What is one of the main beliefs of Anabaptists regarding baptism?

Anabaptists hold a significant belief regarding baptism that emphasizes the importance of personal faith and conscious decision-making. They assert that baptism should only be administered to those who can consciously accept and understand their faith, which is typically associated with adulthood. This perspective contrasts sharply with the practice of infant baptism, which is common in many other Christian denominations. Anabaptists believe that individuals should come to their own faith before being baptized, thereby ensuring that the act is a meaningful commitment reflecting their personal beliefs.

This focus on adult baptism underscores their broader theological perspective that values personal responsibility and the idea of a voluntary, conscious faith. The Anabaptist emphasis on adult baptism is a core tenet of their identity, distinguishing them from groups that practice infant baptism or consider baptism an optional ritual rather than a necessary act of faith.