What is a Christening?

Definition of “Christening”

Christening is a term traditionally used to describe a ceremony in which a child (or sometimes an adult) is baptized and formally presented or dedicated to God in a Christian context. It is often understood as an occasion where the individual is both named in a public worship setting and brought into the broader fellowship of the Christian community.

Biblical Roots and Terminology

In Scripture, the Greek word often translated as “baptize” is “βαπτίζω” (baptizō), literally meaning “to immerse” or “to wash.” While the English word “Christening” does not appear in the Bible itself, the practice closely parallels the scriptural mandate to baptize.

• Matthew 28:19: “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.”

• Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Historical Development

The act of baptizing new believers, found in the New Testament book of Acts (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12; 8:36–38; 19:5, etc.), quickly became central to Christian identity. Over time, especially after the second century, many Christian communities began to practice baptism for infants. While not universally adopted in every Christian tradition, the ceremonial aspect of naming a child and bestowing a formal blessing gained the popular name “Christening” in numerous historical and liturgical texts.

Several early writings—such as those attributed to Church Fathers Origen and Hippolytus—indicate that infant baptism, and by extension some form of early “Christening,” was recognized among certain Christian communities. References to such ceremonies appear in liturgical documents preserved in manuscripts like the Codex Alexandrinus and other early Christian records, underscoring its long historical standing.

Practice Across Traditions

1. Infant Baptism Traditions: In many denominations (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, certain Reformed churches), Christening is nearly synonymous with infant baptism. The ceremony speaks of God’s grace in claiming the child as part of the covenant community.

2. Believer’s Baptism Traditions: Some Christian communities (e.g., Baptists, various evangelical fellowships) distinguish between Christening as a cultural tradition and biblical baptism as a conscious choice for believers who have professed faith in Christ. In these circles, an infant may be “dedicated” to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27–28), but baptism usually occurs when the individual can articulate personal faith (Acts 8:12).

3. Naming Ceremony: Within many historic churches, the Christening ceremony formally assigns a Christian name (often called a “given name”). “Christening” as a term has also broadly come to denote official naming outside strictly religious contexts, though its origin is entirely within Christian baptismal observance.

Scriptural Foundations for Baptism

• Acts 2:38: “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.’”

• Romans 6:3–4: “Or aren’t you aware 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 walk in newness of life.”

These passages highlight that baptism represents repentance, the cleansing of sin, and union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Christening ceremonies echo these truths by affirming the individual’s connection to Jesus, His body (the Church), and the family of faith.

Symbolic Significance

1. Covenantal Sign: In many traditions that perform infant Christening, the ceremony is seen as a parallel to the Old Testament covenant sign of circumcision (cf. Genesis 17). Although not identical, the baptism of a child in these communities indicates the extension of God’s covenant promises to families and future generations.

2. Public Witness: In Christening, parents and godparents often stand before a congregation and make vows to guide the child in a life of discipleship. This communal witness calls the church body to support and pray for the child’s spiritual growth.

Common Ceremonial Elements

• Water Application: Typically, water is sprinkled or poured on the person’s head (though total immersion can also be practiced). This water symbolizes inward cleansing (Titus 3:5).

• Naming and Prayers: Parents often name the child before the congregation, with prayers of blessing.

• Declaration of Faith: Some traditions require sponsors or godparents to speak on behalf of the child, affirming belief in the core tenets of the Christian faith until the child can profess this belief personally.

Misconceptions

1. Automatic Salvation: Scripture presents salvation by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). While Christening and baptism are important, they are not a “guarantee” of salvation apart from genuine personal faith.

2. Mandatory Infant Ritual: The New Testament examples of baptism often involve conscious belief (Acts 8:12; 16:31–33). Some traditions do practice infant baptism, yet others reserve baptism until after a confession of faith.

Practical Considerations

1. Age of the Baptized: Different traditions vary in the recommended or required age for baptism (infants, children, adults).

2. Role of Parents and Godparents: Christening often includes an emphasis on godparents who pledge to nurture the child’s faith.

3. Later Confirmation: In many traditions that Christen infants, there is a subsequent “Confirmation” service, where a baptized individual publicly confirms the faith once professed on their behalf.

Conclusion

Christening, at its core, is a dedicated act of baptism and naming—a ceremonial moment acknowledging the grace of God, the identity of the child (or adult) in Christ, and welcoming that individual into the Christian community. While practices vary, the essence remains anchored in biblical teaching about baptism’s role in symbolizing repentance, cleansing, and union with Jesus. By following this pattern found in Scripture—demonstrated from the earliest days of the Church—Christening underscores the continuing life of faith and the importance of growing in the knowledge of God’s Word and grace.