Baptism vs. Christening — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
"Baptism" is a Christian sacrament of initiation and adoption. "Christening" often refers to the naming ceremony, and in some denominations, it's synonymous with baptism.
Difference Between Baptism and Christening
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Baptism" is one of the fundamental sacraments in many Christian denominations. It signifies a person's purification, initiation into the Christian faith, and acceptance into the community of believers. On the other hand, "Christening" is primarily associated with the naming ceremony of an infant.
While both "Baptism" and "Christening" are religious rites, their significance and implications may vary. "Baptism" is more universally recognized across different Christian sects, from Roman Catholicism to Protestant denominations. In contrast, "Christening" is often used interchangeably with baptism in some traditions, but not all.
The act of "Baptism" generally involves the use of water, either by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, symbolizing purification and rebirth. "Christening," when distinguished from baptism, doesn't always have this water element and might focus more on the act of naming the child.
Some denominations consider "Christening" as the infant baptism, emphasizing the aspect of introducing the child to the Christian faith. However, "Baptism" can be performed at any age and is not restricted to infants, whereas "Christening" is typically reserved for young children.
In everyday language, the terms "Baptism" and "Christening" might be used interchangeably by some, especially in regions or denominations where both rites are seen as one. Yet, theologically and historically, distinctions between the two can be drawn based on their intent and practice.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A Christian sacrament of initiation and adoption.
Often refers to the naming ceremony of a child.
Ritual Involvement
Typically involves water (immersion, pouring, sprinkling).
May or may not involve water, depending on tradition.
Age Group
Can be performed on believers of any age.
Typically performed on infants.
Universal Recognition
Recognized across many Christian denominations.
Might be synonymous with baptism in some denominations.
Primary Significance
Spiritual rebirth and acceptance into the community of believers.
Naming and, in some cases, initiation into faith.
Compare with Definitions
Baptism
A symbolic act of purification and admission to the Christian community.
Baptism holds a central place in Christian theology.
Christening
The act or ceremony of naming a child.
They invited the whole family to the christening.
Baptism
A ceremony denoting spiritual rebirth.
After his baptism, James felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Christening
A Christian ceremony during which a baby is given a name and officially made a member of the Christian Church.
Emma's christening was held in the old village church.
Baptism
A Christian rite of initiation involving immersion in or sprinkling with water.
Sarah underwent baptism at the age of 30.
Christening
A rite or ceremony associated with Christian baptism.
The christening gown has been in their family for generations.
Baptism
The act of baptizing; the application of water to a person.
The minister performed the baptism with reverence.
Christening
A ceremony, in some Christian denominations, considered equivalent to baptism.
In their church, christening and baptism are one and the same.
Baptism
The act or practice of immersing in water to symbolize the purification of the soul.
Baptism is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church.
Christening
The formal naming of something.
The christening of the ship took place at dawn.
Baptism
Baptism (from the Greek noun βάπτισμα báptisma) is a Christian rite of admission and adoption, almost invariably with the use of water, into Christianity. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely.
Christening
The Christian sacrament of baptizing and naming an infant.
Baptism
A religious rite considered a sacrament by most Christian groups, marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians.
Christening
An inaugural ceremony in which something is declared ready for use, as when a newly built ship is named and launched.
Baptism
A ceremony in certain religious or nonreligious traditions in which one is initiated, purified, or given a name.
Christening
The Christian sacrament at which someone, usually a child, is baptized and given a Christian name.
Baptism
An initiatory experience, act, or effort
"two brilliant young graduate students whose work for this committee amounted to a baptism in defense policy" (James Carroll).
Christening
Any instance of someone's or something's being christened.
Baptism
A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water.
Christening
Present participle of christen
Baptism
A similar ceremony of initiation, purification or naming.
Christening
Giving a Christian name at baptism
Baptism
The act of baptizing; the application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is performed by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring.
Baptism
A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth;
Most churches baptize infants but some insist on adult baptism
Common Curiosities
Is water always used in baptism?
Yes, water is a fundamental element in the baptismal rite.
Is christening exclusive to Christianity?
While the term "christening" is Christian in origin, the concept of naming ceremonies exists in other cultures.
Are baptism and christening the same?
In some denominations, they're synonymous; however, baptism is often a broader term while christening focuses on naming.
Can an adult be christened?
While christening is commonly for infants, some might use the term for adults, but baptism is more typical for adults.
Is a christening gown necessary for the ceremony?
While traditional, it's not mandatory, but many families use them for sentimental reasons.
Can baptism occur outside of a church?
Yes, baptism can occur in various settings, as long as it's conducted by someone authorized by a particular denomination.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
