PEDOBAPTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Pedobaptism, also known as infant baptism, refers to the practice and belief within Christianity of baptizing infants or young children into the faith. The term is derived from two Greek words: "pedo," meaning child, and "baptism," which refers to the religious act of immersing, pouring, or anointing with water as a symbol of spiritual purification, initiation, or belonging to the faith.
Pedobaptism is most commonly practiced in denominations such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and various Protestant traditions that observe sacramental theology. Advocates of pedobaptism believe that infants should be baptized as a means of initiating them into the Christian community, sealing them with God's grace, and incorporating them into the covenant relationship with God.
Proponents argue that infant baptism maintains continuity with the practice of circumcision in the Old Testament, symbolizing the inclusion of children in God's covenant with his people. It is seen as an act of faith and dedication by parents or sponsors who commit to raising the child within the Christian faith and community.
However, pedobaptism is a subject of theological debate and is not universally accepted. Opponents argue for "believer's baptism," arguing that baptism should only be administered to those who have consciously made a personal profession of faith and understanding of the Gospel. They advocate for baptism as a public declaration of one's own faith rather than an initiation ritual.
Ultimately, the practice of pedobaptism varies across different Christian traditions and is influenced by various theological perspectives, biblical interpretations, and historical context.
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The baptism of infants or of children.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PEDOBAPTISM
- oedobaptism
- ledobaptism
- -edobaptism
- 0edobaptism
- pwdobaptism
- psdobaptism
- pddobaptism
- prdobaptism
- p4dobaptism
- p3dobaptism
- pesobaptism
- pexobaptism
- pecobaptism
- pefobaptism
- perobaptism
- peeobaptism
- pedibaptism
- pedkbaptism
- pedlbaptism
- pedpbaptism
Etymology of PEDOBAPTISM
The word "Pedobaptism" is derived from two components: "pedo-" and "baptism".
1. "Pedo-" comes from the Greek word "pais" or "paidos" which means "child". It can also be traced back to the Latin word "pædo" meaning "child" or "boy".
2. "Baptism" originates from the Greek word "baptizein" which means "to dip" or "to immerse". It referred to the act of immersing someone in water as part of a religious ceremony, particularly associated with Christianity.
Combining these two components, "Pedobaptism" refers to the practice of baptizing infants or young children, predominantly used in Christian denominations that believe in the sacrament of baptizing infants to initiate them into the faith.
