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Is Baptism And Christening The Same Thing?
Baptism and Christening may seem like the same thing, but these two church ceremonies have some important differences. Baptism is an ancient Christian rite, commonly accepted by nearly all denominations and is considered the first stage of entering the Christian faith. On the other hand, Christening is a sacrament of the Anglican and Catholic churches, which includes the baptismal rite.
At a baptism, the person being baptized is immersed or sprinkled with water and is thereafter accepted into the church and is thought of as a new Christian. This is done during a public ceremony, and the individual is typically dressed in a white robe signifying purity. A baptism serves two purposes; first, to welcome the person into the Christian faith and second, it is an acceptance of the individual’s belief in Jesus Christ and his teachings. It is usually performed in the presence of a priest or pastor and at least two witnesses.
A Christening, on the other hand, is a religious ceremony that is traditionally done to welcome a newborn into the family’s faith. It includes a baptismal rite, but with a few variations. Instead of a white robe, the person being christened is typically dressed in a white gown and the ceremony takes place after a baptism. This is done to emphasize the importance of baptism and that it is the first step in becoming a Christian. The ceremony is often accompanied by the recitation of a prayer and the reading of scriptures, in addition to the exchange of vows and the presentation of a candle as a symbol of faith.
Another difference between the two is that, while Baptism is intended for adults, Christening is generally intended for young children, who are too young to make a conscious decision about their faith. While the two ceremonies are different, the end result is the same: formally welcoming a person into the Christian faith.
Though the two ceremonies may seem similar, Baptism and Christening are two distinct events, each with its own purpose. Baptism is a way of embracing an individual as a Christian, while Christening is used to welcome newborns into the faith. By understanding the differences between the two ceremonies, we can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of their spiritual meanings.
