Christening is a term commonly associated with the practice of infant baptism in various Christian traditions, particularly within Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox churches. The term “christening” is often used interchangeably with “baptism,” but it traditionally refers specifically to the naming ceremony that accompanies the baptism of an infant. Understanding christening involves exploring the scriptural basis for baptism, the significance of the rite, and how it has been interpreted and practiced within the Christian church.
Biblical Basis for Baptism
Baptism is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ and is a fundamental practice in the Christian faith. The New Testament provides the primary basis for the practice of baptism, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of repentance, forgiveness of sins, and identification with Christ.
Jesus’ Command to Baptize
One of the clearest biblical mandates for baptism is found in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize believers as part of making disciples.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV):
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In this passage, baptism is connected with the initiation of new believers into the Christian faith, symbolizing their entry into the community of the Church and their identification with the triune God.
Baptism as Identification with Christ
The Apostle Paul further explains the theological significance of baptism, particularly in terms of being united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Romans 6:3-4 (NIV):
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Baptism is thus seen as a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the believer’s identification with Christ’s redemptive work and the beginning of a new life in Him.
The Practice of Infant Baptism
Christening, particularly as it relates to infant baptism, has been a subject of theological debate and varying practices within the Christian tradition. While the New Testament primarily records the baptism of adult believers, many Christian denominations practice infant baptism, viewing it as a continuation of the covenantal promises God made to His people.
Covenant Theology and Infant Baptism
In traditions that practice infant baptism, such as Catholicism, Anglicanism, and certain Protestant denominations, the practice is often understood within the framework of covenant theology. This perspective sees baptism as the New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament practice of circumcision, which was the sign of the covenant between God and His people.
Colossians 2:11-12 (NIV):
“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
In this view, just as circumcision was administered to infants as a sign of inclusion in the covenant community, so too is baptism administered to infants as a sign of their inclusion in the Christian community. It is seen as a sacramental act that initiates the child into the Church, with the expectation that they will later affirm the faith on their own through confirmation or personal confession of faith.
The Naming Ceremony
The term “christening” specifically refers to the aspect of the baptismal ceremony where the child is given a Christian name. This name is often chosen by the parents and is usually that of a saint or a biblical figure. The act of naming during baptism is symbolic of the child’s new identity in Christ and their inclusion in the Christian community.
Scriptural Support and Tradition
While there is no explicit biblical command for infant baptism, proponents of the practice point to several passages that suggest the inclusion of children in the covenant community and the practice of household baptisms.
Acts 16:15, 33 (NIV):
“When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us… At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”
These passages describe the baptism of entire households, which some interpret as including children and infants. The practice of infant baptism has been upheld by tradition and is seen as a means of extending God’s grace to children and welcoming them into the Church.
Theological Significance of Christening
The act of christening carries deep theological significance, both for the child being baptized and for the Christian community.
Initiation into the Christian Community
Christening marks the beginning of a child’s journey in the Christian faith. It is a rite of initiation that brings the child into the fellowship of the Church, where they are nurtured in the faith and supported by the Christian community.
A Sign of God’s Grace
For those who practice infant baptism, christening is understood as a sign of God’s prevenient grace—grace that is given even before an individual is capable of making a personal decision for Christ. It emphasizes the belief that God’s grace is not limited by human understanding or ability but is freely given to all, including infants.
A Commitment by the Parents and the Church
Christening also involves a commitment by the parents and the Christian community to raise the child in the faith. During the ceremony, parents and godparents often make vows to teach the child about Christ, to pray for them, and to guide them in the Christian life. The church community also pledges to support the child and the family in their spiritual journey.
Differences in Practice Among Christian Traditions
Not all Christian denominations practice infant baptism or christening. Many Protestant traditions, such as Baptists and Pentecostals, practice believer’s baptism, which is administered only to those who have made a personal profession of faith in Christ. These traditions argue that baptism should be an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Christ, and therefore should be reserved for those who are able to understand and make that decision.
Believer’s Baptism
In traditions that practice believer’s baptism, the act is typically performed by immersion, symbolizing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. This practice is rooted in the examples of baptism found in the New Testament, where those who were baptized had first heard the gospel and responded in faith.
Acts 2:38 (NIV):
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
In this view, baptism is closely linked to personal repentance and faith, and thus is reserved for those who can consciously make that commitment.
Conclusion
Christening, particularly as it pertains to infant baptism, is a significant rite within many Christian traditions, symbolizing the initiation of a child into the Christian community and the beginning of their spiritual journey. While the practice of infant baptism is not directly commanded in Scripture, it has deep roots in Christian tradition and is understood by many as a continuation of the covenantal promises of God.
The act of christening carries profound theological meaning, emphasizing God’s grace, the responsibility of the Christian community, and the hope that the child will grow into a mature faith. Whether through infant baptism or believer’s baptism, the sacrament of baptism remains a central and sacred practice in the life of the Church, reflecting the believer’s identification with Christ and their entry into the body of Christ.