If you switch denominations, do you have to re-baptize yourself?

Question

Or should one cover it?

What about switching from Catholicism or Mormon to something like Baptist? Would they accept the previous baptism?

Answer 1

Some denominations do not accept other baptisms. The catch is this. If your baptism was an infant baptism, they do not accept that baptism. There are some denominations (baptist for example) that do not agree with infant baptism; therefore, they will not accept ANY person as a baptized believer if they only have been baptised as an infant. In order to be a full member of these churches, yes you will have to be baptized again. If you were baptized as a teen or adult and you were full submersed, then there is a chance they will accept it.

Answer 2

Baptists seem to re-baptize on a regular basis, but it doesn't serve the same importance as it does in the Catholic religion. Catholics baptize once and it is considered a sacrament just like Marriage or Confirmation. If you were baptized in a recognized Christian denomination, the Catholic Church would recognize the baptism and the next step would be Confirmation.

Baptists baptize often and are not concerned as to whether you have been previously baptized. Another baptism for good measure could only be a good thing in this denomination.

Switching from Mormon may be a different case since they are not Christian in the trinitarian sense of the word. They do not recognize the the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one in the same God. They think of Jesus as the son of God, but a separate flesh and blood person. God exists in heaven as flesh and blood as well....lending the common theory that perhaps there is a flesh and blood heavenly mother to compliment God in heaven.

If you are baptized as a Mormon, you would more than likely need to be rebaptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit no matter what religion you were switching to.

Answer 3

Many churches have agreements with one another, accepting the other's baptisms. There are a few examples of the contrary. In particular, Mormons will re-baptize everyone, and pratically no one accepts a Mormon baptism.

From the Mormon side, this is because part of the doctrine is that a baptism must be performed by one called of God and with proper authority, something that only Mormons have.

From the other side, this is because Mormons do not accept the Nicene Creed and the dogma of the Trinity.

Answer 4

It depends. If the baptism you had reflects the belief of the denomination you are joining then there is no need to be re-baptised.

Example: A person who was baptized because they were told they had to for salvation would probably face rebaptism at a Baptist church because they believe it is a demonstration that you gave your life to Christ. It is not a part of salvation - it is a sign to the world and God afterward.

Answer 5

I believe the one baptism is enough. Once you except the Holy Spirit, it's always with you and really doesn't have a concern about what denomination you belong to. Some denomintions what you to be baptized into the Church, a formality to be come a member. I think that's ridiculous because a Church is you when you become baptized, the building is a place of organization where you join in worship and praise, and the organization itself is just a method of worship. If you're required to be baptized into an organization, it loses its overall meaning.

Answer 6

The Bible is very clear about baptism. There are two points we all need to understand. (1) Baptism is to take place after a person has received Jesus Christ as Savior, trusting in Him alone for salvation. (2) Baptism is to be by immersion. The word baptize literally means to "immerse / submerge in water." Baptism by immersion is the only method of baptism that adequately illustrates what baptism symbolizes - believers dying, being buried with Christ, and being raised to newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).

With those two key points in mind, what about those who were baptized unbiblically? For the sake of clarification, let's divide this into two categories as well. First, in the instance of someone who was baptized before he/she became a Christian. Common examples of this are those who were baptized as infants, or those who were baptized later in life, but did not truly know Jesus as Savior when they were baptized. In these instances, yes, such a person definitely needs to be rebaptized. Again, the Bible states that baptism is post-salvation. The symbolism of baptism is lost if a person has not truly experienced salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

Second, in the instance of those who were baptized after faith in Christ, but in a method other than immersion. This issue is a little more difficult. It would seem to come down to the fact that such a person did not truly receive baptism. If the method was sprinkling or pouring - it does not fit the definition of baptism. Again, the word baptize means "to submerge in water." However, the Bible nowhere specifically addresses those who have been baptized unbiblically. This issue, then, is a matter of a believer's personal relationship with God. A believer who has been baptized unbiblical should ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). If the believer's conscience is unsure, it would be best to go ahead and be rebaptized, Biblically, to put the conscience at ease (Romans 14:23).

Recommended Resource: Baptism: The Believer's First Obedience by Larry Dyer.

Answer 7

I think Mormons rebaptize people. Baptists may or may not, depending on the group. Catholics recognize most baptisms, with Mormon baptisms being a major exception.

Answer 8

If you change religions you must be baptized again. Many religions only sprinkle with water. Jesus came up out of the water so total immersion is how we must be baptized.

As you are denouncing one religion for another, your being baptized in the old one is defunct.

It's a cleansing of your spiritual faith so you will be baptized again into the other religion you choose.

Answer 9

Baptism is an identification with Jesus ( J Vernon McGee) and as such is an outward display of an inward process. Remember Jesus did not baptise with water but with the Holy Spirit.

Answer 10

Baptism is not a requirement for salvation - it is (a) a response to accepting Christ and (b) a way to be received into a community of faith. If you've been baptized before and feel you "need" to be again when joining a new church, go ahead. No issue here....