Jesus said, "So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." –Matt. 28:19 (New International Reader's Version) Why did Jesus command his disciples to baptize as they went out into the world? What is the point of baptism? Baptism is important for all Christians who wish to follow Christ's teachings. This Baptism Comparison pamphlet is a quick, clear summary of the biblical teachings on baptism and compares methods practiced by Christians around the world. In the Baptism Comparison pamphlet, you will learn: How baptism is a symbol that points to Christ's death and resurrectionWhy some Christian groups baptize infants and others baptize believers who can verbalize their faithDoes baptism mean that a person has "automatic" salvation? Baptism Comparison includes topics such as: Why be baptized? (Jesus' teaching and other Bible passages)What does baptism mean?What happens during a baptism?How do I prepare to be baptized?Why do some Christians practice believer's baptism only? (Includes Bible passages used to support this view.)Why do some Christians perform infant baptism? (Includes Bible passages used to support this view.) Baptism Comparison is an excellent resource for confirmation classes, new believers, parents of youngsters or teenagers, or anyone who has ever wondered about Christian Baptism.

From the earliest days of Christianity, baptism has been a foundational act of faith for the believing community. Although churches may (and do) disagree about whether infants should or shouldn't be baptized, about whether baptism should be by "immersion" or "pouring," and about other doctrinal details-all would agree that baptism mattered to early Christians and still matters. And yet for all too many, baptism remains a ritual hardly understood, and one that seems to lack relevance for the lives we lead from day to day. Here is a book that delves into the mystery, brings understanding, and connects the "water and Word" of baptism to the tragedies and triumphs of daily life. With good humor, sound scholarship, and down-to-earth common sense, Martin Marty demonstrates how baptism can be "used" from day to day in a vibrant life of faith.