Almost across all religions, the newest members of their belief are welcomed using rituals and rites of passage. This has been the tradition of almost all religions since the beginning of known history. Whether in tribes, with Muslims, Catholics or Baptist, welcoming new people is a symbol of their growing community and belief.

In the Christian world, there are ceremonies being done to ‘welcome’ the child into the Christian world. Often called baptism or christening, these two terms are being used interchangeably. It is understandable as there is a thin line between the two – they actually go together and it is seldom that one occurs without the other. However, many people wonder what the differences are in meaning between the two. Here are some of the key differences between the terms Baptism and Christening.

– Baptism is the actual ceremony conducted to welcome the newborn or baby into the church. This ceremony includes pouring water to the forehead of the newborn – this is to symbolize or recreate the baptism of Jesus himself by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The pouring of water or sprinkling of water is done three times as to symbolize the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

– Christening is not a ceremony but rather the giving of a Christian name during baptism. With this, it means that the two belong together – two activities that follow each other.

– Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins and admission into the Church. Christening is generally giving a name to be ‘christened’ or welcomes in the Christian church.

– The word Baptism is also used in the Church community. The word Christening is a more of a secular expression.

– For the church, Baptism is a Holy Sacrament while Christening is the naming of a child.

– There are sects that can have christening – only intended to give a ‘religious’ name to the child, but without the sacrament of baptism (as it is solely a holy sacrament in the Catholic church), but this is considered quite rare. This then becomes simply a naming ceremony

– As to groups, the Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches, generally those under Christian and Evangelical churches practice differences when it comes to the two.

– However for the Lutheran and Catholic churches, they may be used interchangeably as they are generally connected to welcoming a new member in their church.

For those who are under the Catholic church, it is acceptable and understandable that the two be used interchangeably. What is more important in the Catholic church is how you live and practice the faith and belief that was bestowed during such ceremonies.

As both are focusing and reflecting on the life and practices of Jesus, these ceremonies and sacraments becomes then a primary starting point in a Christian’s world. Of the Holy Sacraments, this is the first holy sacrament that the Christian is receiving, thus, the whole family then becomes supportive and encouraging of this rite. The ceremony if often conducted with family members and close friends with religious clergy present to initiate the rites.

Author Bio: Criss White is a professional article writer for Bridal and Wedding Favors. To view their selection of christening favors, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors.

Category: Religion
Keywords: christening,baptism,difference,ceremony,religious,christian,catholic