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Baptist: meaning, definitions and examples

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baptist

 

[ ˈbæptɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious group

A Baptist is a member of a Protestant Christian denomination that emphasizes baptism of believers by full immersion. Baptists believe in the autonomy of local congregations and the necessity of a personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Synonyms

Christian, Protestant, believer

Examples of usage

  • She was raised in a Baptist church.
  • Baptists hold regular worship services every Sunday.
  • The conference featured speakers from various Baptist congregations.
  • He identifies as a Baptist and attends church weekly.

Etymology

The term 'Baptist' originates from the Greek word 'baptizo,' meaning 'to immerse' or 'to dip.' The roots of the Baptist movement can be traced back to the early 17th century in England, when individuals sought to reform the Church of England from within. Influenced by the Anabaptist movement on the European continent, early Baptists insisted on believer's baptism as a significant aspect of their faith, rejecting infant baptism. This belief was founded on the conviction that baptism should only occur when a person is capable of making a conscious decision to follow Christ. The first Baptist church was established in 1609 by John Smyth in Amsterdam. Over the centuries, the movement spread, leading to the formation of various Baptist denominations. Today, Baptists comprise a diverse group with a wide range of beliefs and practices, but they share core principles such as the authority of scripture, the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, and the practice of adult baptism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,068, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.