Over the last two millennia, several Christian denominations have developed their own liturgies and dogma surrounding the practice of baptism. While some suggest that it may have roots in Judaism, most followers look to the Bible’s New Testament for its origins. Notably, the differences in practices and doctrine include the age at when individuals can be baptized. Some groups allow for infants and children to undergo the rite while others insist on delaying it until adulthood.
A Possible Genesis in Jewish Practices
The Old Testament of the Bible, which includes the Hebrew Tanakh, contains several mentions of the practice of ritually purifying a person with the use of water. Specifically, “tevilah” refers to the immersion of one’s body in a special bath known as a “mikveh.” Several places in Leviticus, Exodus, and Numbers record the instances in which this custom was observed. Usually, it was for ritualistic purification from exposure to situations or substances considered unclean by ancient Jewish people. Additionally, it was used to consecrate new priests. As this religion article from the BBC reveals, converts to Judaism in modern times must also immerse themselves in a mikveh as part of their conversion process.
The first instances in the New Testament that most Christians cite as a precedent for the ritual are from stories of John the Baptist. Depicted in all four Gospels, John is shown adopting the practice for his followers prior to Jesus meeting him as an adult. As part of his message urging the need to repent, the stories usually relate that he performed the rite on willing participants at the Jordan River. What is notable, however, is the emphasis on Jesus presenting himself to John for baptism. As the Encyclopedia Britannica details, Saint Paul the Apostle later connected it to the idea of resurrection and rebirth as a new spiritual person, particularly in his letters to the Romans and the Galatians.
Baptism in the Early Church
In the first few centuries of the new faith’s existence, most converts to Christianity were adults. Nevertheless, infant baptism was being practiced in some areas of the Christian world by the fourth century CE. In the Eastern and Roman churches, infant baptism was included as one of the primary sacraments. Eventually, the naming and baptism of children were blended together and referred to by some as christening. By the Middle Ages, Augustine of Hippo had declared the rite as a necessary component of salvation.
To Baptize or Not to Baptize Children
Those who advocate baptizing infants and children do so for a variety of reasons. Some cite the doctrine of original sin, believing that all humans are born into this condition and that baptizing newborns safeguards against the possibility of them dying without redemption. Others insist that if the leader of a household becomes a believer, baptizing his or her children is a logical step. However, some sects are opposed to baptizing infants and children, claiming that they are incapable of understanding or expressing faith. Many Protestant denominations, especially Pentecostal, Baptist and Church of God in Christ delay baptism until the person is old enough to comprehend and declare his or her faith. Additionally, Anabaptist sects such as the Amish and Mennonites teach that a profession of faith must be made voluntarily, and thus forgo baptism until the person testifies and confirms his or her belief. Usually, Mennonites are baptized no younger than age 12, while Amish wait until they are at least 18 years old.
Baptism has a long and complex history within the Christian faith. As a rite of passage, its intent is usually to initiate individuals into the religion. While many groups differ on when it is appropriate to perform the ritual, the basic ideas of cleansing, transition and rebirth remain.
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