Baptism

In general, baptism is a rite of entry into a church.

According to the Wikipedia, the term baptism is derived from the Greek word ß.pte.., which roughly translates as ‘the infinite’. This term is also closely linked to another Greek term which signifies ‘to dip, bathe or wash’ (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism).

Indeed, baptism is a water ritual. Water is generally used to represent the spiritual cleansing and rebirth of the infant or individual being baptised. In some denominations, this symbolic purification of sin is only carried out through the sprinkling of water while other forms of baptism involve pouring or full immersion.

Which faiths practice baptism

Numerous religions practice baptism. In fact, the Christian practice of baptism has Judaic roots, even if the ritual today is most readily identified with Christianity. Part of this identification stems from John the Baptist, who famously baptised Christ, along with thousands of others, in the river Jordan.

Within Christianity, baptism is a sacrament or sacred rite practised by many denominations. Although the manner, nature and significance of the ritual differs from one church to another, baptism generally involves such things as ritual purification by one of the water rituals outlined above and the appointment of godparents, or sponsors, to overlook the child’s spiritual development and participate in the baptism itself.

For more information about godparents, click here.

Infant and adult baptism

Baptism can take place as a child or adult depending on the church one wishes to enter. Infant baptism, or ‘paedobaptism’, usually just requires a testament of faith by the parents of the child being baptised. However, some churches, such as Baptist churches, practice ‘credobaptism’, which requires a profession of belief on the part of the individual being baptised. This form of baptism may exclude very young infants but it does extend to older children.

As for infant baptism, the baptismal ceremony typically involves the parents handing the child to a minister, who then baptises the child in the baptistry, or a font from which he/she draws water. The minister then baptises the child by pouring water over its head.

Baptism gifts

Baptism is a public ceremony or a testament of belief aimed at others. Although friends and family who are not appointed godparents have no part to play in the actual ceremony, it is now common for them to celebrate the baptism by providing gifts, even if this is not a religious requirement.

Sources and further reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism