Baptism Debate: An Examination of the Purpose and Merits of Baptism There is no trick involved in entering the Kingdom of Heaven, but many theologians argue that there are some important steps that must be taken to help pave the way, including being baptized. Issues such as whether complete immersion is required or simply a token sprinkling, who is authorized to perform baptisms and even the fundamental purpose and merits of

" Later on, after being promised the eternal life, people understood that Baptism means, in fact, rebirth into spirit. People keep this ritual of Baptism, as they need a confirmation of God promise of eternity. Being weak beings, people have always felt the need for a Deity to trust in and guide their lives. In their ceaseless seeking of an absolute power, God has answered them and let His Unique Son

Persona Christi An Analysis of the Priesthood "in persona Christi" and "in nominee ecclesiae" The questions that surround the functions of the priesthood and the diaconate today appear to be part and parcel of the greater uncertainty that surrounds ancient Church customs. This paper will attempt to analyze the meanings of the phrases "in persona Christi" and "in nomine ecclesiae" as they have reflected the functions of the ministers of the

Sacrament of Reconciliation The concept behind reconciliation is forgiveness, the rite to forgive those who have done wrong, and being forgiven for committing wrongful actions. The Sacrament of Reconciliation examines how to work towards the renewal and restoration of relationships. At Saint P, in order to assemble and cultivate student's knowledge on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, they will be required to get past egoism through exercises that help analyze and look

Eucharist in Catholicism and Calvinism Our word "Eucharist" is derived directly from the Greek of the New Testament: etymologically, it derives from the word for grace (charis) with a prefix (eu) meaning "good" or "well," but the original Greek word "eucharistia" means, simply enough, "thanksgiving" -- like our word "thanksgiving" it is a noun that derives originally from an equivalent verb describing the action involved (i.e., the giving of thanks). The

Liturgical Use of Visual Arts and Paganism Christian art's rich history goes as far back as the 3rd century A.D. Ever since the first paintings were done on catacomb walls, Christians have endeavored to use visible means for expressing the invisible Almighty. Despite Christianity's origins lying in Judaism, which forbids such imagery, the Incarnation concept made it essential to image God's human face in Jesus. The intent was never portraiture.