Baptism as a necessity

[Steve_M]

I was raised as a Southern Baptist. I was always taught that you don’t have to be baptized. Now that I’m Catholic, this is an area that comes up for discussion with my family members quite often. What I want to know who first taught that baptism is not necessary, and when was it taught?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Reading recommendations:

• [Necessity of Baptism (http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Baptism#IX._NECESSITY_OF_BAPTISM) (Catholic Encyclopedia)
• [The Necessity of Baptism (http://www.catholic.com/library/Necessity_of_Baptism.asp) (tract, Catholic Answers)