INFANT BAPTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Infant baptism refers to the religious practice of administering the sacrament of baptism to infants or young children within certain Christian denominations. It is a ritualistic act, predominantly performed in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and various Protestant churches that observe sacramental theology.
During infant baptism, a child, usually under the age of one, is ceremonially cleansed by the pouring, sprinkling, or immersion of water on their forehead or body. This practice is grounded in the belief that baptism washes away original sin, imparts God's grace, and initiates the child into the Christian community and faith. It is seen as an important milestone in the child's spiritual journey and is considered a means of salvation within these religious traditions.
The decision to baptize infants is typically based on the understanding that God's saving grace extends to all people, including infants, and that parents have the responsibility to raise their children in the teachings of the faith. Additionally, infant baptism is often seen as an act of dedication and an expression of the covenant between God and the child's family.
Opponents of infant baptism argue that the practice lacks biblical support, advocating instead for believer's baptism, which is administered to individuals who personally profess their faith in Christ. Their perspective suggests that baptism should be a voluntary act undertaken by individuals who can understand its significance and make a conscious commitment to follow Christ.
Common Misspellings for INFANT BAPTISM
- infant bapticm
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- infant baptisl
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- infauntbaptism
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Etymology of INFANT BAPTISM
The word "infant" originated from the Latin word "infans", which means "not speaking" or "unable to speak". It is derived from the prefix "in", meaning "not", and "fari", which means "to speak". "Baptism" can be traced back to the Greek word "baptizein", meaning "to immerse or dip". The term "infant baptism" refers to the Christian sacrament of baptizing infants or young children.
