What does rebaptism mean?
Rebaptism is the act of baptizing someone again, usually after they have already undergone a first baptism or have joined a different Christian denomination. The word is especially common in debates about church membership, religious authority, and the validity of baptism. In secular or figurative use, it can describe a deliberate second beginning: a person may describe a move abroad, a new career, or a dramatic change in beliefs as a kind of rebaptism. The expression carries the associations of initiation and renewal associated with baptism, but also suggests that the earlier identity or commitment is being replaced or reinterpreted. Its use is relatively uncommon compared with the general term baptism, and discussions of rebaptism can be sensitive because Christian communities differ over whether repeating the rite is appropriate or necessary.
nounThe act of baptizing someone again, especially in a different church or according to a new understanding of faith. The term is also used figuratively for a second initiation into a new identity, movement, or way of life.
- The ceremony or act of baptizing a person again.
- A figurative second initiation into a new faith, identity, community, or phase of life.
"After joining the denomination, he underwent rebaptism at the invitation of the congregation."
"The question of rebaptism has divided members of the denomination for years."
"Her move to the coast was a kind of rebaptism, marking a complete change in her way of living."
The plural is used when referring to multiple instances of baptism performed again.
"The histories of the church record several rebaptisms following changes in religious affiliation."
Rebaptism turns one of Christianity's most familiar rites into a second beginning, making it a vivid expression of spiritual renewal and religious identity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of rebaptism
The word is formed within English from the prefix re-, meaning again, and baptism. Baptism comes through Old French baptême from Latin baptisma, ultimately from Greek baptizein, meaning to dip or immerse. The combination rebaptism has long been used in Christian theological writing to describe a second baptism, while its figurative uses developed by extension from that religious sense.
Related word forms
How rebaptism is actually used
The term is most common in religious, theological, and denominational contexts. It can be sensitive because some Christian traditions regard a person's first baptism as valid and do not practice rebaptism.
Easily confused with rebaptism
Baptism is the initial Christian rite of entry into the church, whereas rebaptism is a baptism performed again after an earlier baptism or following a change of religious affiliation.