In his Treatise on Baptism, John Wesley writes:
Baptism is performed by “washing,” “dipping,” or “sprinkling” the person….[It] is not determined in Scripture in which of these ways it shall be done, neither by any express precept nor by any such example as clearly proves it; nor by the force of meaning of the word “baptize.”
Following Wesley, Methodists have generally been quite open in terms of the form, or mode, of how baptism is administered. What, if any, difference do you find between sprinkling with water versus full immersion into water?
One Comment
Sara
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation whether by sprinkling, dipping or immersion. Total immersion could be interpreted as a more complete “covering” of God’s Spirit or releasing totally to God. As Paul says, “Dying to self & living to God.” But by whatever method, baptism is that outward sign that the person has made an inward commitment to be “transformed” by God’s indwelling presence in their life…to be born again…born of the Spirit.