This book explores baptism in the ancient world, the sects which practiced it, their history, origins, characters, diversity, and influences. Joseph Thomas begins with an historical overview of baptist-oriented religions, such as the Essenes, Johannites, Elchasaites, Ebionites, and most prominently featured, the Mandaeans. Additionally included are a survey of the origins, character, and influence of the baptist movement, comparisons to ritual bathing in other traditions, and finally a discussion of baptism as a form of the spiritualization of religion.