I know that bpatisteries were an essential part of cathedral complexes
in 5th century Gaul. They were usually situated in between two parallel
basilicas. In the 6th century and later their position was not so
central and they often were replaced by fonts. I've thought that this
reflected the transition from an "intentional" (first generation, adult
converts at Easter) to a "natural" church (or second generation,
children raised as Christians, baptized as soon as possible).
Naturally, the doctrine of original sin and infant baptism are involved
in this as well.
nb
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