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Is A Christening And Baptism The Same Thing?
Christening and baptism are two spiritual ceremonies practiced by many different faith traditions. Though the two words are sometimes used interchangeably, they are actually quite distinct in scope and significance.
A christening is a ceremony performed in the Christian faith tradition and is the process of introducing a newborn baby to the Christian faith, as well as naming them. Most christenings take place in a church setting, presided over by a priest or minister, and often involve a baptism as part of the process. During the christening ceremony, a blessing is usually given to the child, as well as the parents, sponsors (or godparents), and the congregation that may be in attendance.
The baptism portion of the christening ceremony is the act of introducing the child to the Christian religion by submerging or sprinkling them with water, a symbolic ritual which represents washing away their ‘old’ life before faith and beginning their new life with God.
Baptism, on the other hand, is also a sacred ritual practiced in many faith traditions, including Christianity and Judaism. In Christianity, baptism is the act of accepting Jesus Christ as one’s savior and being ‘reborn’ into the faith; this is often a voluntary decision made by people who have already reached the age of understanding and the ability to accept faith, such as children and adults. A baptism ceremony may still take place in a church, but it is not always the case; many times it may be held in other places of religious significance, such as rivers and churches. Unlike a christening, a baptism is often a more individual event, where the person being baptized and the witnesses who support them are the sole participants.
Though distinct, christening and baptism are both important ceremonies that take place in many faith traditions and can be seen as powerful steps in a person’s spiritual journey. No matter which route one takes, it is important to remember that both can lead to a life of faith and purpose.
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Is baptism and christening the same thing
