Four Views on Baptism

Different opinions on how and why this should take place

Welcome back to the second topic in this series on secondary issues in the Christian faith. As I’ve mentioned before, the purpose of these articles is to increase my understanding of contrasting opinions on secondary issues. I want to figure out where these views come from and what they are rooted in.

Today we will be looking at baptism. Unlike creation, views on baptism are generally associated with different denominations. Baptism is considered a sacrament in nearly every denomination (although some call it an ordinance), and has been practised throughout church history.

The notion of different views on baptism is personal to me. I have spent most of my life in a church which does not accept my infant baptism, and therefore does not allow me church membership. I’ve spent many years considering the implications of these different views.

There are four principle views on baptism within historic Christianity.

This is the view that baptism itself is (typically) required for salvation. There are differing opinions within this view — Catholics and Lutherans both believe in regenerative baptism but differ on certain aspects of it.

Proponents of this view believe that baptism is the occasion on which your sins are washed away. Baptism is necessary for salvation (although they do recognise that it is not always possible for someone to be baptised).

For the Catholic Church, this is why there is an emphasis for baptisms to take place soon after birth. It also explains why anyone (not just the clergy) can perform a baptism in case of emergency (i.e. imminent danger of death).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes baptism as “the gateway to life in the Spirit.” They believe that baptism is how believers become part of the body of Christ. It is the means to salvation, and to the new life of sonship. It is also the means by which the Holy Spirit is received.

Baptism leaves a mark of belonging to Christ on the soul of the recipient. This is why rebaptism is not accepted in the Catholic Church, unless the previous baptism is considered invalid.

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