The Roman Catholic Church, and others, believe that baptism purifies the individual from original sin ("Adam's sin" attributed to all humans) and personal sin, and signifies new birth in the Holy Spirit. These graces are bestowed by the sacrament of baptism, regardless of the understanding or actions of the person being baptized. Sponsors (godfathers and godmothers) agree to support the new church member and, in the case of infants, speak for them during the baptism rite.
2. Eastern Orthodox
Answer: Infant baptism
Baptism is considered essential for salvation by the Eastern Orthodox Church and is administered to infants and adults. The baptized are immersed three times in water, then immediately anointed with chrism, confirming their initiation into the Body of Christ, which cannot be dissolved.
3. Lutheran
Answer: Infant baptism
Lutherans view baptism as a means of receiving grace, not just a symbolic act. Baptism is considered a miraculous act whereby God forgives sins, rescues the baptized from evil, and grants them eternal spiritual life. Lutherans believe faith is a gift from God that does not require human understanding or a verbal profession, so infants are baptized as well as adults.
4. Methodist
Answer: Infant baptism
Baptism is open to people of all ages in the Methodist Church and signifies the entry into the community of believers. Baptizing infants is seen as representing that God's love and acceptance precedes an individual's awareness or conscious decision.
5. Baptist
Answer: Adult baptism
Baptism is typically referred to as an "ordinance" in the Baptist Church, not a sacrament. The distinction of an "ordinance" is that it was a commandment given by Jesus, but the act itself does not bestow grace as a sacrament would. Baptists believe that salvation is a gift from God achieved through faith, and it cannot be earned by human effort or rituals such as baptism.
6. Pentecostal
Answer: Adult baptism
The Pentecostal Church considers sacraments as important to a spiritual life, representing spiritual transformations and connection with God. In the Pentecostal Church, baptism marks the person's personal decision to accept the teachings of the church. Preparation for baptism includes instruction, personal reflection, and making a personal commitment.
7. Church of Christ
Answer: Adult baptism
The Church of Christ (CoC) arose during the American Restoration Movement of the early 19th century. A core belief in the CoC is that baptism is required for salvation, and that the person being baptized has heard the gospel, repented their sins, and publicly professed their faith.
8. Unitarian Universalist
Answer: No baptism
Rather than baptize or christen infants, Unitarian Universalist congregations hold dedication ceremonies for infants and children. These ceremonies usually include blessing the child, the parents expressing their hopes for the child, and the congregation promising to support the child.
9. Christian Science
Answer: No baptism
Christian Science teaches that baptism is an ongoing, spiritual, and private activity for the purification of an individual's life and thoughts. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, wrote in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" that baptism is "Purification by Spirit, submergence in Spirit".
This process of Christian Science baptism isn't a separate ceremony as in other Christian denominations.
10. Quaker
Answer: No baptism
George Fox founded Quakerism in England in the 17th century, seeking a personal connection with God that did not share the rituals of the Church of England. The Quaker religion continues to reject most traditional sacraments, including baptism, believing them more associated with control by the institute of the church and not needed for a spiritual life.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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