Definition:
Infant baptism is a Christian ceremony where the child is baptized by being sprinkled with or immersed in water, usually by a priest or a religious authority.
Etymology:
The term “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizein,” meaning “to immerse” or “to wash.” The practice symbolizes spiritual cleansing and rebirth.
Description:
Infant baptism is a commitment by parents and godparents to raise the child in the Christian faith, as well as it grants the child entry into the Church. It is often performed within the first few months of a child’s life.
The ceremony typically involves the use of water, the recitation of prayers, and the making of the sign of the cross. It may also include anointing with oil, dressing the child in a white garment, and the presentation of a baptismal candle. The baptismal candle is usually lit from the Paschal candle to symbolize the transfer of the light of Christ.
This rite is practiced by several Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions.
Symbolism:
The idea behind infant baptism is that the child is dirty because it is born in sin inherited from Adam and Eve. The water is supposed to symbolize the washing away of original sin. It represents the bestowal of God’s grace and the promise of salvation.
The act signifies a covenant between God, the child, and the child’s family, pledging to raise the child in the Christian faith.
Religion:
Historical records indicate that infant baptism was practiced in the early Christian Church, reflecting the belief in its importance for salvation.
The practice became more widespread and formally structured during the Middle Ages, with detailed liturgies and theological explanations developed by Church authorities.
During the Protestant Reformation, debates arose about the validity and necessity of infant baptism, leading to variations in practice among different Protestant denominations.
Supporters of infant baptism often cite biblical passages such as Acts 2:38-39 and 1 Corinthians 1:16, which refer to whole households being baptized.