Baptism
Every religion has certain rites and rituals that are crucial to the beliefs of the religion. Baptism is a sacramental rite within Christianity that initiates adherents into the total submission of God, through the role model of Jesus Christ. Baptism is often used as a statement of Christian beliefs, which is vital for salvation and, has a direct impact upon the individual and the community. As the rite of Baptism may vary between differing Christian denominations, the ritual is ultimately an expression of faith in Christianity.
Each Christian denomination whilst similar in their core beliefs, vary in the actual interpretation and exertion of the Baptism Rite. The Greek Orthodox baptism follows the pattern of
- Welcoming rite
- Questioning the willingness of the parents to have their child baptised
- Absolution of the mother, as she presents her child for baptism
- Prayers that renounce satin, this is conducted so that the mother becomes in a state of purity, usually achieved through reciting the Apostles Creed
- Immersion of child in water. The priest holds the baby to the west and full immerses the child in the water in a circular motion. Usually the child is naked)
- Liturgy of Baptism, chants and prayers recited, with the anointing of the Baby with Myron oil in the sign of the cross
- Baby is dressed in white cloth
- Takes their first communion
- Procession around the Church with the Pascal Candle.
For most Christian denomination, Baptism is celebrated during infancy and relies heavily on the parents to fulfil their obligation the child. However Pentecostal Baptism is known as “believers baptism” and initiates adults into Christianity, this is significant as it exhibits a conscience decision to submit to their faith rather than having it bestowed upon them in their childhood. Another significant difference within the Orthodox baptism is that that child receives their first communion upon baptism; most Churches hold this ceremony till the child is of adequate age to have their confirmation. This is to ensure that the child is willing to submit to their faith. Many of these services are conducted on Sunday to commemorate the Sabbath and were usually held during Easter to repent for the crucifixion of Christ. Whilst these restrictions have become liberal the symbolic significance of baptism remains assured.
Each segment of the baptism rite is symbolic and expresses the basic beliefs of Christianity. The welcoming rite and opening prayers help to create a joyful atmosphere, which enhance the nobility of the rite and exhibit the admission into the Christian Church. As the mother recites the Apostles Creed her sins within are washed away, which becomes symbolic of her new found purity. The immersion of the child within water is the focal point of the ceremony, as it signifies the cleansing and purification of the child. The water symbolically purifies the adherent of all their sins, namely the original sin that every Christian is born with, exhibiting spiritual rebirth “…rise and be baptised, and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Upon the 3rd and final immersion in water the child is held at a higher altitude than before, this is symbolic of their rebirth and signifies the newfound connection within the Christian community “but you were washed…justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). As the Liturgy of Baptism is read, the baby is anointed with Myron oil. The oil is rubbed in the sign of the cross, which represents a royal seal of their acceptance into the grace of God and their ability to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which asserts their faith in the power of the Holy Trinity. It is also symbolises the strength needed for the child to fight the perplexities of life they face. The baby is then dressed in white clothing, which is a sign of innocence and Jesus’ ascension after resurrection, representing the salvation they will receive within the grace of God “this is a symbol of baptism…it saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). The child is then preceded around the Church with the lighting of the Pascal candle, which represents the light of the world, as the flame symbolises the faith, which will burn through the life of the child. The baptism ceremony itself represents the child’s own participation in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. The individual receiving the sacrament of Baptism is publicly expressing their spiritual submission to the teachings of Christ “One Lord, one faith, on baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4-5).
Whilst the Baptism may be significant in its own right, it has a major influence upon the individual and the community as it outlines obligations, which need to be upheld by both. As Christianity is a living religion the rites of baptism vary upon the individual. The ceremony undoubtedly initiates the individual into the Christian life; this becomes evident physically but also has an impact spiritually as it provides the path to salvation “He that believes and is baptised shall be saved” (Mark 16:15-16). The act of baptism involves the death and resurrection of Christ, this helps the individual became reborn as a pure soul. During the ceremony the child also receives the Holy Spirit, through the laying of hands a symbolic presence of security is depicted with blessings given. Through the gesture and sacred words of the rite the individual finds an ever-growing significance that illuminates a greater bond between the individual and God. Baptism also gives the individual rights to other sacraments such as marriage and confirmation; this exhibits a life surrendered to the path of Jesus. For the community baptism represents the obligations of each to provide support and provide for the individual, as they are a part of their community. The minister must ensure that the individual and their family are prepared to commit to the path of adherence. The parents, godparents and community renew their commitment to God through baptismal promises during the service. It acts a ceremony that binds Christians in the unification of their belief and submission to Christ. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are bestowed upon each member of the community thus representing the ties that bind.
The rite of Baptism has a very significant function within Christianity. It not only affirms the individual’s belief but also acts as a process of integration that provides harmony to the community. Baptism is a sacred ceremony that has changed over times, however the ultimately expresses the central beliefs of Christianity and expresses the significance of the rite.