It's a complex issue, to be sure. Some people view Baptism as a means of entry into the church (only), and so it may be carried out before a profession of faith. I believe this is the Eastern Orthodox position, and that there basis for this is to look at it as the successor for circumcision.
Augustine popularised the idea that baptism is a ritual cleansing for the remission of sins, and that without baptism, you are condemned. Considering the effect this would have on infants, he again presented baptism as necessary for children.
Many evangelical churches now take a lower view of the sacraments than that held by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, believing that there significance comes in how they are received by the individual, and would see the idea of baptism being performed on someone who could not see the significance of it as being somewhat bizarre. They would opt for believers baptisms.
In truth, whenever we know definite details about anyone being baptised in scripture, they are able to respond to the Christian message, which would seem to support the believers baptism view, but there are accounts of households being baptised where nothing is known of those who are members of said household, leaving the door open for other posssibilities, and this door is pushed further open by the proliferation of infant baptisms in the churches infancy - if it is ambiguous, it may be sensible to follow the practise of those closer to the source.
All churches are united in the understanding that it is mandated by Christ in the Great Comission and taught throughout the New Testament. It is just a matter of how we understand the conditions of it that differ.
Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and UCC churches baptize infants by infusion. (Sprinkling or pouring), and Baptist, Nazarene, BIC, Pentecostal, CMA, and other Evangelical churches baptize adults and older children by immersion.
Immersion--submerging under water.
Sprinkling or pouring--water on head.
Infant baptism--baptism of babies
Adult baptism--baptism after informed consent.
There are as many Christian beliefs as there are Christians.
"Except a man be born of the water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven"
Er...
Yes he was actually the first one to give christian baptism
Christian baptism started with the Apostles, and then with them baptizing those who came to believe.
Baptism initiates us into the Christian community.
Christian baptism is approximately 2000 years old.
Baptism is a Christian concept.
Baptism can be for other Christian faiths, not just Catholic. So if you are becoming a Christian, you are baptised.
Jews do not have baptism. It is a Christian observance.
Judaism doesn't have baptism, that is a strictly Christian ceremony.
in baptism
Repentance of sins, declaration of Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and baptism. Different Christian organizations probably require different things....
From the RC point of view: The Sacraments of initiation: Baptism / Communion / Confirmation. In current times "Baptism", and baptism alone is considered the entry life into Christian life.
Roman religion did not have baptism. Only Christian Romans had baptism and their beliefs about it were the same as that of modern Christians.