Facts About Baptism
Research Paper
Baptism is an important part of all denominations of Christianity. However, despite the importance of Baptism in Christianity there are many different interpretations of baptism, and how it should be done. For example, the Anabaptists believe that children should not be baptized, a basic difference between both the Lutherans, and Catholics. This paper will look at the differences seen in baptism by three different denominations; the Lutherans, Catholics, and Anabaptists. Baptisms are done differently by all denominations; the one thing all denominations have is that baptism is key to salvation.
In the Augsburg confession Lutherans state that the baptizing of Children is a good thing. “Rejected, therefore, are …show more content…
“The baptismal character is permanent because it is timeless; it is indelible because nothing, not even the loss of faith can remove it.” (Father William Saunders, 2) This is not the only thing that both Lutherans and Catholics agree on when it comes to the sacrament baptism. Both Lutherans and Roman Catholics believe baptism is a rebirth. In the small catechism Lutherans, like on all topics revert to scripture over reason. In Titus chapter 3 Lutherans back up their belief that baptism is a rebirth. They see it as a rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Catholics believe that this rebirth is a birth into a higher form of life. The difference is how important this rebirth is to a person’s salvation. Lutherans do not believe that baptism is absolutely necessary in order to receive salvation. Since baptism is the basic sacrament for the Catholics it is needed for everything else in the Catholic faith. This includes salvation. Baptism is a vital part to the Lutheran faith and the LCMS feels that everyone should be baptized. However it is not absolutely necessary. The LCMS once again looks to the Bible for their explanation. The thief who was crucified next to Jesus received salvation and was saved even though he was never baptized. This belief does not devalue of baptism in any way. Lutherans would not have a member of their church not be baptized just because it is not …show more content…
This comes down to the fact that there are no distinct directions of how to baptize someone within the Bible. This leaves a lot up to interpretation. Explicit directions of how to baptize somebody may not be found in the Bible, but the call for all Christians to be baptized is clear. Whether someone is submerged, or simply have water poured on them, all denominations see baptism as a rebirth in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” (Nicene Creed, 9-10) The Nicene Creed states that all baptisms are recognized as valid. The symbolic gestures that vary from across denominations do not make the baptism any less valid. Baptisms may be diverse and different, but the Holy Spirit is involved in every one of
Baptism is an important part of all denominations of Christianity. However, despite the importance of Baptism in Christianity there are many different interpretations of baptism, and how it should be done. For example, the Anabaptists believe that children should not be baptized, a basic difference between both the Lutherans, and Catholics. This paper will look at the differences seen in baptism by three different denominations; the Lutherans, Catholics, and Anabaptists. Baptisms are done differently by all denominations; the one thing all denominations have is that baptism is key to salvation.
In the Augsburg confession Lutherans state that the baptizing of Children is a good thing. “Rejected, therefore, are …show more content…
“The baptismal character is permanent because it is timeless; it is indelible because nothing, not even the loss of faith can remove it.” (Father William Saunders, 2) This is not the only thing that both Lutherans and Catholics agree on when it comes to the sacrament baptism. Both Lutherans and Roman Catholics believe baptism is a rebirth. In the small catechism Lutherans, like on all topics revert to scripture over reason. In Titus chapter 3 Lutherans back up their belief that baptism is a rebirth. They see it as a rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Catholics believe that this rebirth is a birth into a higher form of life. The difference is how important this rebirth is to a person’s salvation. Lutherans do not believe that baptism is absolutely necessary in order to receive salvation. Since baptism is the basic sacrament for the Catholics it is needed for everything else in the Catholic faith. This includes salvation. Baptism is a vital part to the Lutheran faith and the LCMS feels that everyone should be baptized. However it is not absolutely necessary. The LCMS once again looks to the Bible for their explanation. The thief who was crucified next to Jesus received salvation and was saved even though he was never baptized. This belief does not devalue of baptism in any way. Lutherans would not have a member of their church not be baptized just because it is not …show more content…
This comes down to the fact that there are no distinct directions of how to baptize someone within the Bible. This leaves a lot up to interpretation. Explicit directions of how to baptize somebody may not be found in the Bible, but the call for all Christians to be baptized is clear. Whether someone is submerged, or simply have water poured on them, all denominations see baptism as a rebirth in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” (Nicene Creed, 9-10) The Nicene Creed states that all baptisms are recognized as valid. The symbolic gestures that vary from across denominations do not make the baptism any less valid. Baptisms may be diverse and different, but the Holy Spirit is involved in every one of