Catabaptist

/ˌkætəˈbæptɪst/ noun

Definition

A historical term for someone who opposed or rejected infant baptism, believing baptism should only be for adults who consciously choose it.

Etymology

From Greek 'kata-' (against) plus 'baptistes' (one who baptizes), so literally 'one who baptizes against' the mainstream church practice.

Kelly Says

Catabaptists were actually forerunners of modern Baptists, though they faced brutal persecution because questioning infant baptism seemed like rejecting the entire church hierarchy of power.

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