RCT 54: The Definition of Baptism.

Father David Nicks discusses the significance of baptism in the Catholic faith, emphasizing its foundational role as the "sacrament of regeneration" and "illumination." He highlights its biblical roots in St. Paul's teachings and the Council of Trent, countering misconceptions that baptism is merely a ritual. Father Nicks stresses the communal aspect of baptismal promises, made by sponsors for infants, and the necessity of supernatural faith preceding sacraments for true efficacy. He also addresses the misconception of baptismal water as the sole element of the sacrament, clarifying that it requires specific words and actions to be valid.

• The podcast is hosted by Father David Nicks, focusing on theology, scripture, and traditional catechisms from an apostolic Catholic perspective.
• This episode, RCT number 54, is part of a series on sacraments, specifically discussing baptism.
• Father Nicks mentions a personal update regarding a trial related to a peaceful protest in 2019 and requests prayers for the outcome.

"This is the Padre Perrina podcast theology from a wondering priest where you can learn scripture from the fathers and traditional catechisms for free."

• The podcast aims to educate listeners on Catholic theology and practices, emphasizing traditional teachings.

• The catechism stresses the necessity of understanding baptism for a proper grasp of Christian faith and piety.
• Baptism is frequently referenced by the Apostle Paul, highlighting its significance in Christian life as a reflection of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
• The Council of Trent's catechism is deeply rooted in the teachings of St. Paul, countering Protestant claims to Pauline theology.

"Whoever reads the Apostle carefully will unhesitatingly conclude that a perfect knowledge of baptism is particularly necessary to the faithful."

• Understanding baptism is crucial for Christians, as emphasized by frequent and energetic references by St. Paul.

"The Council of Trent really does have St. Paul and you we hear this that St Paul talks about baptism it says not only frequently but also in language most energetic in language full of the spirit of God."

• The Council of Trent's teachings on baptism are vibrant and spiritually rich, reflecting St. Paul's energetic language.

• Pastors are urged to devote significant effort to teaching about baptism, as it is a foundational aspect of Christian doctrine.
• The catechism highlights specific occasions like Easter and Pentecost as important times for celebrating and teaching about baptism.

"Pastors therefore can never think that they have bestowed sufficient labor and attention on the exposition of the sacrament of baptism."

• Continuous effort is required from pastors to adequately educate the faithful about the sacrament of baptism.

• The podcast draws a parallel between the Council of Trent and Pentecostal enthusiasm, coining the term "Trent costals."
• This approach encourages a dynamic and spirited engagement with the world, aligning with St. Paul's missionary zeal.

"To be based in Trent doesn't mean we have to be aifi or grumpy means we too should be most energetic full of the spirit of God."

• Embracing the teachings of the Council of Trent involves a lively and spirited proclamation of the gospel, inspired by St. Paul.

• Baptism is a key sacrament in Christianity, embodying promises made to God, either by the individual or through a sponsor, particularly in the case of infants.
• The sacrament is communal, reflecting the collective nature of Catholic faith, contrasting with individualistic perspectives common in modern Western society.
• Supernatural faith is essential before receiving sacraments like baptism for them to be effective.

"Each person reading a lesson of admonition in the person of him who is receiving baptism will call to mind the promises by which he bound himself to God when he was baptized."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of baptismal promises and the personal reflection it encourages on one's commitment to living a Christian life.

"Notice it just said that at baptism you made promises to God. Now how did you do that as a baby? Well, your sponsor did."

• Highlights the role of sponsors in making baptismal promises on behalf of infants, underlining the communal aspect of Catholicism.

• Faith is a prerequisite for the sacraments to be effective, as it precedes and underpins the sacramental experience.
• The promises made during baptism are binding, whether made by godparents or the individual themselves.

"This is one reason I keep saying all these podcasts Supernatural faith has to precede the sacraments for them to work."

• This stresses the necessity of faith as a foundation for the sacraments, ensuring their spiritual efficacy.

• Ablution refers to the cleansing aspect of baptism, symbolizing purification and renewal.
• The term 'baptism' is derived from Greek, used in various contexts in scripture and ecclesiastical writings.
• Baptism is also known as the sacrament of Faith, illumination, purgation, burial, planting, and the Cross of Christ, each reflecting different aspects of its spiritual significance.

"The word baptism, as is well known, is of Greek derivation, although used in sacred scripture to express not only that ablution which forms part of the sacrament but also every species of ablution."

• Explains the etymology and broad application of the term 'baptism' in religious texts.

"St Augustine informs us that it was sometimes called the sacrament of Faith because by receiving it we profess our faith in all the doctrines of Christianity."

• This quote identifies one of the alternate names for baptism, emphasizing its role in the profession of faith.

"St John Chrysostom in his sermon to the baptized calls it a purgation because through it we purge away the old leaven that we may become a new paste."

• Illustrates the purifying nature of baptism, as described by St. John Chrysostom, using the metaphor of purging old leaven.

• Baptism is considered the entry point into the Christian life, marking the beginning of obedience to the commandments.
• It is viewed as essential for receiving the grace needed to keep the commandments and achieve supernatural goodness.
• St. Dennis refers to baptism as "the gate through which we enter into the Fellowship of the Christian Life."

"Baptism is as it were the gate through which we enter into the Fellowship of the Christian Life and begin then forward to obey the commandments."

• This quote emphasizes baptism as the foundational step in the Christian journey, necessary for living according to Christian teachings.

• The podcast critiques the heresy of Pelagianism, which suggests that natural goodness alone can lead to heaven.
• The speaker argues that supernatural grace, obtained through baptism, is necessary for salvation.

"Heaven is a supernatural goal you can't get there with natural goodness you need Supernatural goodness that comes from the sacraments."

• This quote highlights the belief that sacraments, particularly baptism, are essential for attaining the supernatural grace required for salvation.

• Baptism is also referred to as the "sacrament of Illumination," an ancient term used in both Roman and Greek Catholic traditions.
• This term signifies the enlightenment and spiritual awakening that comes with baptism.

"Baptism is also called the sacrament of Illumination some people might think that sounds Buddhist or Hindu but no no that is our faith that's an ancient term for the sacrament of baptism."

• The quote clarifies that the term "sacrament of Illumination" is rooted in Catholic tradition, not new age or Eastern religions.

• Baptism is described as a purgation, cleansing both eternal and temporal effects of sin, including purgatory.
• This cleansing effect is especially significant for adults who convert and receive baptism later in life.

"Baptism if you receive it with faith doesn't just wipe out the Eternal effects of sin it also wipes out the temporal effects of sin which is Purgatory."

• The quote explains that baptism provides a complete purification from sin, erasing both eternal and temporal consequences.

• Baptism is metaphorically described as a death in water, where the old self dies, and a new life in Christ begins.
• The transformation is significant, marking a shift from being a "tabernacle of Satan" to a "tabernacle of the Trinity."

"When you're baptized the old man goes dead in the water... the unbaptized baby is a tabernacle of Satan and the newly baptized baby is a tabernacle of the Trinity."

• This quote illustrates the profound spiritual transformation that occurs during baptism, signifying a complete renewal of the individual.

• Christians are encouraged to continually reflect and grow in their faith, fulfilling their baptismal promises throughout their lives.
• The life of a baptized individual should increasingly reflect the new man in Christ.

"You should start to really find your life reflecting the new man in Christ more and more every day that is fulfilling your baptismal promises."

• This quote underscores the ongoing nature of conversion and the importance of living out one's baptismal commitments consistently.

• Baptism is defined as the sacrament of regeneration by water and the word, crucial for entering the kingdom of God.
• The sacrament is rooted in biblical scripture, specifically John 3:5 and Ephesians 5, emphasizing the necessity of being born again of water and the Holy Ghost.
• Baptism transforms individuals from being children of wrath to children of mercy, aligning them with Christ.

"Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

• This quote underscores the essential nature of baptism for salvation, as dictated by Jesus Christ in the scriptures.

"By Nature, we are born from Adam children of Wrath, but by baptism, we are regenerated in Christ children of Mercy."

• This highlights the transformative power of baptism, changing one's spiritual state from wrath to mercy.

• Early Christians and Church Fathers universally understood being born of water as referring to baptism.
• Over time, the perception and practice of baptism have been diluted, losing some of its profound spiritual significance.
• The sacrament of baptism is also referred to as the sacrament of Illumination and the sacrament of regeneration, terms derived from the catechism of the Council of Trent.

"All the church fathers understood that first one to be born of water to mean baptism."

• This reflects the unanimous agreement among early Christian leaders on the interpretation of baptism.

"Even tradition without faith is worthless."

• This suggests that mere adherence to tradition is insufficient without genuine faith, emphasizing the need for both in the practice of baptism.

• Baptism consists of ablution accompanied by solemn words as instituted by Jesus Christ.
• The sacrament is not merely the water in the baptismal font, but the act of applying water with the prescribed words.
• St. Augustine affirmed that the word joined to the element constitutes a sacrament.

"The word is joined to the element, and it becomes a Sacrament."

• This quote from St. Augustine clarifies that both the physical element and the spoken word are necessary for the sacrament.

"The sacrament of baptism can be said to exist only when we actually apply the water to someone by way of ablution while using the words appointed by our Lord."

• This statement emphasizes the importance of the ritual's correct execution for its validity.

• The speaker hints at contemporary challenges and personal circumstances affecting the practice and teaching of baptism.
• There is an encouragement to refer to authoritative sources like Taylor Marshall for updates on related religious discussions and teachings.

"Imagine if we started seeing the baptism of babies and adults as that: the sacrament of Illumination and the sacrament of regeneration."

• This encourages a renewed perspective on baptism, appreciating its depth and spiritual significance.

"Please say an Our Father for me that I may practice what I preach."

• This personal appeal reflects the speaker's desire for integrity and authenticity in their spiritual life and teachings.