Immersion baptism
Immersion baptism (also known as baptism by immersion or baptism by submersion) is a method of baptism that is distinguished from baptism by affusion (pouring) and by aspersion (sprinkling), sometimes without specifying whether the immersion is total or partial,[1][2][3][4][5] but very commonly with the indication that the person baptized is immersed in water completely.[6][7][8][9] The term is also, though less commonly, applied exclusively to modes of baptism that involve only partial immersion (see Terminology, below).
Terminology[edit]
Baptism by immersion is understood by some to imply submersion of the whole body beneath the surface of the water.[9][10][11][12]
Others speak of baptismal immersion as either complete or partial,[13][14][15] and do not find it tautologous to describe a particular form of immersion baptism as "full"[16][17] or "total".[18][19]
Still others use the term "immersion baptism" to mean a merely partial immersion by dipping the head in the water or by pouring water over the head of a person standing in a baptismal pool,[20][21][22][23] and use instead for baptism that involves total immersion of the body beneath the water the term "submersion baptism".[21][22][24][25]
Immersion in other religious groups[edit]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[edit]
Official explanations concerning baptism state: “we are baptized by being lowered under water and raised back up by a person who has authority from God to do so. This action symbolizes Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and it also represents the end of our old lives and beginning a new life as His disciples.”[184][185][186] Doctrine and Covenants 20:72-74[187]) gives the authoritative declaration on mode: