The word Baptism comes from the Greek word “Baptizo” which means to dip, submerge or plunge in a liquid.
Baptism is the immersion of the person in a liquid (water). In the New Testament, baptism was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39, John 3:32).
Importance of initiation of boys and girls vIt marks the start of adult life.
It prepares them for their adult rites in future.
It prepares the boys and girls to become responsible wives and mothers as well as fathers and husbands.
It trains them in skills, discipline, morals and right attitudes to help them fulfil their respective roles.
To make them become responsible members of society. Baptism procedure
The procedure to Christian baptism answers to the following question:
a) Who should be baptised? (There are two conditions for baptism-repentance and believing in Jesus Christ)
b) When should someone be baptised? (Immediately one repents- Acts 19:1-5)
c) How should a person be baptised? (The New Testament recommends dipping or immersion in water- Mt 3:16; the baptism of Jesus by John)
Infant Baptism
Is the baptising of the children into the religious fellowship of their parents. Reasons for infant Baptism
To wash away the original sin man is born with.
For the child to become the member of the parent’s church.
To impart eternal life to the baby.
As a way of salvation.
So that the child should grow to fear God. Methods of Baptism
There are three methods of Baptism; namely immersion, pouring and sprinkling.
a) Immersion- Is a method of baptism where a person being baptised is completely submerged in water. It is the accepted method in the New Testament.
b) Pouring- Is a method of baptism where water from the vessel is dripped on the head of the person being baptised.
c) Sprinkling- Is the method where water from the vessel is splashed on the face of the person being baptised.
Importance of the Baptism of Jesus (Mt 3:12-17)
Jesus commanded that all the sinners who repent are baptised (Mt 28:18-20). He was baptised himself, not because he was a sinner but wanted to set an example.
Set an example for his followers.
To identify himself with the people he came to save (Isaiah 52:13, 53:12).
To show his commitment to carry on God’s purpose to win souls for the kingdom (Mt 4:21-22)
To let the people of Israel know that he was the true son of God at his Baptism (Mt 3:17) Three important things happened:
a) The heavens opened as a sign of approval.
b) The voice confirmed Jesus as the son of God.
c) The Holy Spirit as a sign of anointing and commissioning for the mission.
New Testament Baptism and its importance today
It is a physical symbol to show that a person has started following Jesus Christ. vIt is the picture of death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians identify
themselves with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-13). vIt shows a person’s complete obedience to the commands of Christ
(Mt 28:19).
It makes people live in complete obedience to Christ’s teachings. Significance of circumcision in the Old Testament
It marked the admission to adulthood in the tribe, an outward sign of relationship.
It was a covenant between God and Abraham (Israel)
It was a mark of ownership and a reminder of the covenant between God and Israel.
It was a guarantee or certificate of inheritance of God’s promises.
Religious admission practices and rites a) Christianity
Baptism is the picture of the death and the resurrection of Jesus.
It is an expression of the beginning of new life in Christ.
Through baptism, a person symbolically becomes a member of the body of Christ (church)
b) Hinduism
A Hindu boy between the age 8 and 12 the sacred thread of initiation as a sign of adulthood status.
It is a symbol of now being “twice born” but is not the same as being born again is Christianity.
c) Islam
To become a Muslim, one must express belief in the Kalima (creed)
A Muslim child gradually learns Islamic beliefs and when he becomes an adult, he takes full religious responsibility.
d) Zambian Traditional Religion
Puberty and marriage rites for boys and girls where meant to prepare them for their respective roles in adulthood.
Boys were circumcised and trained to become responsible fathers and husbands.
Girls were secluded for a short period during which time they were trained to become good mothers and wives.
Various religious teachings on admission practices a) Hinduism
Hindu boys between the ages of 8 to 12, receive the sacred thread of initiation. As a sign of adult status in Hindu culture. It is trip standard string, worn through out his life. It means that he is new “twice born” this is not the same as the Christian of being born again.
b) Islam
vMuslim practice circumcision, but it has no religious attachment to become a Muslim. vTo be Muslim one must express belief in a Kalima (creed); saying loud there is no
god but Allah and Muhammad is the prophet. c) Zambian Traditional Religion
Puberty and marriage rites for boys where meant to prepare them for their respective roles in adulthood.
Girls were secluded for a short period of time during which they learnt how to be good wives and mothers.
Boys were circumcised, and trained to become responsible husbands and fathers. Religious comparison on baptism and admission practices
a) Christianity Vs Hinduism Similarities:
In both, the admission practice is a sign of entering in a new way of life. Differences:
Christianity: baptism practice is a sign of repentance and faith in Christ. Hinduism: the admission practice is an outward sign of the inward reality.
b) Christianity Vs Islam Similarities:
Both believe that inward expression of belief is more important than the outward. Differences:
Christianity: To be a Christian, one must express belief in Christ and Biblical principles Islam: To become a Muslim, one must express belief in the Kalima (creed)
c) Christian Vs Z.T.Z on admission practice Similarities:
In both initiations signify a new start in life.
Both believe that initiation is an outward symbol of an inward reality.
Differences:
Christianity- baptism shows repentance and conversion Z.T.R- initiation shows that one has entered into adult life
Christianity- baptism identifies one with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
Z.T.R– does not express dying with anyone.
Christianity- baptism shows association with the body of Christ (the church). Z.T.R- initiation shows association with elders.
