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Baptism vs. Christening: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation and purification, while Christening is often used to refer specifically to the naming ceremony during a baptism.
Baptism vs. Christening

Key Differences

Baptism is a Christian rite of admission and adoption, almost invariably with the use of water. Christening, commonly used in some denominations, often refers to the specific act of naming the child during the baptismal ceremony.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
In Baptism, individuals are immersed in water or have water sprinkled on them as a symbol of purification and renewal. Christening, while sometimes used interchangeably with baptism, traditionally emphasizes the naming aspect of the ceremony.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Baptism can be performed on individuals of any age, signifying their acceptance into the Christian faith. Christening is often associated more with infant baptism, focusing on the bestowing of a Christian name.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
The term Baptism is universally recognized across Christian denominations as a sacrament. In contrast, Christening is a term more commonly used in Anglican and some Protestant churches, with less emphasis in other denominations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
In Baptism, the spiritual aspect is highlighted, marking a person’s entry into the Christian faith. Christening, while part of the baptismal process, is often perceived as more of a cultural or familial tradition involving the naming ceremony.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'baptisma', meaning immersion or washing.
Originates from the Old English 'cristenian', meaning to make Christian.
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Adjective Form

Baptismal
Christening (used as a noun)
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Usage in Sentence

Often used as a noun (e.g., "He received baptism").
Typically used as a verb (e.g., "They are christening their child").
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Nov 16, 2023

Denominational Variance

Universally recognized across various Christian denominations.
More commonly used in Anglican and Protestant contexts.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Age Association

Can be performed at any age.
Often associated with infant baptisms.
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Baptism and Christening Definitions

Baptism

Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation and spiritual cleansing.
She felt renewed after her baptism.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Christening

It often refers to the ceremony of naming a child during baptism.
They chose the name John at his christening.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Baptism

It symbolizes purification and regeneration, often using water.
The baptism by immersion signifies a new beginning.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Christening

Christening is often synonymous with infant baptism but emphasizes the naming aspect.
The christening gown worn by the baby was a family heirloom.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Baptism

It is a rite of admission in Christianity, acknowledging faith in Jesus Christ.
The baptism ceremony was a significant step in her spiritual journey.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Christening

Christening is the Christian rite of naming and welcoming a child.
The family celebrated their newborn's christening with joy.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Baptism

Baptism represents a person's entry into the Christian faith.
His baptism marked his formal acceptance into the church.
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Nov 16, 2023

Christening

Christening is commonly used in Anglican and Protestant churches.
Their local parish held a christening service every month.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Baptism

Baptism involves either immersion in water or pouring water on the head.
The priest performed the baptism by pouring water over the baby’s head.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Christening

It traditionally signifies the giving of a Christian name to an infant.
Her grandparents attended her christening ceremony.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Baptism

A religious rite considered a sacrament by most Christian groups, marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Christening

The Christian sacrament of baptizing and naming an infant.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Baptism

A ceremony in certain religious or nonreligious traditions in which one is initiated, purified, or given a name.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Christening

An inaugural ceremony in which something is declared ready for use, as when a newly built ship is named and launched.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Baptism

An initiatory experience, act, or effort
"two brilliant young graduate students whose work for this committee amounted to a baptism in defense policy" (James Carroll).
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Christening

The Christian sacrament at which someone, usually a child, is baptized and given a Christian name.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Baptism

A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Christening

Any instance of someone's or something's being christened.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Baptism

A similar ceremony of initiation, purification or naming.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Christening

Present participle of christen
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Baptism

The act of baptizing; the application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is performed by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Christening

Giving a Christian name at baptism
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Shumaila Saeed
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Baptism

A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth;
Most churches baptize infants but some insist on adult baptism
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can adults be baptized?

Yes, adults can be baptized, as Baptism is not limited by age.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

What is Baptism in Christianity?

Baptism is a sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and initiation into the Christian faith.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Is water always used in Baptism?

Yes, water is a key element in Baptism, symbolizing purification.
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Shumaila Saeed
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What happens during a Christening?

During a Christening, a child is given a Christian name and welcomed into the church.
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Is Christening the same as Baptism?

While often used interchangeably, Christening specifically refers to the naming ceremony during a baptism.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Can a child be baptized without a Christening?

Yes, a child can be baptized without the specific naming ceremony of Christening.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Is Baptism necessary for salvation in Christianity?

Views vary, but many denominations view Baptism as essential to the Christian faith.
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What are baptismal vows?

Baptismal vows are promises made by or on behalf of the baptized to renounce sin and accept Christ.
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What is the significance of Baptism?

Baptism signifies the believer's faith in Christ and marks entry into the Christian community.
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Is a godparent necessary in Christening?

In many traditions, godparents are chosen to represent the child during Christening.
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Shumaila Saeed
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How is a Christening ceremony conducted?

A Christening involves naming the child and a baptismal rite, often with prayers and blessings.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Do all Christian denominations practice Christening?

Christening is more common in Anglican and Protestant denominations.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can Baptism be repeated?

Most Christian denominations recognize only one Baptism as valid.
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What does immersion in Baptism symbolize?

Immersion symbolizes dying and rising again with Christ, representing a new life.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Do all churches use the term Christening?

Not all churches use the term; some prefer to use Baptism exclusively.
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Shumaila Saeed
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What is required for Baptism?

Requirements vary, but generally include a profession of faith and water baptism.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can non-Christians attend a Christening?

Yes, non-Christians are generally welcome to attend Christening ceremonies.
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Shumaila Saeed
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What is the role of parents in a Christening?

Parents usually pledge to raise their child in the Christian faith during a Christening.
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Who can perform a Christening?

Ordinarily, a priest or minister performs the Christening ceremony.
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What is a baptismal certificate?

A baptismal certificate is a document recording the details of a person's Baptism.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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