Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"

Whether the Trinitarian baptismal formula ('in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit') reflects Jesus's original words or a later liturgical development, and how it relates to Acts' 'in the name of Jesus' baptisms.

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Overall consensus81/100

Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian Universalist

Non-Trinitarian

Varies

No official interpretation; baptism as welcome/covenant ritual if observed

The UUA has no official position on Matthew 28:19 or mandatory interpretation of baptismal formulas. Some UUA congregations practice water baptism or child dedication; others do not. The emphasis is on the ritual as a sign of welcome and covenant rather than as a sacrament with specific theological meaning.

Key Distinctions

Baptismal formula:
optional; congregational variation
Baptism mode:
Baptism recipients:

Scripture References

Sources

  • UUA principles of congregational autonomy