The Symbolism of Baptism
The Symbolism of Baptism
Baptism is the introduction into the body of Christ, the Christian faith. All members of the body of Christ have at one time in their life been baptized. Baptism is a ritual, which brings an individual from a life of sin to a life of service through God, and welcomes individuals to the faith. Baptism also washes people of original in, a sinful state in which all people are born. Historically it has been administered to adults at the Easter Vigil. The adults who are going to be baptized are called the Catechumate, and they study for several months prior to baptism. Today infant baptism is becoming very popular. This has both a positive and negative side. The positive aspect is that the infant will be able to live almost its entire life with God in the body of Christ. Critics argue however that it takes away the free choice associated with baptism. In many ways baptism is very symbolic.
Baptism can be both a positive and dark symbol at the same time. Baptism can be a positive symbol of life, as it brings people into a new life with Christ, very symbolic of creation. However despite its positive image baptism also has a dark image, death. Baptism is symbolic of death because the water used can represent flooding, and drowning, which is appropriate, because the baptized person leaves a life of sin.
The movie The Mission is closely related to the conversion associated with baptism. The Indians very closely resemble the Catechumate or elect who take part the ritual of baptism, as they learn about, and prepare to enter the faith. Father Gabriel represents the life of loving service one enters into at baptism. Also he takes the role of a sponsor in the conversion of Rodrigo Mandosa who becomes a missionary. Mandosa is an excellent example of conversion. At the beginning of the movie he was a slave trader, who captured Indians and sold them for profit. He led a life of sin and darkness, until one day he caught his brother in bed with his lady friend and killed him. After this event he fell into the care of the Jesuits. Trying to rehabilitate Mandosa the Jesuits, led by Father Gabriel took him to the mission of San...