Christian Initiation

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The objectives of this course are to consider various aspects of Christian initiation: (1) conversion; (2) the scriptural roots and historical evolution of Christian initiation rites – both in terms of practices and theology and across communions, with an emphasis on the developments in the sacramental churches (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, churches of the Reformation); (3) an in-depth look at the contemporary symbols/ritual practices and theological understandings of Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation, and Eucharist; (4) an examination of the process of initiation of adults/children of catechetical age (the RCIA in the Catholic Church and the similar processes evolving in other sacramental churches) and of the reception of a baptized person into full communion of the Catholic Church/transfer from one Christian communion to another; and (5) the contours of a baptismal spirituality and the implications of Christian initiation for everyday living.