Die doop, geloofsbelydenis en nagmaal: ware inisiasie of seremonie?

Abstract

Anthropologists such as Van Gennep, Turner and Eliade identified the typical patterns, characteristics, purpose and function of the phenomenon of initiation and researched the importance of rites of passage in the spiritual life of every human being. Over centuries three forms of Christian initiation have gained acceptance in the church: baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. This article researches each of these initiatory acts to determine whether they satisfy the need South African Christians to experience meaningful rites of passage.