Baptism is the one sacrament that all Christian denominations respect and practice. In the Catholic Church, infants are baptized to welcome them into the Catholic faith and to cleanse them from their innate humans sin that they are born with.

Believers' Baptism

Some Christians, such as Baptists and Pentecostalists, think that a baby is too young to understand the meaning of baptism, and let the person be baptised when they are able to make the decision themselves. Believers Baptism also requires you to be fully submerged rather than just splashed with the water.

Potential Problems? Is it too late by this point?

Infant Baptism

The idea here is to cleanse the child of sin as soon as possible, allowing the parents to thank God for their new baby and celebrate the birth with family and friends. The child is welcomed to the Christian community by the congregation. This is practised by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Methodist Christians.

Potential Problems? Are they old enough to make this decision for themselves?

Reasons for being Baptised

The main reason people are baptised is to formally enter the church and be acknowledged as the child of god. It is also seen as a way to repent and cleanse oneself of sin, they are forgiven and they enter a new life with Jesus Christ.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

This quote is a message that encourages members of the Church to welcome all those willing to into the Church through Baptism.

SOME THINGS TO PONDER OVER… If all humans are born with this sin then should we not baptise them as soon as possible? Why do people want to become baptised?