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Was Jesus baptized by immersion? And how does this align with Catholic tradition? 

Many Christians point to Mark 1:9-10, and interpret that Jesus was baptized by immersion. However, this passage doesn’t say specifically that Christ was baptized by immersion. It only states that after his baptism, he “came up out of the water.”   Jesus could have stepped into the shallow waters of the Jordan and had John the Baptist pour water on his head.  Even if Christ had been baptized by immersion, this wouldn’t present a problem for Catholics as we accept baptism by immersion as a valid mode of receiving the sacrament. 

In the Catholic Church there are three forms of baptism that are considered valid: immersion, pouring, and sprinkling, the last of which is commonly referred to as baptism by aspersion.  Among the three valid forms, aspersion is not permitted in the Church today, but it is considered valid. In legal terms, we would say baptism by aspersion is valid but not licit (permitted). Immersion and pouring are both valid and licit. 

The word Baptism is derived from the Greek word, bapto, or baptizo, to wash or to immerse.  

Scripture uses the term “baptize” both literally and figuratively. While the definition certainly includes full immersion, it also includes the “ritual washing” and “washing (of hands)” that we see throughout the Bible. For example, in Deuteronomy 21:6 where the elders of a city were commanded to wash their hands over a heifer as part of a ritual to purge their land of guilt over a slain person whose killer was undiscovered. This kind of ritual “washing” would be considered just as much a “baptism” as would a “baptism” where someone is entirely immersed. 

In the early Church, the instruction on how to baptize is found in The Didache, the first-century catechism for catechumens. Concerning baptism, baptize in this manner: . . . baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living water. If there is no living [“running”] water, baptize in other water; and, if unable to use cold water, use warm. Then pour water three times upon the head in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (7:1). 

Some thoughts on baptism from Church Fathers:

St. Hippolytus (A.D. 215) is unclear as to which manner of baptism he prefers but makes it clear that immersion is not essential to the sacrament: “If water is scarce, whether as a constant condition or on occasion, then use whatever water is available.” 
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Pope Cornelius (A.D. 251) writes in very plain terms in his Letter to Fabius of Antioch: “As Novatian seemed about to die, he received Baptism in the bed where he lay, by pouring.” 

Tertullian (A.D. 205) mentions in his writings that “sprinkling” is a valid form for baptism even though he preferred immersion. 

Whether we reference scripture baptisms, the historical first-century context of biblical baptisms, or the era of the Fathers of the Church, it is very clear. Do you dunk? Do you pour? Do you sprinkle? The answer is: all of the above. 


Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn