Revise: Christianity (practices)

Church of England

• Infant baptism (a young baby) - water is used to make the sign of the cross on the forehead

• Baptism is required to enter Heaven

• This is done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

• The baby wears white to symbolise purity

• The water is contained in a font

• Roman Catholics believe it washes away Original Sin

• Methodists believe it passes Jesus' grace (love) on to the child

• Arguments for: Jesus preached to young children; (ii) The early church baptised children

• Arguments against: (i) there is no Biblical case of infant baptism; (ii) Baptism should only be for believers

Baptist Churches

• Believers' baptism (a person who chooses for themselves - usually at least 12 years old)

• The person is fully submerged into a baptism pool

Arguments for:

• Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan as an adult.

• Baptism requires faith, and a baby cannot choose a life of faith

Arguments against:

Roman Catholics believe that if you die before being baptised you will not go to Heaven

Christmas = the celebration of the birth of Jesus /incarnation

Advent = looking forward to Christmas

Symbolism

• Candles - Jesus is the 'light of the World' (John's Gospel)

• Presents - represent the gift of Jesus given by God to humans

Activities

• Lighting of candles

• Giving of presents

• Nativity plays

Easter = the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus (and life after death)

Lent = looking forward to Easter

Symbolism

• Easter Egg - the rock that was rolled away when Jesus came out of the tomb, and new life

• Hot Cross Buns - the cross on which Jesus was crucified

Activities

• Church - Bible readings focus on life after death