Perhaps I should have posted the Merriam-Webster definition, too: Main Entry: bap·tism Pronunciation: 'bap-"ti-z&m, esp Southern 'bab- Function: noun Etymology: Middle English baptisme Date: 14th century 1 a : a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community b : a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification c Christian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit 2 : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named - bap·tis·mal /bap-'tiz-m&l, esp Southern bab-/ adjective - bap·tis·mal·ly /-m&-lE/ adverb See #2 above, and a further confirmation (below in #3): Main Entry: bap·tize Variant(s): also bap·tise /bap-'tIz, 'bap-", esp Southern bab- or 'bab-/ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): bap·tized also bap·tised; bap·tiz·ing also bap·tis·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old French baptiser, from Late Latin baptizare, from Greek baptizein to dip, baptize, from baptein to dip, dye; akin to Old Norse kvefja to quench Date: 13th century transitive senses 1 : to administer baptism to 2 a : to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal b : INITIATE 3 : to give a name to (as at baptism) : CHRISTEN intransitive senses : to administer baptism - bap·tiz·er noun Lance in Australia <from previous message> I can see a difference - "Christen" is to give a name and welcomes them into the Christian church whereas "baptism" just welcomes them into the Christian church. -- Regards - Michael Clarke Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web Pages: http://users.skynet.be/sky34301/index.html To unsubscribe: http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/LegacyLists.asp
