rituals and traditions of world religions...
Baptism as a Religious Ritual

by Vicki Merbler

In the Christian community, it is widely believed one receives an invitation to receive the Gospels as committed Disciples of Christ. The ritual most associated with the initiation is called Baptism. Depending upon the particular faith, there are several differences in the process or ritual. The one constant, however, remains across religious doctrines, and that is the use of water. The range of use in the practice runs from full immersion of the body in water to sprinkling water upon the head. Regardless of the faith, or a particular method, it is viewed as an important passage into a new life through the Holy Spirit of God. Baptism is considered a life-long journey for the individual and of devotion to the church. Love becomes transforming for the one who is baptized and one’s growth through spirit is a manifestation of the ritual.

In an article by Gregory Dell of Broadway United Methodist Church in Chicago, the following information regarding infant Baptism was explained. In the presence of the congregation, water is sprinkled upon the child. The parents and other adults reaffirm their faith as witnesses to the sacrament of Baptism and in rearing the child in the church. A powerful message is contained within the words of the ritual to the parents. An implication is made that the parents do not see themselves as owners of the children because the life and death of the child belongs to God. Therein the responsibilities of all the caretakers is in loving the faith and wanting to share it as a means of enjoying what a life of good has to offer. The final question of the parents during the ceremony is of allowing the child the freedom “at the age of decision,” which differs but is usually between 7 to 12 years of age, to make the choice willingly to be a member of Christ’s church.

In the Jewish faith, based upon the Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1948, self-immersion into water is explained as John the Baptist witnessed Jesus Christ’s Baptism by standing on the river Jordan waiting for him to come out. The culture of Israel in the first century tells us Baptism applied the same meaning as above. The soul was already seen as purified, and the ritual was a purification of the body.

In Luke 11:38 from the Holy Bible, partial immersion in water is accepted as Baptism the same as full immersion. The Baptist faith conducts the ritual as a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic religion sprinkles three cups of water over the head followed by oil, which confirms the Baptism. The third sacrament, the Eucharist, is often followed, and allows the initiate to accept the body of Christ through wine and bread in Holy Communion.

Many record their Baptisms in family Bibles, photographs, small celebrations and gatherings. Gifts from loved ones range from beautiful rosary beads, crosses, and other symbolic gifts to remember the day. It has been said that often the real work has been in the preparation of Baptism; however, it is repeated many times that it is also a mark in a person’s life of entering into a covenant with the Holy Spirit which will endure beyond our mortal bodies.

Vicki Merbler is a practicing spiritual medium, psychic, Master Reiki Healer, and intuition development teacher. She reads on the phone and in person by appointment. (910) 619-1084 or visit www.seebeauty.com to learn more.

Printed in the Aug/Sept 2007 issue of Innerchange.