why do some people think its wrong to baptize babies?

Question

and dont tell me its because they wont remember it or that you might be doing it aganst thier will cause jesus said to baptize your FAMILY and the greek word for family is ikogennia which means every generation of a family which would include........BABIES! and i would know that cause im greek and studied greek. what are your thoughts?

Answer 1

Baptism in the Bible is something that in every scriptural example was done by coherent thinking people in response to their ecognition of the symbolism of the act.

Answer 2

You are absolutely right. The New Testament has numerous examples where someone and THEIR HOUSEHOLD was baptized. Also, baptism is a "type" or fulfillment of circumcision, a way to induct the new member into the People of God. Babies have always been circumcised, so babies are baptized now in the New Covenant. I also know a little Greek because it is used in my Church (I'm Eastern Orthodox).

Basically certain groups in the 16th century started baptizing only adults who believed because of what they believed baptism was. They taught it was a symbol you had to understand. Even the earliest reformers like Luther and Calvin thought that the Anabaptists were fruitcakes, but now the majority of the Christians in the U.S. are evangelicals who follow a mix of different Christian practices including an Anabaptist view of baptism.

Answer 3

Being Baptized is not a condition for getting into heaven, it is only a sign. Those of you who believe that, I would ask you...did Jesus need to be Baptized? Baptism is a sign to others that you are a follower of God. That is why Jesus told John that He must be baptized to fulfill the times when John said that he should be baptised by Jesus. So, it doesn't hurt or mean anything to the baby. It is a meaning for the parents who wish to believe it of them.

Answer 4

In this same Bible in the new testament, where baptism is spoken of, they baptized only those who had made a decision to follow Christ in Salvation. The majority of the Christian church does not believe that an infant has the capacity to make a decision to follow Christ in Salvation. They do believe that an infant has not reached the age of accountability. If an infant were to die at the time of birth, their spirit would return to its maker. If an adult dies without following Christ in Salvation that person's spirit would not return to its maker, because they have rejected their maker. This person would have reached the age of accountability, and will be held accountable for their choices. This is why the Christian Church does not support the baptism of babies. They do support the dedication of babies. This is a promise made by the infants parents to raise this child in the ways of the Lord/the teachings of the Bible.

Answer 5

Some Christians believe that before the covenant that is symbolized by baptism can be fully accepted by any given person, that person must be of an age to understand it. Baptism also symbolizes the washing away of sin and many people consider a baby to be sinless, but a person at the age of consent has come to know sin and is therefore cleansed as he or she makes the mature commitment to faith.
Does that really need to be a deal-breaker for you? Many young Christians take baptism at the same time of life that Catholics are having confirmation. Don't be hating. It's all good.

Answer 6

Where does it say in the Bible to baptize your family? It says "believe and be baptized" . A person should always believe first before he gets baptized. The only thing a baby believes is "I believe I'm ready for some more food - pass the bottle Mom"

Answer 7

nothing wrong with baptizing babies, but it doesn't do anything for them.

in the bible, baptism is a symbol of an inward, spiritual change that happens at repentance. babies don't repent. so, if they are baptized as babies, they will need to be baptized again after they make a decision for christ.

and baptizo in the greek means fully submerse, not to dip or sprinkle. it is a picture of christ being buried and coming up out of the grave. i don't recall Jesus being just sprinkled with dirt or having something poured over himself. He was placed in the grave completely.

good question.

Answer 8

I think it's fine the only reason some people might think it's wrong is because the baby is not choosing to be part of that religion, they don't know that they're being baptized. I guess some people think it's more for the parents but I guess it's just your personal religion.

Answer 9

I think it about a lack of choice in the matter. By baptizing an infant you take away it's human right to chose it's religion; if any.
I was never baptized and I thank my mom and dad every time I think of it.

Answer 10

In the Bible - Baptism was a symbol of a person dedicating themselves to do God's Will..which was to preach and teach and make disciples. This is evident by the fact that when Jesus was about 30 years old, he began his dedication to preach.

Tho originally, Baptism had to do with repentance - Jesus opened the way for something 'different' to begin....read on...
4 What, then, did baptism signify in Jesus’ case? Later writings, at Hebrews chapter 10, refer to Jesus when coming “into the world,” that is, to take up his ministry and offer his own “prepared” body in obedience to Jehovah’s will, as saying in accord with Psalm 40:6-8 (Septuagint): “Sacrifice and offering you did not want, but you prepared a body for me. . . . ‘Look! I am come (in the roll of the book it is written about me) to do your will, O God.’” (Heb. 10:5, 6) Since Jesus was a member of a nation dedicated to Jehovah God and in covenant relationship with Him, he was not symbolizing a dedication but was making a presentation of himself to do Jehovah’s will. Jehovah’s acceptance of his presentation was evidenced by the anointing with holy spirit and the voice from heaven saying: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.”—Mark 1:11.