Baptism is a rite of entry into the Christian faith.
It symbolizes:
- purification,
- spiritual rebirth
- and integration into the community of believers.
Here are the main differences between several religions:
Catholicism:
· Age: generally infants
· Ritual: aspersion of holy water
· Meaning: purification from original sin, entry into the Church
· Presence of a godfather and godmother
Orthodoxy:
. Age: infant or adult
· Ritual: full immersion (3 times)
· Meaning: complete purification, spiritual rebirth
· Followed by chrismation (confirmation)
Protestantism:
· Lutherans/Reformed: infant baptism by aspersion, a sign of the covenant
· Baptists/Evangelicals: baptism only of adults, by immersion, as a voluntary act of faith
Anglicans:
· Baptism of children or adults, by aspersion or immersion.
· Recognized as a sacrament, similar to Catholicism.
Judaism;
Does not practice baptism in the Christian sense, but there are similar rites of purification or entry into the faith:
The Mikvah (ritual bath):
· Conversion to Judaism: mandatory total immersion.
· Also used for ritual purity (women, priests, etc.).
· Symbolizes a spiritual rebirth, an inner transformation.
Brit Milah (circumcision):
· Performed on newborn boys on the 8th day.
· Marks entry into the covenant with God.
· Sometimes associated with a ritual bath in certain traditions.