...SOR ASSESSMENT II: RESEARCH ESSAY SOR ASSESSMENT II: RESEARCH ESSAY “Rites of passage in Christianity allow adherents to obtain deeper knowledge and beliefs about their religion” How does this statement explain the significance of baptism for the Christian community and the individual? Baptism allows adherents of Christianity to acquire a deeper understanding and resonate with the beliefs of their religion. Baptism refers to the religious rite of passage involving the application of water in association with an individual’s admission to the Christian Church. It is a significant rite practiced by a majority of Christian adherents with the exception of Quakers and followers of The Salvation Army. In many denominations, baptism is performed on young children and is accompanied by name-giving, referred to as ‘Infant Baptism’. These denominational families include Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians and other Reformed denominations, Methodists and some Nazarenes, as well as the Moravian Church. Another form of baptism involves the initiation of adults and is referred to as ‘Believers Baptism’ practised by a minority of Christians including Protestants and followers of the Pentecostal and Baptists sect. A key concept in believer's baptism is that a credible profession of faith must be given by the recipient before baptism. The American Baptist Church, for example, declares: "We insist that baptism be administered only to those who have...
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...Baptism of Pocahontas, by Artist, John Gadsby Chapman The painting, Baptism of Pocahontas, is a gorgeous painting by John Gadsby Chapman. “John Chapman received the commission for the Rotunda painting in 1837.” It was not until 1840 that “the painting was delivered to the U.S. Capitol and installed.” In this fantastic painting, Pocahontas is the center of it all. It seems as though the artist has put her in the center to single her out. She was “thought to be the earliest native convert to Christianity in the English colonies.” He put her all in white to show the purity of her life before marrying John Rolfe. Also, because white is a pure and clean color which also represents a new life and a baptism definitely shows a clean start....
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...Confirmation Expository Essay Confirmation gives a young Catholic many gifts. Growth is vital to human life; the body and mind must grow to stay alive. Catholics believe that the soul also needs to grow to maturity in the life of grace, just as the human body must grow through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in Holy Eucharist. It also completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead. Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in Holy Spirit and granting the recipient the strengthening of faith, an increase of sanctifying grace, and a lasting character on the soul. Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation and through it the Holy Spirit is given to those who have been already baptized, in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Christ. When Jesus calls upon us to follow him he does not mean that we should make our way to Heaven alone, but commands us to bring others with us along the same path. The only way we can do this successfully is through a special share in the anointing of Jesus through the priest. Confirmation strengthens the supernatural life we receive in Baptism. Confirmation transforms us into adults in the catholic faith...
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...Christian and non-Christian circles surrounding the word Pentecostal. Although Norris’ essay on “Pentecostal” ends on a somewhat positive note, the overall picture is a negative one. This essay leaves an overall undesirable image because of the strong stereotypical evidence against Pentecostal, and the lack of supporting positive evidence. The Christians that unite under such a word as Pentecostal have had some marks of disgrace. Norris states that “Mainstream Christians often dismiss Pentecostals as looney tunes; anti-intellectual in their theology, overemotional in their worship.” (Norriss pg. 344) This only affirms the stain on Pentecostals reputation. There can be no other outcome when only strong evidence that speaks mostly of downfalls is given. Accomplishments like this writing only adds to the arsenal of misconception that many already have. There is however no description of the posture of those who first experienced Pentecost in North America that would provide a more healthy view of the Pentecostal. There is much to say in favor of the word Pentecostal and for North America it occurred with the Azusa Street mission. The events and happenings surrounding this modern day Pentecost had a tremendous impact in its time as well as impact that would prove to be long lasting. There came to be many new church congregations founded across the country that stemmed from the significance of seeking baptism of the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Now there is said to be thousands...
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... Schreiner and Wright set out to dispel the practice of paedobaptisim in the Reformed tradition. In order to accomplish this, they enlist the help of ten scholars to investigate baptism from a scriptural, historical and theological perspective. What results is a book that fairly documents the biblical background, fairly quotes the Reformation fathers Calvin, Marcel, and Murray and ends with a chapter on practical application of baptism in the modern church. SUMMARY Schreiner and Wright open their book by stating, “Baptism … is the initiation rite into the Christian church. Those who label it minor are imposing their own categories onto the Scriptures instead of listening to the Scriptures…. Baptism is important precisely because it is tied to the gospel, to the saving work that Christ accomplished in his death and resurrection.”[1] What the authors do is to survey both the scriptures and church history in their inquiry into the paedobaptistism (infant baptism) and credobaptism (“baptism should be reserved for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ”[2]) debate. The particular form of paedobaptism that the authors are seeking to correct is “…primarily in the Reformed tradition, who baptize infants not because they believe that baptism regenerates … but because they believe that baptism brings the child into the covenant community.”[3] All the authors are both razor sharp in their focus, and fair in their treatment of paedobaptist positions. Each chapter is thoroughly...
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...Seminary Book Critique: Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ A Paper Submitted to Professor Larry McDonald In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Ecclesiology Theo 620 By Matt Dover September 8, 2012 Bibliography Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Thomas R. Schreiner & Shawn D. Wright. Nashville: B & H, 2007. 359 pages. Reviewed by Matt B. Dover Authorship Thomas R. Schreiner is the professor of New Testament Interpretation and the Associate Dean of Scripture and Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served for 11 years at Bethel Theological Seminary, and he also taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific Seminary. Schreiner is the author of numerous books and articles. He is also the pastor of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Shawn D. Wright is the Assistant Professor of Church History at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served the Southern Baptist churches in New England. Wright also serves as the pastor at Clifton Baptist Church alongside Schreiner. He is also noted for writing various articles and journals. He also serves as a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Thesis Statement The goal of this book is to recover and maintain an adequate and proper view on the role of baptism in the believer’s life and the church. It also seeks...
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...Planning and growing healthy Chinese church cd 763 4/4/2013 A growing healthy church has solid foundation when it is starts with: a) clear calling mission and vision statement Mission is thru God what he wants you to do Vision is what you will do after 10-20 years b) A senior pastor with SHEPHERD’S HEART: Acts 20:20-35, Matt 11:25-30. Health and growing church is very depends on Pastor. (if you lose half on your leadership , the pastor should leaves) and also you need a prayer partner cry together and laugh together. c) A clear long term strategy owner by leadership team and by the whole church. d) A united leadership team same vision same mission same core values with the pastor. e) An undivided leadership team and a long team leadership development plan: 1. Friendships/partnership building 2. Discipleship f) A constant clear core values: core values drive a church in her decision making goals and priorities setting, problems solutions. They drive the ministry in a particular direction and draw new members with the same values. (core value is not change often. If you have no core value you will go different direction and church will swing. ) g) A growing healthy has a staff team who share the same values. Where values align, they will pull together. Where values differ, they will pull apart.( Interview people with the same mindset.) (background check is always important.) When you determinate a pastor...
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...There are several questions that will be addressed from the reading of John 15:1-8. The first question is what does this passage teach about salvation? Jesus is the true vine and the only source of eternal salvation. In one of our texts Mr. Morris states “When the Father purges the vine of the “unclean” Canes; He is ridding it of people whom God will prune”. (Morris, 2012, p. 137) Man is by his own nature dry and barren, but we draw power from God which is new, which does not proceed from ourselves. We are crafted in His image alone. (Christnotes.org, 2013) The second question is what this passage of John teaches about discipleship? These passages teach us that Jesus is the vine and His disciples are the branches. “The branches derive their life from the vine; the vine produces its fruit through the branches” (Carson, 2012, p. 514). In John 15:1, he states “I am the vine, and my Father is the vine grower” John 15:1 (The Wesley Study Bible). This parable elaborates that Jesus as God’s true vine depicts Him and these attached to Him as branches, which are God’s genuine people. The last question is what does the passage within John 15:1-8 teach us about eternal security? John 15:2 states, “He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit He prunes to make it bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Fruitfulness is the mark of the true Christian. In John it also states eternal security is given by abiding in Jesus Christ and His word abides in...
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...YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS HERE Your Student Number RELI 1710 PLUS YOUR SECTION (A or V) Professor Zeba Crook Title Can Be Whatever You Want 1 Identification: The type of religions tradition I chose to attend was that of Christianity. The denomination was Roman Catholic. The name of the place of worship I attended was St. Michael’s Church located at 150 Corkery Rd RR2, Carp, ON, K0A 1L0. I attended Sunday mass on February 6, 2011 at 11:00am. Building: The outside of the church is square shaped with grayish bricks all around. At the front of the church is a tower shaped entrance, with wooden doors. On both sides of the church are glass windows. In the tower there is a church bell that rang at the beginning of the mass. The inside of the church is filled with pews (roughly 20 on each side) as well as an altar in the front. The windows on the inside of the church are stained with images. There is a second floor in the church which also has pews along with a piano and guitar. At the front of the church where the altar is hangs a cross which indicates that this is a religious institution. Along with the cross, other religious symbols that are visible include statues and pictures of Jesus along with a statue of Mary. There is much art visible inside the church. Some particular examples include that of Pope Benedict, a Cardinal, as well as Jesus. These pictures do not really affect the experience. They just concretely show that we are in a religious institution. Other areas marked...
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...I think the theme “We Are Called” relates to me because I believe that I can be a living sacrament by helping others to the best of my ability, volunteering, teaching others, donating, praying; putting God and others first. Just by being aware and listening to what the people are saying and paying attention to the world around me is helping me to be a living sacrament. Usually people are too busy with their day to day life, and busy with problems, but we at a community should remember the small things, and remember to help others. Throughout my life I have had baptism, confirmation, reconciliation and communion. For my future I hope to also get married and continue to help others around me that are in need. There are 7 sacraments and although I haven’t experienced all seven they are too renew and strengthen the faith with Christ and to learn to pass on God’s love. This theme, “We Are Called” really helped me to learn the importance of what we are really called to do; help. I picked hands for my symbol because I believe God is calling me to help the people around me. Today’s society is forgetting that there are people in need. I believe we forget that we are so lucky to have the things we have today; there can be some people who don’t even have enough food to eat or clean water to drink. I believe we should start thinking of others. Do the most we can do to help whether that be donating, volunteering at soup shelters or anywhere else, or fundraising. It doesn’t matter as long...
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...Outline of Leviticus 21:1 – 22:16 I. The Laws for all Priests a. Rules dealing with the dead b. Rules for mourning c. Rules concerning marriage and family II. The Laws for High Priests a. Responsibility of the High Priest b. Rules dealing with the dead c. Rules concerning marriage III. Laws concerning priests with physical abnormalities IV. Laws concerning priest cleanliness a. Types of uncleanness b. Rules for becoming clean c. Rules about eating wild animals V. Laws about lay people a. Rules concerning eating sacred donations b. Remedies for unintentional eating c. Treatment of all offerings The passages in Leviticus 21:1 – 22:16 are concerned with the purity and holiness of the priests and the preparation and consumption of sacred sacrifices. These laws were dictated by God through Moses and are intended for Aaron and his decedents. The priests come from the tribe of Levi; the family of Aaron. They come at a time when the Israelites have been lead out of Egypt by Moses and had settled at Mount Sinai before crossing over to the land promised to their ancestors. God has taken this time to establish many laws and commandments covering many areas of everyday life, human interaction, and what is considered just and fair. In this section of Leviticus, we learn of the laws governing priestly functions and sacred sacrifices. This is a key area of concern for God because the priests are the only people with direct interaction with God and are the spiritual...
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...“My Personal Testimony” I have grown up in church all of my life, more specifically in a Catholic Church. I was raised in a Christian home. We went to church every Sunday, went every Sunday night, and every Wednesday night. For me, going to church was natural. If I ever missed a week, it was because I was sick. I was baptized when I was six years old. The entire congregation of my Church supported me and helped mold me into who I am today. During my freshman year of high school, my grandfather had a heart attack and died. This was a huge shock to me. For the next couple of weeks, I kept all of my emotions to myself. Even now, it is still hard to talk about. Eventually my emotions bottled up for too long and I thought about suicide. I did not want to talk about it, but I did not know another way to release my pent up emotions. The one thing that allowed me to cope was working in the audio and video team at Church. The crew members there really helped me to forget about what had happened. They have been very supportive in many different ways. Because of their commitment to helping me cope with the loss of my grandfather, I wanted to help out in any way I could. It made me feel very good to work every week in church, knowing that I was repaying those people who helped me out during one of the darkest parts of my life. I am still working on the audio and video team at church. Even though the work that the audio and video team and I do often goes unnoticed, I still enjoy serving...
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...filled with the same energy that made him a National Champion cross country runner, the first Nebraska high school student to be 5-star National Thespian in speech, and debate champion. Leadership callings came quickly, being called as Ward Mission Leader and My friend, Santo, is then Ward Clerk. someone you should get to know Bishopric Counselor and as you do, you will for 2 Bishops in love him as I do. Houston came next, followed by Stake Clerk Bishop Brandon Taylor and High Council. The High Council calling lasted only 2 weeks before he was called as Bishop at age 28, just 7 years after being baptized. The next 5 years and 8 months as Bishop brought so much joy as over 240 people joined the church by baptism. A move to Florida brought some successes and some severe sorrows. A period of 7 years of inactivity in the church and a move back to Nebraska to be closer to family in hopes of healing from this terrible hurt. The ups from the feelings of the spirit and satisfaction of endless service, and the downs of the renewed rejection and persecution of his family for his beliefs and testimony. Santo is not a quitter, although he would like...
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...The Evolution of John the Baptist in Christianity John the Baptist is one of a few recognized prophets in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. John lived by the Jordan River in Perea as an Essene Jew, around the time of Jesus’ ministry. Many know John as a non-divine apocalyptic preacher who claimed baptism would help one get into heaven, and it would be disadvantageous to ignore baptism. John is relevant to understanding historical Jesus not only because he baptized Jesus but because of their conflicting similarities. John and Jesus were both apocalyptic preachers, in the Essene Jewish sub-group, and popular during antiquity. Many scholars actually believe John was more popular in antiquity. Because of his greater popularity, many argue who kick started Christianity John or Jesus? One can see this argument through artistic paintings of John. Art was an important media for communication during antiquity. As Professor Boccaccini mentioned in lecture, most people in antiquity could not read; therefore, they used paintings to communicate. Painters use symbolic elements in their paintings to portray a message. These symbolic elements, such as red for matador, acted as stories or religious instruction (Boccaccini). Just as a written source, one can extract information from these paintings to find out about the historical character John. The first popular painting of John the Baptist originated in the 12th Century, right after the fourth crusade. During this time, medieval...
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...THEOLOGY RESEARCH PAPER The Purpose and Merits of Baptism V. King THEO350 24 November 2014 Is there a purpose behind baptism? This is a question that has been heatedly debated for decades by all religions. It is an extremely important question and carries significant meaning to those who believe and practice baptism. The Slavic word for baptism is “krst”, which in ancient German, its origin is derived from the word “kristen”.1 Kristen translates into making followers of Christ.2 The Greek word for baptize is baptizein, which translates to immerse.3 Whereas, the most commonly recognized Greek word for baptism is baptizó. There are many scriptures in the New Testament that provide the purpose of baptism. For a Christian, being baptized is an important step in a Christian’s life. It is a process of ridding one of sin so they can live their life according to God’s Will. John 3:15 tells that “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” For Christians, they need to be baptized by a form of water in order to go to God’s Kingdom. ------------------------------------------------- Those who want to be baptized must accept and proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. After He is accepted as the one and only Savior, the person is baptized by going under water in the same manner as John the Baptist. There are three main components that baptism stands for: death, burial and resurrection as Paul...
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