The baptism of an adult: why and how

How is it that often it is necessary to baptize an adult, because in Orthodoxy children are baptized immediately after birth, in infancy? To do this, we need to recall the history of the country, because during the Soviet era there was an active attack on the church, and many who could not baptize or baptize their children. Now, when it became possible, most people want to catch up. Another group of people who are already baptized as adults are Protestants. In their understanding, infant baptism is the choice of his parents, not the child himself. Therefore, an adult must be baptized, who made this choice consciously.

What precedes baptism

As the servants of the church say, the baptism of an adult person should not be a mere formality for him. A person must come to this consciously, to understand that already as a true Christian he will need to live by the laws of faith, to fulfill all the necessary prescriptions, dogmas, etc. First of all, a person needs to talk with a priest, explain his situation and desire. Next, the priest can invite him to hold a chat conversation, which is designed specifically for those who want to be baptized. You also need to read spiritual literature, although much depends on your level of readiness for baptism. But all these are only auxiliary factors, the most important is the true desire of a person who is not a tribute to fashion or the like.

The rite of adult baptism

Let us dwell on this important point. The baptism of an adult is different from the ordinary. Because of his age, a person can pronounce the words necessary for baptism, he understands and understands his actions, accordingly, one can do without the godparents who do everything instead of babies. If an adult is baptized, what is needed for this? With you should take a cross (no matter how expensive), a shirt for baptism, a large white sheet and slippers. The priest conducts the necessary ritual, the person's head is washed three times or immersed in the font. During the ceremony, a man holds a lighted candle, and then a cross is drawn on his forehead with oil.

Baptism of Protestants

Already at the reasons indicated at the beginning of the article it is clear why the Protestants adopted the baptism of an adult. In this case, the rite itself can be conducted in different ways. Some should dive into the water completely in a special basin or river. Some believe that this should be an exclusively open water body. To others, just as in Orthodoxy, just sprinkle the head with water. Baptism in a pond can also take place in different ways: some priests douse a person once, others - three. There may also be a difference in the way of dipping: face up or face down. According to some Protestants, all these differences are not very significant, while others are firmly convinced that only their opinion is correct. Protestant baptized, as well as Orthodox, should dress in white robes.