Baptism

Ritual washing with water as a sign of purification, repentance, or initiation. While each tradition practices ritual washing differently, water as a symbol of cleansing and new life spans all three Abrahamic faiths.

Jewish Ritual Immersion (Mikveh)

The Mikveh

A ritual bath (mikveh) is used for purification:

• Conversion to Judaism requires immersion
• Women immerse after menstruation
• Men may immerse before Sabbath or holy days
• Vessels are immersed for kosher use

Requirements

• Natural or gathered water (not drawn)
• Complete immersion of the body
• Intention (kavanah)

Significance

Immersion represents:

• Transition from one state to another
• Spiritual purification
• Connection to creation (water as primordial element)

Christian Baptism

Origin

John the Baptist called Israel to a “baptism of repentance” in the Jordan River. Jesus himself was baptized by John, and commanded his followers to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Modes

Christian traditions practice baptism differently:

• Immersion - Full submersion in water
• Affusion - Pouring water over the head
• Aspersion - Sprinkling with water

Theological Meanings

• Initiation - Entry into the Christian community
• Union with Christ - Dying and rising with him (Romans 6:3-4)
• Cleansing from sin - Washing away of guilt
• Reception of the Holy Spirit - Often linked with Spirit’s indwelling
• New birth - Being “born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5)

Infant vs. Believer’s Baptism

• Infant baptism - Practiced by Catholics, Orthodox, and many Protestants as sign of covenant inclusion
• Believer’s baptism - Practiced by Baptists and others, requiring personal faith first

Islamic Ritual Washing

Ghusl (Full Ablution)

Complete washing of the body required after:

• Sexual intercourse
• Menstruation
• Postpartum bleeding
• Before Friday prayers (recommended)
• Before Eid prayers
• Upon converting to Islam

Wudu (Partial Ablution)

Washing before each prayer:

• Hands, mouth, nose, face
• Arms to elbows
• Head
• Feet to ankles

Significance

• Purification for approaching God in prayer
• Outward cleanliness reflecting inner state
• Consciousness of God (taqwa)

Connections and Contrasts

All three traditions share:

• Water as symbol of purification
• Ritual washing marking transitions
• Physical act with spiritual meaning

Key differences:

• Christianity makes baptism a one-time initiatory rite
• Judaism and Islam practice ongoing ritual washing
• Christian baptism carries explicit salvation theology