baptism

Baptism is a religious rite of initiation into a Christian community, traditionally involving water as a sign of purification and rebirth. The word comes from the Greek baptizein, meaning to dip, immerse, or wash.

In many Christian denominations, baptism is administered by an ordained minister or pastor, though some groups allow lay leaders. Water may be applied by immersion (full or partial), pouring (affusion), or sprinkling (asperging). A ceremony often includes vows or commitments, and in some traditions sponsors or godparents may participate.

Subject and timing vary by tradition. Infant baptism is common in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, where it is often understood as the cleansing of original sin and incorporation into the church. Believer’s baptism—administered upon a personal profession of faith—is practiced by Baptists, Pentecostals, and many evangelical groups. In some denominations, baptism is performed only after a period of catechesis.

Theoretically, baptism holds different theological emphases. In Catholic and Orthodox theology, baptism is a sacrament that conveys grace and initiates the recipient into the church. In many Protestant traditions, baptism is viewed as a public profession of faith and a symbol of cleansing, death to the old self, and new life in Christ.

Historically, baptism traces to John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism by John, and it became a central practice in the early Christian church. The Great Commission in the New Testament is often cited as a basis for evangelistic baptism and entry into discipleship.

Ecumenically, most Christian groups recognize baptism as a foundational Christian rite, though interpretations, mode, and whether infant baptism suffices or re-baptism is required vary across traditions.