Baptism

[Naumann]

Currently, I’m studying the early catholic church. We discussed Baptism. In that discussion my professor mentioned the use of salt during the baptism. Could someone please give me a little history please? thank you

 

[Dr.Colossus]

Salt is still used in Baptism, though not directly. When holy water is blessed, it is sprinkled with a little salt. In Baptism, it is this same water which is poured over the new Christian.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Dr. Colossus:

Salt is still used in Baptism, though not directly. When holy water is blessed, it is sprinkled with a little salt. In Baptism, it is this same water which is poured over the new Christian.

Well, actually, no. Since I do a lot of baptisms I can tell you that we do not use salt anymore. It is optional, but generally not used.

Deacon Ed

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Naumann:

Currently, I’m studying the early catholic church. We discussed Baptism. In that discussion my professor mentioned the use of salt during the baptism. Could someone please give me a little history please? thank you

Salt was used as a preservative. Therefore the symbol of the salt “preserving the Christian” when used as a sacramental. In a practical sense it actually did prevent the Holy water from growing bacteria. With the coming flu season maybe we should use more salt in the Holy water again.