Baptism (/bæptɪzəm/) is a religious rite of passage involving water used to symbolize a person's spiritual cleansing and rebirth. The word is spelled with the letter "p" because it is derived from the Greek word "baptisma" which means "immersion". The "p" signifies that the word was passed down through Latin rather than Greek. The "t" in "baptism" is pronounced as a glottal stop /ʔ/ rather than a hard /t/, which makes it sound like "bap-tiz-uhm" when spoken aloud.
Baptism is a religious ritual or sacrament typically performed within Christian denominations, representing a formal act of initiation, adoption, or admission into the faith community. It involves the application of water, either by immersing the individual in water or through pouring or sprinkling water over them, as a symbol of purification or cleansing from sin, and the person's commitment to follow the teachings and beliefs of the respective faith.
The concept of baptism varies slightly between Christian traditions, but it generally holds deep spiritual significance. It is often seen as an outward expression of an inward faith and an essential step in the process of salvation or spiritual rebirth. The ceremony is typically conducted by a clergy member, and witnesses are present to symbolize the communal nature of the faith community.
Baptism is also associated with the acknowledgment of God's grace and the individual's acceptance of the covenant with God. It is considered an essential initiation into Christian life, often marking the person's entrance into the Church and granting them access to other sacraments. Moreover, baptism is seen as a means of receiving the Holy Spirit and being united with Christ.
In addition to its religious context, baptism can also be used metaphorically to refer to a transformative or purifying experience, whether in relation to religion or otherwise.
The initiatory sacrament of the Christian religion; the dipping among water, or sprinkling with water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptisma", which is derived from the verb "baptizein". "Baptizein" means "to immerse, dip, or submerge", and it was commonly used in ancient Greece to refer to the process of immersing or washing something. In religious contexts, it was specifically used to describe the act of ritual cleansing or initiation. The term was later adopted by early Christians to refer to the ritual of immersing or anointing a person with water as a symbol of purification and initiation into the Christian faith.