Baptismum

Baptismum is the Latin term for baptism, the Christian rite of initiation through water. The etymology traces to the Greek baptizein, meaning to dip or immerse, and in Latin appears as baptismus or baptismum. In Latin liturgical usage, baptismum denotes the sacramental act and the accompanying rite rather than the mere symbol.

In most traditions, the act involves water and a trinitarian invocation, commonly with the words I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Practices vary: some churches require immersion in water; others use affusion (pouring) or aspersion (sprinkling). The rite typically includes renunciations of sin and profession of faith, sometimes the blessing of the candidate and the reception of the newly baptized into the church community.

Historically, baptismum emerged in early Christianity and developed into a central rite across churches. Infant baptism is widely practiced in Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant communities, while some Protestant groups emphasize believer's baptism for adults who profess faith. The theological interpretation of baptism ranges from sacramental grace to a public symbol of commitment.

In modern scholarship, baptismum is discussed in studies of liturgy, patristic writings, and ecumenical dialogue. It remains a point of doctrinal variation among Christian denominations, reflecting divergent views on grace, church membership, and baptismal validity.