my husband's family really wants us to baptize our baby. i don't want to.. Help?

Question

my husband and my mom were both baptized (but neither goes to church - but they still identify with being catholic) and they want to go along with baptizing baby because of his parents wishes. i wasn't baptized, but even if i had been i'd still think catholicism is a bit ridiculous. i almost threw up because of the things the priest said in the "class" we had to take last sunday. stuff about not being anybody until you are baptized, and one faith one god, blah, blah. don't get me wrong, i'm spiritual... i just don't want my daughter beliving in such rigid, guilt laden dogmatic ideas... should i call off the baptism???

Answer 1

I have two thoughts on this...

1) Go ahead with the "show". Most christians say that the act of baptism isn't enough anyway. It'll make the family happy and you can always discuss your beliefs with the child when they are older.

2) Fight the baptism based on your beliefs, I'm not sure if you and your husband discussed this prior to your wedding and pregnancy but now that the event is here and you can fight this but I only see it ending in animosity.

Personally, go ahead with the show, take the money you get and invest in a safe fund and have a nice talk with your child when he or she gets older.

Answer 2

Why do they want to baptize a baby. Baptism in water has nothing to do with being saved. The only way a person can be saved is to put their trust in Jesus and ask Him into their heart and life. Babies are under grace until they reach the age of accountability, then they are old enough to make there own decision. Why was your husband baptized if he is not going to follow the commandments of Jesus. Tell your Mother, your husband's parents With all due respect, that this is your decision not hers. And don't go back to that church, and by all means stay away from that priest, he doesn't know what he is talking about. Yes there is one God He is the Almighty, but there is one Saviour, He is Jesus, and there is one Holy Spirit, bet that priest won't tell you that.

Answer 3

By all means, call off the baptism!!

You are the parent. You never mention if your husband wants this to happen or not. If he is strongly convinced that it should be done, then you should submit to his desire, but not to his or your family.

There is no salvation by baptism, even in the bible, it always states that the person must believe in why they are being baptized. You are doing no harm if you go ahead and do this,

I married a Catholic man, and our first child was baptized as a baby. When he was older and understood what baptism meant, he was baptized "for real" at a biblically doctrinal church. I submitted to my husbands desire to have our child baptized only because it meant so much to him, not because I believed that it meant anything about my childs salvation.

When dealing with Catholic family members, you will need to read and reread the bible, even if you do not believe in it, you will need the understanding and knowledge to be able to show them that what they have been taught is not supported by the bible itself. Very, very few Catholics have ever read their own bible, they only know what they are fed by the pastors and the misselettes that are handed to them.

Answer 4

I would say do not get the baby baptized. You would be doing it for all the wrong reasons. It is better to not do it than go through with it and not mean it. Are you planning to send you child to church and catholic school when she gets older? Don't start what you don't intend to finish. I personally have big issues with the catholic church or any christian church but I do believe a child will make thier own decisions when they are old enough not to believe in every brainwashing theology that is placed before them.

Answer 5

Look, you say your husband doesn't go to church - if that's true, have the baptism - it can't hurt the kid - and don't have the rest.

Result - no one is hurt and everyone gets what they want.

And for the record, I was baptised catholic and am neither guilt ridden nor laden with dogmatic ideas. I suspect if you want to argue about all this with the priest you'll find him open to discussion and if he isn't - then you've got an excuse to call it off.

Answer 6

Here's my take on it: don't have the baby baptized and explain to your husband and his family that you should let your child grow enough to make his/her own decisions. If your child wants to be baptized when they reach a certain age, then that shouldn't be a problem. A lot of parents make the mistake of forcing their child on a certain religious path and become disappointed or even angry when the child chooses a different one. Take me for example. My parents had me baptized Catholic, but in the last year, I converted to Wicca. But that's just me. Do what you think you should do. Blessed be. :)

Answer 7

A little baby dosnt need to be baptized , that sould be done when older and only if she has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior , there is only one God but not the way the catholic church teaches in there unbiblical ways , funny how catholics hate everything about there church but will still hold on to there teaching , Praise God I was Born Again !

Answer 8

that would be selfish on your part.i am a reformed catholic and i agree with you that the catholic faith is a bunch of B.S.but think of your daughter.for one most catholics will shun you and the baby for not baptising her.some are even cut out of wills if you know what i mean.its a harmless ceramony,and the kid could get some great gifts like savings bonds,ect..that could be used for college.then let her make up her own mind about her spiritual life,you should teach her about all faiths and let her decide.the reason most atheists are so miserable and unhappy is they have nothing to look forward to,the fear death because they see this as the end,so whats life with no joy,or fear of retribution?be a good mom and show her the world through books,music,art,and religion,she will be more apt to stay off drugs if you submerge her in culture and knowledge,...and she will one day love and respect you for it.so let the inlaws have thier day,its yet another experience in her life and wont make her a hare krishna or scientoligist.i pray youll make the right choices for her.what most parents lose sight of is its not about you,its all about her.hold to that and all will work out.have a great day and congrats on the baby.

Answer 9

What is your child's age? Baptist do not believe in baptizing a child or person until they fully understand the meaning. Southern baptist is the worlds 2nd largest denomination behind roman catholics.Sprinkling as well is not the proper way of baptism, but catholics and Methodists say it's just symbolic, if they are to be followers of Christ, then where does it say it's symbolic and just do what you want. So if you disagree with them, don't but if you do under duress, then explain that to you child once older and let them go and redo it properly with their approval alone.

Answer 10

I would. Wait until the child is at the age of accountability. Knowing the difference between right and wrong. A child is innocent and pure in Gods eyes. Also we are responsible for our own sins and not original sin. Jesus Christ atoned for original sin. A person must first repent of their sins, this means acknowledge their sins, ask for forgiveness, make retribution for their sins, and do them no more. An infant, is not capable of sin. Also baptism is for the remission of sins. A person has to be old enough to make a choice to follow God. Baptism should also be done by immersion, not sprinkling. The doctrines of the Catholic Church have been changed by man. The Holy Spirit is testifying and warning you as a parent to seek after truth and not fall for this practice. It sounds like you have an understanding of the incorrectness of the infant baptism. Wait until your child is older and seek out the truth. Tell your spouse you wish to wait until your child is able to understand what is being done.