Compare Religions: Baptism

Compare the beliefs of various Christian denominations concerning baptism. Would you like to take a Bible quiz on the baptism of Jesus?

Miracles | Probable Future of Non-Believers in Christ | Pre-Mortal Existence of Man

See note below about consistency of beliefs*

Baptism
Adventist	It expresses a person's personal faith in Christ, who died for our sins. By immersion only. Baptisms by other churches are accepted on conditions.
Baptist	It is not entirely necessary for salvation. By immersion only. Baptisms of other churches accepted if done by immersion. Infants are not baptized. Candidates must first believe.
Catholic	By pouring, sprinkling or immersion. Baptisms of other churches accepted when performed as Catholic Church prescribes. Necessary for salvation. Infants are baptized.
Christian Scientist	Baptism is not a physically manifested rite or ritual. Do not immerse, sprinkle or do any outward ordinance. Baptism is the spiritual purification of daily life.
Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints	Through the Atonement, Christ the Redeemer and Savior assured redemption, or resurrection, for all. Provides for salvation and exaltation according to our personal worthiness. The baptismal covenantn is the first covenant a person makes with God. Members are baptized at the age of 8, the age at which they begin to take accountability for their sins.
Disciples of Christ	Done by immersion, showing one's obedience. Symbolic of death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Only those old enough to know what they are doing when they confess the name of Christ are baptized.
Eastern Orthodox	By immersion for the remission of sins and entrance into church. Essential to salvation must be performed by one holding proper priesthood authority. Required of all 8 years & older. Infants are not baptized.
Episcopalian	By immersion or pouring. In an emergency any Christian may baptize saying "in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost". Necessary to salvation. Infants are baptized.
Jehovah's Witness	By immersion, in lake or river, no fonts in Kingdom Hall. Symbolizes being dead to old way of life. Baptism does not cleanse from sin. Infants are not baptized.
Lutheran	By sprinkling, pouring or immersion. Baptisms performed by other churches accepted when all Bible conditions are met. Necessary to salvation except in rare instances. Infants are baptized.
Methodist	By sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Is only an outward sign of one's entrance into the church. Baptisms of other churches accepted. Not necessary to salvation. Infants are baptized.
Presbyterian	By sprinkling, pouring, or immersion which ever method is preferred by the applicant. Baptisms of other churches accepted. Not necessary for salvation. Infants are baptized.
Quaker	Do not believe in outward ritual of baptism. The ongoing spiritual process should not be treated as an event. Inward baptism and communion are most important to spiritual life.
Unitarian	Do not baptize. Members are admitted by the following covenant "In the love of truth and spirit of Jesus we unite for the worship of God and the service of man," or by signing statement of ethical purpose.
United Church of Christ	Done at time of confirmation and reception into church. Infants presented by parents or sponsor. Usually performed by sprinkling.

*Because specific teachings and beliefs can vary from congregation to congregation, some beliefs above may only be accurate in certain congregations or regions. Only the Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have teachings (doctrine) that come from one central place and remain the same world-wide.

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