The English words "baptize" and "baptism"
are derived from a Greek root: "baptizr" which means "to
immerse."
Within Christianity, it normally refers to a ritual performed
by a member of the clergy in a church. Most Christian faith groups agree that
baptism is the method by which an individual is welcomed into the church. But
denominations disagree on precise additional significances of the act, and the age when
baptisms are performed.