The Difference Between Baptism and Christening – A Guide for the Curious
If you’re new to Christianity, you might be wondering what the difference is between baptism and christening. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, they do in fact have distinct differences.
Baptism
Baptism is a Christian sacrament that involves the ceremonial washing away of sins with water. It is an important rite of initiation for new members of the Christian faith, and is usually administered by a minister or priest.
Baptism is based on the belief that by being baptized, a person is cleansed of their sins and reborn as a new person, ready to live a life according to Christian principles. This ceremony is typically performed on infants or adults who have not previously undergone baptism.
The act of baptism is often accompanied by a pledge of faith from the individual being baptized, as well as prayers and sometimes the anointing with oil. After the ceremony is complete, the person is considered a member of the Christian church.
Christening
The term christening is a more colloquial and often interchangeable term for baptism. However, in some Christian denominations, a christening refers specifically to the baptism of an infant.
In these denominations, christening is seen as an opportunity for the parents and godparents to make a pledge of faith on behalf of the child, and to welcome them into the Christian community. The ceremony is often accompanied by the giving of a name, and is seen as a way of initiating the child into their Christian identity.
While christening and baptism are similar in terms of their religious significance, the differences lie in the context and purpose of the ceremony. Christening is usually reserved for infants, while baptism can be undergone by anyone who has not previously received the sacrament.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the terms baptism and christening are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between the two. Baptism is a religious sacrament that involves the washing away of sins, and is open to all who have not previously been baptized. Christening, on the other hand, is typically reserved for the baptism of infants, and is a way of welcoming them into their Christian identity. Whether you choose to undergo baptism or christening, it is a significant step in your spiritual journey and a way to connect with your faith community.
Table difference between baptism and christening
| Baptism | Christening |
|---|---|
| It is a religious ritual that involves immersing or sprinkling water on a person’s head to symbolize purification and initiation into the Christian faith. | It is another term for baptism, used more frequently in the Anglican and Catholic churches. |
| It is practiced by various Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians. | It is generally associated with Anglican and Catholic churches. |
| It is usually performed on infants or adults who have yet to receive baptism. | It is typically performed on infants. |
| It is often seen as a public declaration of one’s faith and commitment to living a Christian life. | It is often seen as a naming ceremony, where the child is given a Christian name and welcomed into the church. |
| It can be performed in a variety of settings, including a church, a river, or a swimming pool. | It is usually performed in a church, and sometimes involves the use of holy water. |