infant baptism
Sacrament for babies
Infant baptism is the Christian practice of baptizing babies or young children, typically by sprinkling or pouring water.
Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant churches baptize infants born to believing parents, viewing it as entry into the faith community.
Other traditions reject the practice, holding that baptism requires personal profession of faith: The debate over infant baptism has divided churches for centuries.
- baptismal fontVessel for sacramental water
- original sinInherited spiritual corruption
- godparentsBaptismal sponsors for children
- holy waterSacramental liquid for blessings
- sign of the crossChristian devotional gesture
water of life · sacraments · grace · christening · baby dedication · Anabaptists · Council of Trent · regeneration · limbo · sanctification · salvation · Augustine · religious upbringing · naming ceremonies · immersion · white garment · priest · vows
- church practicesworship service, Sunday worship, Lord's Supper, communion, prayer meeting
- Dutch ReformedSynod of Dort, Heidelberg Catechism, Calvinism, predestination, TULIP
- Baby Ritualsnaming ceremony, baby blessing, baby dedication, welcome ceremony, brit milah
- baptismchristening, immersion, baptismal font, pouring, sprinkling
- Catholic Ritesfuneral rite, marriage rite, last rites, holy orders, matrimony
- Church Ritesbaptizing, Holy Communion, christening, Lord's Supper, matrimony