of
Jesus and the early disciples.
The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection.
There are images of death and new life which call to mind the death
and resurrection of Jesus. There are also Images of creation and
renewal which convey an understanding about the great saving
actions of the God of Israel. Further aspects of the rite of baptism
allow reflection on the struggle between good and evil in the images
of light and darkness. Other images call for reflection on the idea of
repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and renewal.
Indeed it is difficult to find significant aspects of Christian theology
which are not captured in the tradition, the symbols and the ritual
actions associated with the practice of baptism.
The richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual.
Whether it be for the candidate preparing for their own baptism or a
parent or God parent preparing for a child's baptism, there are
abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual
development in the rite of baptism. Many Churches invite
candidates to prepare for baptism or to prepare for their role as
parents or God parents through engaging in a preparation course
which helps them make connections between theological themes
and their own experience.
For the community, the theological richness provides a source of
constant reflection and renewal. Many Christian communities invite
congregations to renew their own baptismal promises on the
occasion of baptisms in the local Church community. These
occasions challenge the members of the community to constantly
reflect on their vocation as Christians and the significance of their
own baptism. The involvement of the community in assisting
candidates prepare for their baptism and praying for those involved
is yet another dimension of the significance for the community.
Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the
theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. The
early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles
regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It
was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin
and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs
that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and
forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are
important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the
practice of baptism.
This is significant for the individual who through their baptism
receives the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of
the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are
now a member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a
profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both their
growth through the new member of the community and also is
witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.
Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage. It marks the transition
of the individual from one stage or state in life onto the next. In
terms of the Christian community it marks the transition of a person
from being outside of this community to becoming a fully initiated.
Thus for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging
experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and
faith. For the community, the process of supporting a person
through their preparation and welcoming them into the community
through baptism is also highly significant. The community is
invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and
enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.

Resources Texts

Beck Margie et al Exploring Religion, 1999, Melbourne,

Oxford University Press.

Lovat Terence and New Studies in Religion, 1999,

McGrath John (ed) Katoomba, Social Science Press.

Morrisey Janet et al Living Religion, 2005, Melbourne,

Pearson.

Internet

Anglican Book of Common justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/

Prayer - online

Baptist Churches of NSW baptistnsw.asn.au/about/faith

and ACT

Catechism of the Catholic www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/ccc.ht

Church - Online ml

Rituals in the Uniting Church nsw.uca.org.au/schoolprojects/ucaritual

of Australia s.htm