The death of Christ is closely associated with his baptism (Romans 6:3). The quoted works all show baptism by aspersion. However, the word ‘baptism’ comes from the Greek verb baptizô which means to dive or to immerse AR43 “John baptized [immersed, Chouraqui] him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart.” - Mark 1:9, 10 (New Living translation)
Aspersion or Immersion ?
The majority of liturgists accept that complete immersion took place since the time of the Gospels until around the 14th Century. AR44, AR45
Considered to be a sacrament, the practice of baptising with water, an ancient symbol of purification, is also found in pagan religious systems.
According to Hislop, the
doctrine of baptismal regeneration by infusion or aspersion is Babylonian AR46
The Baptism of Christ
RUDE
R.F 2642-2641
Richelieu
Ground floor room 33 showcase 2
Votive Foot of Pompeia Lucilia AO 5061 Not show
This fragment of a right foot wearing a sandal has a Greek inscription on the upper side: “Dedicated by Pompeia Lucilia". According to A. Parrot, due to the place where it was discovered, this work might call to mind a passage in the Gospel about the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). It could just as easily represent the offering of a healed patient to the divinity whose presence would confer miraculous properties on the spring. AR47
It should be noted that many recent versions omit verse four (NWT, Thompson, Liénart, notes).
It is generally accepted that this is a gloss introduced into the text to explain the intermittent agitation of the water, which, according to
the locals, could be a source of healing. AR48
Pool of Bethesda
Single and complete immersion
Archaeological excavations have brought to light many pools close to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. These pools were used to satisfy the Jewish purity ritual. Christian baptism does not however draw its origins from Judaism. AR49
Practised by the single and complete immersion of the body, it is the appropriate symbol of an offering of oneself and of a “request made to God for a good conscience”. 1 Peter 3:21.
Christian baptism does not draw its origins from Judaism
