Baptians

Baptians is a term that has been used historically to refer to certain groups within Christianity who emphasized the practice of baptism by immersion. These groups often differed from mainstream Christian denominations in their theological interpretations and church practices. The precise origins and characteristics of groups referred to as Baptians can vary depending on the historical context and region.

Historically, some groups labeled as Baptians were associated with the Anabaptist movement during the Protestant Reformation. The Anabaptists, meaning "re-baptizers," rejected infant baptism and advocated for adult baptism based on a personal confession of faith. This stance often led to persecution from both Catholic and Protestant authorities. Over time, the term Baptian may have been used more broadly or sometimes as a pejorative by opponents of these groups.

In modern usage, the term "Baptist" refers to a distinct branch of Protestant Christianity with a wide range of denominations worldwide. While sharing a common historical root in the Reformation emphasis on believer's baptism, contemporary Baptist churches exhibit considerable diversity in their beliefs and practices, including differences in Calvinism, Arminianism, and church governance. The term "Baptian" itself is less commonly used today, with "Baptist" being the standard designation.