"But if we walk in the light as he is the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 New American Standard Bible)
With reference to the stimulus, analyse the Christianity as a living religious tradition in the lives of adherents.
Christianity is a well-established, monotheistic religious belief system that has developed since the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Christianity influences the lives of adherents by helping to answer the enduring questions of human existence. Therefore, it is not static but rather a living religious tradition. It does this through significant persons such as Paul of Tarsus, practices like Baptism, as well as environmental ethical teachings, which continue to be relevant to adherents despite the modern context.
Baptism is a ritual carried out by most Christian denominations. It is an initiation ceremony whereby a person is initiated and welcomed by the community into the faith.
This notion is seen in Matthew's gospel in the words of the Great Commission: "go make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19), where the connection between the Holy Trinity and Baptism is highlighted. Matthew's quote further depicts the importance of following Jesus' footsteps and being a disciple. This idea is reinforced in the stimulus "but if we walk in the light as he is the lightâ¦" demonstrating the notion of being a disciple of Jesus, as he too was baptised. Christianity is a living religious tradition because adherents can model their lives and actions upon Jesus.
Baptism signifies the washing away of sin and receiving of God's forgiveness. The use of water in the ceremony symbolises spiritual rebirth and purification. As...