Baptism

Baptism is from the Greek baptizein (βαπτίζειν), meaning to immerse, to dip, or to plunge[1]. The earliest Christian use of the term draws on the Jewish ritual practice of mikveh (ritual immersion for purification) and on the baptism practiced by John the Baptist as a sign of repentance[2]. The verb passed through Latin (baptizare) into the major Western European languages[1]. The noun form names both the ritual and the sacrament that the ritual effects[2].

baptism is understood differently across denominations, including questions of age, mode, and sacramental meaning.

In nearly all Christian traditions, baptism is the rite of initiation into the church[2]. The form varies: infant baptism is standard in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, and many other traditions; believer’s baptism (after personal profession of faith, usually as an adult or older child) is the norm in Baptist, Anabaptist, and many evangelical and Pentecostal communities[3]. Mode varies as well: pouring (affusion), sprinkling (aspersion), and immersion are all practiced, with immersion most strongly emphasized in Baptist and Eastern Orthodox traditions[2].

The theological meaning of baptism is interpreted differently across traditions[3]. Catholic teaching treats baptism as a sacrament that effects spiritual regeneration, washing away original sin and incorporating the recipient into the body of Christ[4]. Orthodox teaching shares much of this and adds the strong association of baptism with theosis (divinization)[5]. Lutheran and many Reformed traditions teach that baptism is a means of grace that confers what it signifies through faith[3]. Baptist and many evangelical traditions treat baptism as a public ordinance signifying a salvation already received through faith, rather than as a means of conferring grace itself[3].

Across traditions, the formula traces to Matthew 28:19: baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit[6]. Oneness Pentecostals are a notable exception, baptizing in the name of Jesus only on theological grounds tied to their non-Trinitarian view of God[2].

Baptismal theology is a major topic in Christian doctrine and a major site of denominational difference[3]. Liturgical studies traces the historical development of baptismal rites from the early church through the medieval period and the Reformation[7]. Ecumenical dialogues since the mid-20th century, including the World Council of Churches’ Lima document on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry, have explored what mutual recognition of baptism might mean across traditions that practice it differently[8].

• Baptism, Eucharist and Ministryby World Council of Churches
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• The Shape of the Liturgyby Gregory Dix
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