English translation of 有關灑水禮 (2023).
Reader’s question: Bill Crowder’s Baptism: What Can We Agree On? supports sprinkling and cites Scripture. Yet I understand biblical baptism to involve full immersion. What do you think?
My response: Having read the book, I want to examine several of its arguments. Crowder says he respects different baptismal practices but personally regards immersion as the mode that best fits the New Testament (p. 24). I agree.
The Greek verb βαπτίζω (baptizō) is associated with dipping and immersing; its related verb βάπτω (baptō) also means to dip. By contrast, ῥαντίζω (rhantizō), to sprinkle, is not used to describe the administration of Christian baptism in the New Testament. Baptism is also portrayed through the imagery of burial.
Does Isaiah 52:15 Support Sprinkling?
The book observes that sprinkling appears to have a shorter history and is especially associated with denominations that baptize infants. It mentions Isaiah 52:13–15 as a passage sometimes offered in support.
Isaiah 52:15 is translated differently across Chinese Bible versions. The Chinese Union Version reads ‘cleanse many nations,’ while noting an alternative. The Chinese New Version, Lü Zhenzhong’s translation, and the Revised Chinese Union Version use expressions such as ‘astonish’ or ‘startle,’ with notes discussing the Hebrew reading about sprinkling and the Septuagint’s different understanding. The surrounding context provides good reason for the translation involving astonishment.
Even if one adopts the reading about sprinkling, Isaiah is not giving instructions for Christian baptism. An Old Testament expression with a disputed interpretation is a weak basis for treating sprinkling as an apostolic mode of baptism.
Jewish Purification and the Water Used in Baptism
Jewish purification practices provide further context. At Qumran, stepped ritual pools were deep enough for full-body immersion. John 3:23 says John baptized at Aenon because there was plenty of water. If sprinkling a little water were all that was required, why emphasize a place with abundant water? These observations strengthen the cumulative case for immersion.
Why Do Some Churches Practice Sprinkling?
The article Why Do Methodists Sprinkle in Baptism? mentions the safety of infants as a reason for sprinkling or gently pouring water rather than immersing them. This may be a practical concern, but it does not by itself establish a biblical basis for sprinkling as the normal practice.
Should Exceptional Cases Determine Normal Practice?
Crowder stresses that Jesus considered baptism important (p. 4), and recounts being baptized twice by sprinkling and twice by immersion (p. 22). The book also discusses a person with serious health difficulties for whom immersion presented a particular challenge (p. 30). Such circumstances deserve compassion. But should a special case change what everyone ordinarily practices?
Jesus referred to David eating the consecrated bread reserved for priests when he was in need (Mark 2:25–26). This illustrates the priority of mercy in exceptional circumstances; it does not make consecrated bread ordinary food for everyone. Similarly, a special baptismal accommodation need not become the norm.
My Conclusion
I believe full immersion best corresponds to the baptism understood by New Testament believers. Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 describe believers as buried with Christ in baptism and raised with him. Going into and emerging from the water vividly represents death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
If immersion is the mode that most closely follows the New Testament, why not follow Jesus and the early disciples in that practice? I would encourage a person previously sprinkled to receive baptism by immersion in accordance with what they now understand Scripture to teach.
Further reading: On Baptism (2): If I Was Baptized Before, Can I Be Baptized Again?. On the distinct question of who should be baptized, see Should Infants Be Baptized? (Chinese original; English translation in preparation).
References
Bill Crowder, Baptism: What Can We Agree On? (Chinese edition); Daniel Isaiah Joseph, Why Do Methodists Sprinkle in Baptism?; Caleb Colley, Is Sprinkling an Appropriate Mode of Baptism?; On Baptism (1): Romans 6:1–14 (Chinese). The descriptions of Crowder’s book above are paraphrased from the Chinese edition, not presented as verified quotations from the original English edition.