Baptism — born of water and the spirit

The majority of Christian churches agree on the importance of baptism. But the "how" and "when" of baptism has produced many deep schisms and fiery disagreements over the centuries. Indeed, the name "Baptists" originated from the great emphasis this denomination placed on this sacred ordinance.

Essentially, Baptists split off from the Church of England because they believed infants should not be baptized. They also felt that baptism should be by immersion.

"Baptism is an important step of obedience that believers should take soon after they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior," said Pastor Terry Long of Salt Lake's Calvary Chapel. "In baptism, the church celebrates the renewal of the covenant with which God has bound his people to himself," said the Rev. Scott Wipperman of Wasatch Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake. "Baptism is a sign that each of our lives is claimed by God and we are wrapped in God's love."

The New Testament is insistent when it comes to baptism. John 3:5, for example, reads: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

But what must have seemed a simple ordinance to early Christians has become a potpourri of styles and practices. Basically, there are three methods of baptizing: immersion, pouring and sprinkling. A few Christian churches believe the ritual should be performed face first. Some traditions even perform it three times.

Here's a brief look at various Christian faiths and their core beliefs on the subject:

United Methodist Church

Baptism celebrates becoming that "new person," according to www.umc.org.

United Methodists also believe that from the earliest times, children and infants were baptized and included in the church. United Methodists are urged to use abundant amounts of water for baptism — preferably immersion, when possible.

Quakers

Most Friends reject the sacraments in their outward forms — such as communion and baptism as variously practiced in Christian churches. They are seekers, rather, for the inward reality. For them, all great human experiences are of a sacramental nature, according to www.quakerinfo.org.

Seventh Day Adventists