What Differs Between Baptism and Christening

In all parts of the world, different religions have their own way of welcoming the newest (or youngest) members to their belief or sect. Through rites of passage and rituals, almost all religions practiced this for hundreds of years. Whether they are local tribes, or Baptist or Pentecost, all have a certain tradition to follow in welcoming new people to show their growing number of members and the ones who will continue their belief.

In the Christian world, the words baptism and christening are almost always interchanged when referring to the sacrament that a child (or an older new member) goes through as he enters the Christian world. A celebration is being done complete with reception, photo and video, and even christening favors.

While there are differences between the two, it is quite common that they are interchanged because the two are being conducted together. In the same holy sacrament, baptism and christening happen at the same time. Here are some of the differences between the two:

- The word Baptism is generally coined by lay people in church communities.
- The word Baptism is generally a secular expression.
- Christening is regarded as an ‘event’ where a child will be given his or her name, while Baptism is not just any ‘event’, but rather, one of the 7 Holy Sacraments of the Catholic church.
- For some sects, they hold an ‘event’ similar to that of christening without holding a baptism or any purpose similar to that of baptism (e.g. welcoming the child in their religious community), thus the event is simply put, a naming ceremony.
- For the Catholic church, the words are used interchangeably as the rite in welcoming new members of the church generally involve both aspects – the Holy Sacrament itself, and the purpose of naming the child. This is the same with the Lutheran church.
- For the other churches like Pentecostal and Baptist churches or those generally within the Evangelical community, there are differences when it comes to the actual rites and sometimes, the purpose of the activity.
- During baptism, there are symbolisms and activities that are done that are specifically for the Catholic Church. In the Bible, Jesus Christ was baptized by his cousin (John) in the Jordan River. Hence, during baptism, water is poured from the forehead of the baby. To symbolize the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, the water is sprinkled thrice as well. Baptism also symbolize how water from the body of Christ can wash away sins, and therefore, ready to be welcomed in the Catholic world.
- After the Baptism, Christening follows where the child is being given a name.

What is most important in the Christian world is not the strict usage of the terms but rather reflecting and showing Christian-like ways in his daily life. By having undergone this holy sacrament, the Christian is expected to follow Christ’s footsteps and live by the guidance of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.