What is the age of accountability for baptism?

Answer 1

In Catholicism, there is not age limit for baptism.

Godparents must be at least 16 years old.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called."

Infant baptism is not a new thing. There are non-biblical documented sources starting in the second century telling of infant Baptism.

There are even several passages in the Bible where whole households were baptized. This would include everyone who lived there, men, women, children, and infants.

Acts 16:15, "After she and her household had been baptized"

Acts 16:33, "then he and all his family were baptized at once."

Acts 18:8, "came to believe in the Lord along with his entire household, and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized."

1 Corinthians 1:16, "I baptized the household of Stephanas"

St. Paul wrote that baptism has replaced circumcision (Col 2:11-12), and in Judaism circumcision was performed primarily on infants.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

One does not have to reach a particular age in order to be bapitized. In fact at an early council it had been proposed the baptism take place on the eigth day after birth, because it replaced circumcision, however, the idea was rejected because baptism is too important to wait that long for.

Generally after around age 7 one must study the faith before being baptised--except when in danger of death.

The Graces of Baptism should not be denied to a child, however small, because Jesus instructed us that hindering a child from coming to him would lead to damnation.

Answer 3

First the young person has to understand what they are doing and what it is that they are being baptized for. Belief in Christ without baptism still means salvation. BUT baptism without belief in Christ is futile. If the child understands what he is doing and why---there really isn't a minimum age. I have met children who are 4 years of age who totally knew what they were doing and I have seen adults in their 60's who were clueless about the "believing" aspect.

Answer 4

two different subjects.
I will deal with accountability.

It is an age that one arrives at, a date, an hour.
It is on an individual bases that is a given person will have there own date given by God.

The date is generally between 12 and 14. however it can be as young as 8 or so.

some that are very special to God will never reach the age of accountability.

What it means is that until you reach the age you are unaccountable to sin. You may sin but you are not held to account for that sin before God.
You are free of all the sins you commit, more to it those who are your guardian can be made to account for your sins.

Parents take note, the sins of your unaccountable children may be placed upon you!

Answer 5

It depends on the religion. Most get baptized when they are old enough to understand what it really means. This is different for each person. I know a kid that was baptized last year at the age of 7 and another who was baptized last week at the age of 12.

Answer 6

I think that is and should be a personal choice. If i was Catholic i would be chosen for me. But baptisms is to me something very spiritual,sacred, I think it should not be done if you do not know what is happen .How can an infant remember something so awesome and life changing experience. I have been baptized several times i think to me its just a closer walk and experience with God.

Answer 7

It is generally felt to be 13.. that's why bar mitzvahs are done on jewish boys at that age..
We also tend to think that, when a child can tell the difference between right and wrong, that child is then accountable for their own soul.
However; unless I miss my guess, Jesus was a bit older than that when baptized by John the Baptist..

Answer 8

The Emperor Constantine (the one that made christianity the official Roman religion), was baptized on his deathbed. Nowadays, it´s done as soon as the parents wish to do it.
Theoretically, baptism exonerates anyone of his/her sins. That´s why it´s done when you´re a baby (so that you don´t get the chance to do mischief and evade punishment), and that´s probably why Constantine (who was a pagan) decided to do it at the last possible moment.

Answer 9

That depends on what you mean by baptism. Are you speaking of infant baptism or adult baptism? Let us know what you mean and we'll get back to you.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john

Answer 10

Depends on your religion I suppose. In mine, you become accountable when you reach an age where you know what sin is and know the difference between right and wrong. You can't be baptized, however, until you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. I suppose it varies from one religion to another, but if any religion tells you that getting baptized saves you, then they are wrong, because the Bible says there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus. He said that Himself.