Christening and baptism are closely related terms that many people use interchangeably, especially when talking about babies. Both involve a special religious ceremony that welcomes someone into the Christian faith, often with water and prayers.
What is the difference between christening and baptism? Baptism is the religious act of being welcomed into the Christian faith at any age, while christening usually is the baptism of a baby that includes naming and choosing godparents.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Christening
– Definition, Features
2. What is Baptism
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Christening and Baptism
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Christening and Baptism
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Christening and Baptism
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Christening, Baptism
What is a Baptism
Baptism is a special ceremony in Christianity that marks the beginning of a person’s life with Jesus and the Church. It’s often called the foundation of the Christian life because it’s the first step in becoming a follower of Christ and receiving other church blessings (sacraments).
The word “baptize” means to dip or immerse. During Baptism, a person is either gently immersed in water or has water poured over their head three times. At the same time, the person baptizing them says, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This act symbolizes a new beginning, just like Jesus died and rose again. The person comes out of the water as a “new creation,” ready to start a life of faith. Moreover, a Baptism ceremony includes several important symbols:
- Water – for cleansing and new life
- Oil – to show the person is chosen and blessed
- Candle – to represent Jesus as the light of the world
- White garment – to show new life, purity, and faith
Baptism usually happens only once in a lifetime for a person. If someone has already been baptised in another Christian group and wants to join the Catholic Church, they don’t need to be baptised again.
Baptism also means that all past sins are forgiven. It brings the person closer to God and gives strength to live a good and joyful life. Through Baptism, a person receives the Holy Spirit and forms a lifelong connection with Jesus.
What is a Christening
Christening is a special type of baptism, usually done in churches like the Catholic or Anglican Church. It’s a ceremony where babies or young children are officially welcomed into the Christian faith.
During a christening, the child usually gets a Christian name (his is where the word “christening” comes from). The priest or minister sprinkles a little water on the child’s head, says a few prayers, and blesses the child.
A christening often takes place in front of family and close friends. Everyone prays for the child and makes promises to help raise them with love and care, especially in matters of faith. Another important part of a christening is the role of godparents. These are special adults the family chooses to help guide the child in their faith as they grow up. They promise to support the child spiritually and be there for them as they learn about God and life.
Similarities Between Christening and Baptism
- They are Christian ceremonies that welcome a person into the faith.
- When talking about babies, people use both terms interchangeably.
- Both use water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and new life.
- Both may include prayers and blessings by a priest or minister.
- They are held in a church setting with family and friends present.
Difference Between Christening and Baptism
Definition
- Baptism is the broader term that refers to the Christian ritual of using water to welcome someone into the faith, whereas Christening is a type of baptism that often focuses on naming the child during the ceremony.
Age
- Baptism can be done at any age, for babies, teenagers, or adults, whereas christening usually refers to the baptism of a baby or young child.
Naming
- Baptism may or may not include naming the person, whereas christening always includes giving the child their Christian name.
FAQ: Christening and Baptism
1. Is a baptism the same as a christening?
Baptism and christening are not the same. A christening is a type of baptism, usually for babies or young children. Baptism is the broader term and can happen at any age as a way of joining the Christian faith.
2. Do adults get christened or baptized?
Adults usually get baptized, not christened. Christening is more common for babies and young children. For adults, the ceremony is simply called baptism.
3. What religion is christening?
Christening is most commonly practiced in Christian religions, especially in Catholicism, Anglicanism (Church of England), Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestant denominations. It is often part of infant baptism, where a child gets his or her Christian name.
4. Do Muslims have a christening?
No, Muslims do not have a christening. Instead, they have a naming ceremony called Aqiqah, where a baby is named, prayers are said, and a small feast is held with family and friends.
5. What is the purpose of a christening?
The purpose of a christening is to welcome a baby or young child into the Christian faith. It is also a time when the child gets a Christian name, and godparents promise to help guide the child in their faith.
Reference:
1. “What is Baptism?” Catholic Australia.
2. “What Is a Christening? Its Meaning and Significance in Christianity.” Christianity.com.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Baby in White Top in Christening” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Baptism in the Jordan River 140308-N-HB951-058” By Seaman Phylicia Hanson – (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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