4 th Paper

Hey Joyful Sevants,
Peter had a great idea about sharing our papers for Theology and Sacraments class. I'll try to download some past papers. Hope you'll be able to share yours as well.
Peace,
Christopher

Christopher Ciraulo

R 220 Paper #4

Marywood

10/08/2012

·       “During the course of the Christian centuries the ritual of baptism has varied.” “For the theology of baptism is always a variation on the theme of salvation played in different modes and in different keys in different ages.” Joseph Martos: Doors to the Sacred. Pg. 147

·       Pelagius believed that people were born in a state of ‘original grace’ which was the reason for their natural goodness, and that what was lost by Adam was not this grace but a further grace…Children of course were born innocent and so they had no need of baptism.” The New Testament and the early fathers agreed that faith, not just baptism, was needed for salvation.” Joseph Martos: Doors to the Sacred. Pg. 157-158

·       “The introduction to the text as well as the prayers and symbolism of the rite puts less emphasis on washing away original sin and much more on incorporation into the body of Christ…” “Thus the meaning of baptism in contemporary Catholic theology is still salvation, but the meaning of salvation is becoming more experiential and less metaphysical.” Joseph Martos: Doors to the Sacred. Pg. 177, 180

 

The practice of baptism and even to an extent some of its meaning has changed over the course of the centuries. The post Vatican II Church seems to be heading in the direction of incorporating the best of  past meanings and practices and also reexamining the early Church’s and the New Testament’s perspective of baptism.

The Church’s emphasis on being brought into the Body of Christ and less on original sin has, I believe, rediscovered the sacraments intended meaning. The question must be asked: If the Church’s meaning has progressed, can it progress further into a deeper understanding of the truth? Once we have come to embrace the deeper sacramental meaning of baptism could this also eliminate some problems or complications that have developed due to some patristic and medieval interpretations? If the foundation for the meaning of baptism was placed back on incorporating one into the Kingdom of God, (Body of Christ), I think the Church’s celebration of Baptism would be elevated and enlivened and it would also be a substantial expression of those seeking baptism as to their commitment to Christ and the Christian life.

Pelagius may have been right to an extent in promoting original grace. If his view was reexamined by the Church and it was determined that baptism should be reserved for adults who make a conscious decision we may have a more dedicated laity instead of the phenomena of jumping through the hoops to acquire the sacraments and salvation with no apparent commitment or life changing dedication to Christ.

Today, we in the Latin rite have separated the baptismal rite from anointing, (Confirmation). If we reexamined the rite we could again combine baptism with anointing but instead prolong the catechumenate phase. For example, the Rite of Acceptance could be administered to infants bringing them into the Body of Christ and their childhood would be spent receiving instruction in the faith, much like they do for First Communion and Confirmation. Once they near the age when they want to make an informed and committed decision they would go through the Rite of Candidacy then, baptism-anointing and mystagogy. Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are then celebrated in their proper context as a “beginning” and not as a “graduation” which unfortunately, many believe today.