My husband and I recently had our little girl dedicated to the Lord. When she old enough, maybe in her teens or early adult years, she will then be baptized. We wanted her faith and her personal relationship with God to be her choice. Some kids, I feel, get dunked for the wrong reasons and then don't live up to their baptismal duties. What do you think?
2006-08-28 07:50:07 · 19 answers · asked by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dedication as a baby is great, and I would recommend it! The problem with baptism as a baby is that Jesus wants the choice to become a Christian to be a personal, individual decision, not one forced upon a person. Baptism, in itself, does not make one a Christian, it is only a public confession of surrender to Christ, and of leaving sin behind. I hope this helps, God bless!
2006-08-28 07:59:05 · answer #1 · answered by eefen 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I admit I am a little biased, being a baptist minister, but I would recommend baby dedication and then baptism as a choice of the child later in life. Infant baptism is primarily based on the belief that if the child dies before they are of age then they will be saved because of the baptism. Baptism as it was put forth in the New Testament was ALWAYS an act of personal profession of faith or a symbol of the remission of sins. It was never preformed on children who had no idea what was going on. Of course some children go back on their baptismal duties. It is their parents faith that they are going on when they are baptized as a child. The bible doesnt say that people will get into heaven on their parents faith but instead on their own. I think you made the right choice.
2006-08-28 07:59:56 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth F 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Their "baptismal duties"? I believe that baptism is an expression of a personal decision, so my children were dedicated as babies (to demonstrate our commitment to raising them in the ways of the LORD), and were baptized when they wanted to be and understood what it meant.
In some churches babies are baptized (and their parents pledge to raise them in the ways of the LORD) , but then later go through "confirmation" to express their personal faith and belief. It's really not that much different if you think about it.
2006-08-28 07:58:19 · answer #3 · answered by happygirl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Child baptism can send a clear message to the family that you want you kid to grow up learning the Christian faith if you happen to pass on prematurely. It is not in the Bible but neither is the age in which you are supposed to get baptized.
2006-08-28 08:03:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with having the child dedicated. That simply means that you are going to live up to your responsibility to raise them in the Church.
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision, & should not happen until after conversion (Catholics disagree on this point).
My 6-year-old got saved a few weeks ago. Only after extensive discussion with myself & our pastor did I agree that she had a true conversion & was ready to be baptized.
2006-08-28 08:16:36 · answer #5 · answered by azar_and_bath 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am with you guys. Acts 2:38 says "repent and be baptized". A person cannot repent if they have no idea what a true repentance is. Dedication of the child is good, but wait until they fully understand what baptism means and signifies before doing it.
2006-08-28 07:58:20 · answer #6 · answered by JC 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I totally agree with you and that is the modern way of thinking. Why should you dictate the religous belief of your child when later on in life they are going to ultimately choose what they want to do and believe in? Dont get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with baptism because i was baptised and all i can offer is my opinion.Just do what you feel is right for ur child (by the way she is adorable) thats all anyone could ask for.
2006-08-28 13:29:14 · answer #7 · answered by curyousgurl12 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dedication is a personal committment to God that you make when you're old enough. Dedicating a child is meaningless since you can't speak for the child, since she is her own person and will one day decide whether or not to go through with that dedication. Baptism is merely a public declaration that you've dedicated yourself to God. No one can do that for you.
2006-08-28 07:58:15 · answer #8 · answered by Epitome_inc 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Dedication is the way to go...
Baptism is for the child to decide when they are old enough to make that decision.
Jen: Children are a gift from God put into our care. We to dedicate a child back to Jesus, and we teach them in truth. (God's word)
2006-08-28 07:55:49 · answer #9 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Every child should be baptised as soon as possible because baptism is the means through which God cleanses us of Original Sin.
2006-08-28 08:02:28 · answer #10 · answered by Dysthymia 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋