thesis -front

ST. PAUL’S SEMINARY

INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY

(Aggregated to St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru)

BAPTISM IN THE POST-MODERN  PERIOD  

(A RITUAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE)

A Dissertation Submitted in the Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the

  Degree of Bachelor in Theology

By

BASTIN ANITO RAJ.C

Reg. No. SPS 2244

Moderator

Rev.Fr.Dr.S.Arokia Raj

P.B. No. 36

91, Bharathiyar Salai

Tiruchirapalli – 620 001

2013 – 2014

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 I first thank the Lord Almighty for my being in the world and leading me on a good path, inspiring me to select this particular topic and shedding his divine light upon me. I extend my hearty gratitude to my moderator Rev.Fr.Dr.S. Arokia Raj who guided me in all possible ways and helped me to work out my dissertation in a meaningful way. He also gave his inspiration to change some points and to bring out myrm of this dissertation. I also express my words of thanks to Rev.Fr. Sebastian (Rector) and all the other staff for accepting and correcting the topic with a magnanimous spirit.

My hearty thanks go to my Bishop Most Rev.Dr. Antony Devotta his support including the financial help. I also thank Rev.Fr. V.J. Antony who has helped me to correct the language.

I really thank my beloved parents Mr.Chinnappan and Mrs.Josphine for their unfailing love and concern.

27.02.2014                                                                    BASTIN ANITO RAJ.C

i

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this dissertation entitled BAPTISM IN THE POSTMODERN PERIOD (A Ritual and Theological Perspective) has been prepared during the academic year 2013-2014 under the guidance and supervision of Rev.Fr. Dr.S. Arokia Raj, professor of Liturgy at St. Paul’s Seminary Institute of Theology, Tiruchirapalli.

I further declare that this dissertation has not previously been submitted for any degree in this institute or in any other institute.

C.Bastin Anito Raj

Reg.No. Sps 2244

Date 27.02.2014

Certified that this dissertation has been carried out under my guidance and supervision.

Rev.Fr.Dr.S. Arokia Raj,

St. Paul’s Seminary,

Institute of Theology,

Post Box. 36,

91, Bharathiyar Salai,

Tiruchirapalli.

ii

CONTENT

General Introduction. 1

CHAPTER-1

RITES OF INITIATION AND RELIGIONS

1.1 Meaning of Initiation. 3

1.2 Hindu rite of Initiation. 3

1.2.1 Upanayana. 4

1.2.2 Upper garment 4

1.2.3 Girdle. 5

1.2.4 Sacred thread. 5

1.2.5 Staff. 5

1.3 Initiation in Sikhism.. 6

1.4 Initiation in Buddhism.. 7

1.5 Initiation in Islam.. 8

1.6  Baptism in Christianity. 9

1.6.1 Theological significance of signs and symbols in baptism.. 10

1.6.2 The dynamism of baptism.. 12

Conclusion. 15

CHAPTER-2

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF BAPTISM

2.1 Gospels. 16

2.1.1 Matthew.. 16

2.1.2 Mark. 17

2.1.3 Luke. 18

2.1.4 John. 18

Conclusion. 19

2.2 Pauline Epistles. 20

2.2.1 Romans. 20

2.2.2 1 Corinthians. 20

2.2.3 II Corinthians. 22

2.2.4 Galatians. 23

2.2.5 Titus. 23

Conclusion. 24

CHAPTER-3

HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

3.1 Background for Christian baptism.. 25

3.2 Early Period. 26

3.2.1 Apostolic time. 26

3.2.2 Second century. 26

3.2.3 Third  to Eight Century. 29

3.3 Mediaeval period. 33

3.4 Reformation period. 34

3.4.1 Martin Luther 34

3.4.2 Zwingli 34

3.4.3 John Calvin. 34

3.5 Post-Modern period. 34

Conclusion. 35

CHAPTER-4

BAPTISM IN THE POST-MODERNISM

4.1 Meaning of post-modernism.. 37

4.2 Modern Thinking. 37

4.3 Post-Modern Thinking. 37

4.4 Ecumenical perspective. 38

4.5 Baptism and ecumenical unity. 39

4.6 Challenges. 40

4.7 Proposal 41

4.7.1 Pre-Catechumenate. 42

4.7.2 Catechumenate. 43

4.7.3 Purification. 44

4.7.4 Mystagogy. 44

Conclusion. 45

General Conclusion. 46

Bibliography. 48