FREE ESSAY ON BAPTISM

BAPTISM

is the door to life and to the kingdom of God. Baptism in Christian
churches, 
the universal rite of initiation, performed with water, usually in the name 
of the Trinity or in the name of Christ. Orthodox and Baptist churches
require 
baptism by total immersion. In other churches, pouring and sprinkling are
more 
common. Most churches regard baptism as a sacrament, or sign of grace;
some 
regard it simply as an ordinance, or rite, commanded by Christ.
Therefore, 
Baptism is the sacrament of faith by which we, enlightened by the Spirit's 
grace, respond to the Gospel of Christ. 
Scriptural Basis 
Jesus was baptized 
by John at the beginning of his public ministry. Although it is uncertain 
that Jesus himself baptized, the risen Christ commanded his disciples to
preach 
to and baptize the nations as the sign of God's coming rule. Thus, from the
outset, baptism became the Christian rite of initiation. 
Purpose and Symbols 
The 
purpose of this sacrament is to purify your soul and to destroy all evil. 
That is one of the main reasons why water is used for a symbol. Water is
both 
destructive and creative which matches baptism. Water was used as a
symbol 
of purification in many religions at a very early date. Other symbols of
baptism 
include oil, a white cloth, and a candle. 
People able to receive Baptism 
Infants 
were probably baptized in the early church. Baptism was often postponed
as 
long as possible. Between the 4th and 6th centuries, however, infant
baptism 
began to be required. Now almost anyone can receive this sacrament old
or 
young depending on what religion you are. The church believes that
baptismal 
celebration should be: 
a) Made as soon as possible, and even before the child 
is born, the parish priest should be informed so that the proper
preparations 
can be made. 
b) Done without delay, if the child is in danger of death. 
c) 
Made within the first weeks after birth if everything is all right. 
Part II 
Interview 
Mom- 
My mom was a baby when receiving baptism so it didn't mean much to
her. She 
said that once you receive baptism that you cannot receive again so she
would 
not like to receive it again. Her life changed because she became a
member 
of the Church. Her godparents went through a two week course, she did
nothing. 
Dad- 
My dad said, I felt saved and believed I will go to heaven. Yes was his 
answer right away to the question, Would you go through the sacrament
again. 
He replied that he is a very religious guy. He felt it was a milestone in 
his religious development. He received this sacrament a late stage so he
prepared 
by praying and reading the bible with his parents. 
Sister- My sister was 
a child when receiving this sacrament and didn't recall what it meant to
her. 
She said that she would go through it again because it is a sign that you 
are a Christian. Her life has changed because she is now a Christian. She 
didn't go through any kind of preparation because she was so young. 
Part III 
I 
believe that this sacrament is a very special one. It is so important that 
you get godparents to help your spiritual growth. I have received this
sacrament 
at an early age and if given the chance to receive it again, I would. In my 
opinion baptism should be given around the age of seven when the child is
able 
to commit sin in the eyes of God. Never-the-less baptism is a very
important 
step in one's life no matter when it was received. 
Bibliography 
Bible 
Encarta 
96 Encyclopedia CD ROM. Baptism. Windows 95 version 
Catechism of the Catholic 
Church c. 1983 
Sacraments Today. Baptism p. 28, c.1978