Could some one explain

John the Baptist baptised Christ

I was thinking political on the sense that we do not say cripple anymore, it is perceived as derogatory, but now say disabled, like wise do not say mentally deficient, now say learning disabled.

It's an interesting question.
As far as I can find out christening is related to the name of Christ. Bringing the baby (or adult) into the Christian church.
Baptism is from a greek word meaning dipping in water.

M0nica I think probably to to with theological accuracy and language than "political correctness" which is used as a derogatory term often for changes people don't particularly like!

^ where as baptism is one of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church.^
The Church of England also uses the words 'I baptise thee …..' as Anniebach says.

Christening definition: A Christian ceremony at which a baby is christened; a baptism.

I have heard the term 'christening' used more often for a C of E ceremony and 'baptism' for RC ceremonies.

Since in the catholic church the baby is named in the baptism service, it is the same thing.

Speaking as a catholic, the church has been renaming the sacraments at regular intervals since the great Vatican Council of about 1960. Sacraments like Communion and Confession are now called Eucharist and Reconciliation. Same thing, different name.

Not being a theologian I have no idea why there is this constant need to change the names of the sacraments. It is the religious equivalent of political correctness in language.

I often wonder why so many people still do this (ducks behind the wall.)

Here's the baptism/christening difference,

Difference between baptism and christening
Even though the words baptism and christening are used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference. Christening refers to the naming ceremony (to "christen" means to "give a name to") where as baptism is one of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church.

Hope this clears it up.

I think baptism is the more correct term. They are however used interchangably.

Same thing

Yes Paddyann. I have said they are the same, I then said Baptism is my choice .

I believe that it the same. It is a person's (baby's) formal entry to a Christian church. In RC & Anglican it is then followed by confirmation when said person/ child confirms the promises made on their behalf by godparents. In some non conformist churches the do not have baptism until a person is old enough to make the commitment themselves. Babies often have a blessing and welcome ceremony. Humanist ceremonies for babies are common too and ask family and friends to support the child to grow up as an honest and socially contributing citizen.

We were baptised in the Catholic Church,the same words are used Annie and are used in every baptism,but we also said the weans christening is on Sunday so both words used for the same event .

My daughters were baptised when babies, the words spoken are ‘i baptise thee ‘ , but this is just my choice

They are often used to mean the same thing, especially in the C of E.
Strictly though, the christening service is for a child, when their parents and godparents undertake to bring them up as Christians, it includes baptism into the church. Adults make their own promises when they are baptised. That is: all those who belong to Baptist churches, and anyone in the C of E who presents themselves as an adult to be baptised in to the church.
I don't know about other churches' terminology.

Same outcome I think, entry into the Christian church. Baptism was full immersion, usually an older person. Christening was the sign of the Cross on ,usually a baby's head. Followed by Confirmation when older Please correct me if wrong

In the Anglican Church the same thing. When I use to attend the baptist church adults were baptised , not sure about the RC church

Would think the same thing.