Unbaptized

Unbaptized is an adjective describing a person who has not received the Christian rite of baptism. In many Christian traditions, baptism is viewed as an act of initiation into the church and, in many theological frameworks, the remission of original sin or the cleansing of sin. The exact meaning and significance of being unbaptized can vary widely between denominations and historical periods.

In Catholic, Orthodox, and many Anglican and Lutheran contexts, baptism is the first sacrament of initiation. Unbaptized individuals may be taught and prepared for baptism through formal programs (such as catechumenates or confirmation classes) before being admitted to the church through the sacrament of baptism. In infant baptism traditions, unbaptized infants are typically considered outside full sacramental membership until they undergo baptism; theories about the fate or pastoral care of unbaptized infants differ among theologians and traditions.

In many Protestant churches that practice believer’s baptism, baptism follows a personal confession of faith. An unbaptized person who professes faith may be baptized as a public declaration of commitment and entry into the church.

Historically and in civil or genealogical records, the term unbaptized has been used to describe individuals who have not undergone the rite, which can affect church status, community belonging, or participation in certain rites and sacraments.

See also: Baptism, Catechism, Sacrament, Infant baptism, Believer’s baptism.