Would by daughter go to hell?

Question

I am not Christian, but am going to baptize my six month old daughter just to humor my family. However, I will be waiting until at least November, when my brother comes home from Iraq. Hypothetically, should she die tomorrow, in your loving "Christian" beliefs would she go to hell because I chose not to baptize her yet?

Isn't limbo exclusively a Catholic story? Is there anything actually in the Bible about that?

What about original sin?
And I'm not afraid of hell, it doesn't exist. I'm just curious what the Christian explanation is.

Why can't you just answer the question without telling me I am going to burn in hell? YOU CANNOT GO SOMEWHERE THAT EXISTS ONLY IN THE MIND OF THE SCARED SHEEPLE!

The Catholic Church teaches that Baptism is necessary as it is the first Sacrament. The only reason I am humoring them is because I haven't yet come out of the broom closet. So don't worry there will be no Bible study in my house. I will tell her about all the different religions of the world and let her decide for herself.

Thanks Rnade. The guilt is one of the reasons I left Christianity. Guilt and fear is no way to live your life.

Answer 1

Do you want an honest answer? I'm Baptist, not Catholic, so I will give you the standard Protestant Evangelical answer.

Baptism by itself saves nobody, since it is symbolic. A baptized sinner is just a wet sinner (just like a sinner who takes communion is just a well fed sinner). However, that is not the complete answer.

Most Baptists believe that any child who dies before the "age of accountability" will go straight to Heaven, because the child's mind is not developed enough to understand the difference between right and wrong.

Note that the Bible does not seem to address the question directly one way or the other (although it drops hints here and there).

This statement is consistent with the position that most Baptists would take:

.....................................................
"...Knowing the love and grace of God, God applying Christ’s death to those who cannot believe would seem consistent with His character. It is our position that God applies Christ's payment for sin to young children and those who are mentally handicapped, since they were not mentally capable of understanding their sinful state and their need for the Savior..."

Answer 2

I can't get over how many ignorant people try to pass their mis-information off as doctrine!

First of all, I want to stress that I am Catholic and the comments I have here are based on Catholic doctrine. If you plan to baptize your daughter in any certain denomination, you should ask the minister there what their doctrine on baptism is. In fact, you should do that instead of listening to anyone here.

There is no Bible verse that says "Baptize infants," just as there is no Bible verse that says, "Do not baptize infants." Some denominations baptize infants, some insist that the one being baptized should be capable of understanding the concept of sin.

The Catholic church does not teach that unbaptized children go to hell, nor to "limbo." In fact, the Catholic catechism states that the fate of unbaptized children is undetermined - believers trust in the mercy of God. In other words, we admit that we just don't know for sure. Here's a brief article on the Catholic concept of limbo, if you're interested:

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1994/9411qq.asp

As for your other question, baptism removes original sin. Humans are born into the flesh - because of original sin, we die. Baptism brings re-birth in the spirit - we will have everlasting life. This is true whether the one baptized is an infant or an adult.

Here's another article on original sin:

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0502fea5.asp

In conclusion, in my loving "Christian" belief, God loves everyone and wants them to have salvation, even those who are not baptized, or even "not Christian."

Yes, I am Catholic by choice, not by birth - and I don't feel either guilty or afraid. I feel blessed.

Answer 3

That is a question that no human can answer. We do not know the fullness of God's loving mercy, we do not know his mind, we cannot make a judgement.

I personally, however, feel that God is not so callous as to refuse his own creation eternity.

The decision to baptize your child should not be taken lightly, nor should it be something done to "humor your family". Think and pray very deeply about the issue. By baptizing a child, you are essentially affirming that you will raise them within the Christian faith. If that is not your intent, I strongly recommend you reconsider your decision.

Answer 4

Baptism is an outward symbol of and inward belief. Unless you daughter believes in Christ for herself being baptized is just a ceremony. I'm not sure, but a 6 month old may not have the wherewithal to understand who Jesus is. Now, whether or not she would go to hell if she died at 6 months is a hot debate and I am not qualified to answer that questions, but just know that unless you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior then you are hell bound. Children are precious in God's eyes, I personally believe that they are free from hell until they reach a point of age where they can understand who Jesus is, but that's just my opinion. God Bless! :)

Answer 5

True baptism is an outward sign of our inward cleansing. When parents do it to a young child, it is for the parents not the children. All children that parish before the age of accountability will get a "free pass" to the Father.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Once we are of an age where we know and understand the difference between right and wrong, and choose our path, then we will be help accountable for knowing and accepting the truth. It would be sad though, if she goes to heaven and her mommy isn't there, don't you think? Why reject the one who loves you more than you love her? God is not a tyrant, a mean or hard God. He is the god of love. Please, for your daughter's sake listen to the heart of God calling out to you. The time is near, and the Father loves you. Accept the savior, ask forgiveness of your sins, and allow him to dwell in your heart, and he will it is really that simple. Talk to him, and let his love grow in you, so you will have the best life possible.

Answer 6

All children under the age of accountability, generally around 5 ( it is more a mental age then a physical one) automatically go to Heaven, because they cannot choose right from wrong. So infant baptizing is not necessary, baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith, so you must be old to choose or reject God.

Answer 7

First, infant baptism does not save. It is actually for the parents as a symbol that you will be raising your child in a Christian manner.

Second, until a child can understand right from wrong and has the capability to understand Christ's sacrifice on the cross, I believe the child will go to Heaven.

Answer 8

You're six-month old daughter would go to heaven, because she's not the age of accountability yet. Like someone else said, I've heard it could be 8, but I think it depends on the individual child, their understanding of right and wrong, etc.. I understand you baptizing her for your family, it will make them feel better, but really, it doesn't matter at her age.

Answer 9

No. She is too young to take accountability for her sins. You cannot choose to lead her into salvation. You must teach it to her as she grows up and let her make her own decision. If you baptize her now or anytime soon, you're wasting your time. Allow her to grow up under the proper teaching until such a time as that she can understand the NEED to be baptized, not the WANT.

Answer 10

well blessed be. im glad that your not trying to offend your family. thats cool. but i wouldnt worry about your daughter she hasnt had enough time to develop her own beliefs. and beliefs determine what happens to you when you go back to the other side. she will go to where her soul developed from. if she had previous lives then she will go back to her soul group and start again. if this is her first incarnation then she will drift in a sort of limbo until the next open birth. anyway ive done some expeditions to the other side and thats what i make of it so far. of course what i see is also molded by my beliefs too so it may not be 100 percent accurate for you and her
hope it helps
mournyngwolf
solitary practitioner of wicca and wizardry