Christian initiation through baptism and confirmation is an insertion into Christ’s death and resurrection as well as entry into the Church. With the help of some anthropological insights into initiation rituals, this unit will look at the scriptural foundations of these sacraments and their subsequent development. The unit will also consider the theological reflection these developments occasioned, particularly the major theological issues of rebaptism, infant baptism, and the purpose of an independent rite of confirmation, as well as contemporary pastoral questions such as the initiation of adults, discerning the readiness of families for infant baptism, and adaptations to the cultures among which the students will be living and working. Having examined how baptism forgives all prior sins, the unit will then investigate the ways the Church deals with sins committed by those who have already imitated Christ’s death in baptism. The unit will reflect theologically upon the various ways that, throughout its history and across the cultures, the Church has administered the forgiveness won by Christ and conclude by addressing the pastoral questions posed by the revised rites and contemporary situations.
Unit code: DL9131C
Unit status: Approved (Major revision)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Liturgy
Proposing College: Catholic Theological College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Identify and utilise accurately the terminologies, concepts and theology to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Penance. |
| 2. | Integrate and demonstrate the scriptural foundations of Baptism, Confirmation and Penance within the theological framework of these sacraments. |
| 3. | Situate and explain the various aspects of the practice and theology of Baptism, Confirmation,and Penance within an historical and cultural context. |
| 4. | Articulate and demonstrate a pastoral awareness that enriches the theology of Baptism, Confirmation and Penance |
| 5. | Articulate and demonstrate the relationship of Baptism, Confirmation and Penance to the mystery of Christ and the Church |
| 6. | Undertake a specific topic of research in the theology and practice of the sacrament of Baptism or Confirmation or Penance in a critically rigorous, sustained and self-directed manner. |
CT8010C
Learning consists of lectures/instructions with visual Powerpoint presentation, occasional group discussions and seminars
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 7,000 word Essay |
7000 | 100.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 4 Sep, 2018
Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000