Baptism

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Baptism - Saint Calixte

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Baptism is a Christian sacrament or rite of admission and adoption, almost invariably with the use of water, into Christianity. The canonical gospels report that Jesus was baptized—a historical event to which a high degree of certainty is assigned. Baptism has been practiced by many denominations of Christianity since the 1st century, typically as a means for an individual to express their faith in Christ and to be admitted into the church community.

Biblical References

The practice of baptism has its roots in the New Testament, with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist being one of the most significant events. This is described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry. After his resurrection, Jesus instructed his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), a directive that has shaped the Christian practice of baptism.

Modes of Baptism

Different Christian denominations practice baptism in various ways, including immersion, pouring, and sprinkling of water. The choice of method often reflects theological and historical differences among the denominations.

• Immersion involves the believer being fully submerged in water. This mode is preferred by Baptists and the Eastern Orthodox Church, among others, as it symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
• Pouring (affusion) involves pouring water over the head of the person being baptized and is commonly practiced in the Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations.
• Sprinkling (aspersion) is the sprinkling of water on the head and is also accepted by some denominations as a valid form of baptism.

Theology of Baptism

The theology surrounding baptism varies among Christian denominations but generally includes themes of purification, initiation, and the conferral of the Holy Spirit. For many, baptism is a sacrament of initiation into the life of the church and a necessary step for salvation. Others view it as a symbol of the individual's personal faith in Jesus Christ and a public declaration of that faith.

• Infant Baptism is practiced in many denominations, such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant churches, based on the belief in original sin and the grace conferred through baptism.
• Believer's Baptism is the practice of baptizing only those who are old enough to understand and profess their faith in Jesus. This is common in Baptist churches and other evangelical denominations.

Historical Development

The practice of baptism has evolved over the centuries. The earliest Christians practiced baptism by immersion for believers. Over time, as Christianity became more established and spread throughout the Roman Empire, infant baptism became more common, particularly as the doctrine of original sin developed.

Controversies

Baptism has been a subject of controversy within Christianity, leading to differing practices among denominations. Key issues include the age of baptism (infant baptism vs. believer's baptism), the mode of baptism, and the theological implications of baptism (e.g., whether it is necessary for salvation).

Baptism in Other Traditions

While baptism is predominantly a Christian sacrament, similar rites of initiation and purification exist in other religions and cultural practices, though they differ significantly in meaning and practice.