BAPTISM Baptism is a sacrament, symbolic of spiritual regeneration, in which, as a result

 
BAPTISM

Baptism is a sacrament, symbolic of spiritual regeneration, in which, as a
result of the traditional use of water, the individual is cleansed of original
sin and admitted into Christianity or a specific Christian church. One does
not need to be baptized into the Universal Life Church. Our theology expounds
the belief in that which is right for the individual and many members of the
church do believe in baptism. Thus, baptismal certificates are made available,
at a nominal donation of five for $1.00, to those who wish an outward sign of
this inner conversion. The certificates are available through CompuChurch.

Rev. Hensley often tells the story of his own baptism. He originally was
baptized as a Southern Baptist, but as his knowledge grew of different modes
of baptism he felt he had to try them all -- just to make sure! When we talk
of different modes we are talking of the different ways in which one can be
baptized. Water may be poured or sprinkled on the head, or the person may be
immersed once or three times, backwards or forwards, or water may not be used
at all.

Another variable is age. The controversy of "infant baptism" vs. "believers
baptism has been a constant one. In "believer's baptism" the adult convert
makes a conscious decision to join the church. In "infant's baptism" it is
maintained that it was the practice from the time of the Apostles to baptize
the infants of Christians. In either situation the baptismal ceremony is an
outward sign of the dedication of a life to a specific religious philosophy.

Christening (naming an infant) often takes place at the time of baptism.
Christening at first meant "to make Christian." The custom dates back to early
Christian times when a person took a new name at baptism.


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