RELI 216 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Infant Baptism, Heterodoxy, Absolution
7 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
Christian identity is tied closely to theological elements of the faith. For a person to be considered christian, he or she must profess his or her faith in christ. Unlike judaism, christian identity is not inherited, and can be lost by wrong belief (heterodoxy) or loss of faith. In christianity, these rites are known as the "sacraments" (lat. Because of the many forms of christianity, it is difficult to provide general rites that all denominations adhere to, but the following elements are common to all: birth rituals: The largest denominations of christianity practice infant baptism, which involves immersion of the child in water, while commemorating the baptism of christ himself, and the earliest practices of the church. The rite is understood to commit the infant into christ"s care. It is the first step in the relationship between the individual and their savior.
