To explore what Christian baptism is and the

● To explore what Christian baptism is and the symbolism behind it. ● To consider the reasons that some Christians allow infant baptism.

You’re going to see a couple of pictures. What do the pictures have to do with Christian baptism?

EXHIBIT A The dove is a precious symbol of peace in Christianity. In the bible, after the Great Flood, a dove flew to Noah’s boat. This was a sign that the world was peaceful and it was safe for Noah and his family to leave the boat. When Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist God’s Holy Spirit appeared above him in the form of a dove.

EXHIBIT B The cross is the best known symbol of the Christian religion. Christians believe that it’s because of Jesus’ death on the cross that their sins are forgiven. Jesus took the punishment that humans deserved by dying in their place. The act of baptism is a visual demonstration of the new life that Jesus gives.

EXHIBIT C Water is used to symbolise the washing away of a persons sins by Jesus’ sacrificial death. In infant baptism water is sprinkled on the baby’s forehead. In adult baptism the whole body is put underneath water. The water is called, “Holy Water” if a priest blesses it and says a prayer over it.

EXHIBIT D When a baby is baptised the family will dress him/her in a white gown. This symbolises how Jesus’ death on the cross has washed away the baby’s sins. White is considered a pure, holy, righteous, good colour and so symbolises they are now clean before God, and can now have a relationship with him.

EXHIBIT E Just before Jesus started his public ministry, a man called John the Baptist was telling people to turn from their sins and be baptised. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. ” John baptised Jesus and since then Christians have got baptised as a sign that they are joining the faith.

EXHIBIT F Some Christian groups only believe in adult baptism, and reject the baptism of infants. A person can be baptised when they decide and want to make a public declaration of their faith. The person being baptised will be lowered into the water, symbolising the death of Jesus, and then rise out of the water, symbolising the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Task • In your book write the answers to the questions on the next slide.

1. What kinds of emotions might a person go through when they are getting baptised? Think of some of the good reasons for getting baptised when you answer this question. 2. How do you think friends/family might be affected when their friend/family member gets baptised? Will they be proud? Sad? Emotional or unemotional? Try and think about how different people might view it. 3. Do you think it’s right to get baptised even though you’re not a Christian, or because your family wants you to go to a religious school? Explain giving lots of reasons. 4. What do you think about infant baptism? Do you think people should be able to make the choice about whether or not they get baptised? Explain your answer.

Task • Read the following statements and decide whether you think that they are good or bad reasons to get baptised.

Good reason or bad reason? • “I’m not really sure God exists. I want to get baptised because that might make him more real to me. If he does exist, at least that means I’ll get into heaven when I die!”

Good reason or bad reason? • “I want to get baptised because Jesus told us to. He commanded his disciples to baptize those who they taught. This means that those who have been taught the Gospel and believe in Jesus should be baptised. ”

Good reason or bad reason? • “I want to get baptised because in baptism our sins are washed away, not by the water, but by the blood of Jesus who died on the cross in my place. ”

Good reason or bad reason? • “I want to get baptised because it means I will go to heaven when I die. I can then live as I want because getting baptised means I am joined with Christ, and all my sins are forgiven. ”

Reasons why Christian’s may be baptised • Baptism helps someone feel closer to God as they are growing up. • Baptism is welcoming someone into the Christian family. • You need to be baptised to go to a Church school. • You get Godparents who take care of your spirit. • It helps people become stronger religious families. • Jesus himself was baptised so it is like following in his example. • Parents want to thank God for the gift of their baby. • Baptism is a time of celebration for the whole family. • The person being baptised feels protected by God. • Can you think of any other reasons?

Watch the videos to see an example of an infant baptism • https: //www. bbc. co. uk/bitesize/clips/zxd 2 h yc • https: //www. bbc. co. uk/bitesize/topics/ztkxp v 4/resources/1