Expression of religious identity

Sacrament

An outward sign of inward spiritual grace, started by Christ (Catholic view).

Ordinance

A practice Christ commanded, done in obedience and remembrance, which does not automatically give grace (Baptist view).

Paedobaptism

Baptism of infants, practised by Catholics, which cleanses original sin and gives the Holy Spirit.

Credobaptism

Baptism of believers who have repented and confessed faith, practised by Baptists through full immersion.

Luke 3

21-22

Original Sin

The guilt humans inherit from the Fall, which Catholics believe infant baptism removes.

Matthew 28

19

Luke 18

16

Acts 16

33

Strength of infant baptism

It shows grace is unconditional and not an intellectual achievement, and it brings the child into the church community straight away.

Baptist critique of infant baptism

A baby cannot repent or consent, and in the New Testament belief always comes before baptism.

Transubstantiation

The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ while still looking the same (Catholic view).

Memorialism

The bread and wine stay ordinary and are a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice (Baptist view).

Apostolic succession

The line of ordination from Peter that gives a Catholic priest authority to act in the person of Christ.

Priesthood of all believers

All Christians have direct access to God, so no special priest is needed (1 Peter 2

Epiclesis

The prayer asking the Holy Spirit to come upon the bread and wine.

1 Corinthians 11

23-26

Hebrews 10

10

Three strands of mission

Evangelism, social action, and mission to the Christian community.

Evangelism example

Alpha Course. Holy Trinity Brompton runs this course to share the Gospel with non-religious people through food, talks and open discussion.

Social action example

Church Missionary Society. This organisation works with the Zabaleen, Christian rubbish recyclers in Cairo, to provide child care, health support and dignity.

Charity example

Christian Aid. This charity, supported by many churches, tackles poverty and injustice without requiring people to convert.

Matthew 25

31-46

James 2

16-19

Integral mission

The view that evangelism and social action cannot be separated, because words give the message and deeds show God’s love.