20 Answers: Baptism

Born of Water and Spirit

What does baptism do, anyway?

Must we be baptized by immersion in water, or is sprinkling enough?

Is it possible to be baptized if you don’t already believe in Jesus, like an infant?

Does the Bible say we’re to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, or the name of Jesus?

In this booklet you’ll find smart, solid answers to these questions and many more.

Jesus said that to enter the kingdom of heaven we must be born again of water and Spirit (John 3:5). Accordingly, his last word to his disciples before ascending to heaven was the command to baptize everyone in the world (Matt. 28:19). But what is the true meaning of baptism, and how can we explain and defend the full Catholic teaching in the face of differing interpretations? 20 Answers: Baptism explores the mystery of this foundational sacrament and shows how it transforms us into sons and daughters of God.

The 20 Answers series from Catholic Answers offers hard facts, compelling arguments, and clear explanations of the most important topics facing the Church and the world—all in a compact, easy-to-read package.