The answer to this question depends on the specific religious tradition you are asking about.
Christian Traditions
- Catholicism: In Catholicism, only a priest or deacon can perform a valid baptism. This is because baptism is considered a sacrament, a sacred ritual instituted by Jesus Christ.
- Protestantism: Some Protestant denominations allow lay people to baptize, while others require an ordained minister. For example, in many Baptist churches, any baptized member can perform the ceremony.
Other Religions
It is important to note that baptism is not a practice in all religions. For example, in Judaism, the equivalent of baptism is the brit milah (circumcision) for boys and the brit bat (naming ceremony) for girls. These ceremonies are performed by a rabbi or mohel (circumcision specialist).
Conclusion
Whether a regular person can baptize a baby depends on the specific religious tradition. Some denominations allow lay people to perform the ceremony, while others require an ordained minister. It is important to research the practices of your specific faith before making any decisions.
