Should baptism (or similar religious ceremonies) be practised on minors?

Answer 1

Why not? Parents make decisions about medical procedures for kids and a lot of other things. You don't have to keep the religion you were originally baptized in.

Answer 2

Yes and no. It depends on the "religious" practice. Let's focus on your specific question of Baptism because it is one that I know a little about. I am a member of a Baptist church, but only because my husband it. In the Baptist Church, the Baptism has been watered down to the act of baptism meaning only a sign that the individual has done something to change their ultimate eternal lodging. It is only the Baptists and some non or interdenominational denominations that have taken this to be the meaning of Baptism. In this case, I would say that the minor should be eliminated from this activity as it is a "decision" that has eternal ramifications. It should NOT be limited to those above the minimum age because the meaning of Baptism in this instance is so distant from the one of the Bible that it doesn't really hold any water any way (yes, pun intended). It has nice symbolism, but doesn't really mean that nor do we know that immersion is the only acceptable type of baptism in the Bible anyway. Now, if you go to the protestant denominations, you will find that Baptism holds a whole nother set of meanings. The individual is baptised for one reason but can be done in two different ways...One can join the covenant community by birth whereby they should receive an infant baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant. You may also join the community as an adult believing convert. In this case, you must profess Christ as your savior and enter into the covenant community this way. In this case, you must be an "adult" by Biblical standards (12+) but not American Standards. So, ultimately, I have not answered your question directly, but maybe have given you some new things to throw in the hopper. I hope so.

Answer 3

You mean mitzvahs, confirmations, quinceaneras, 1st communions and the like?

Absolutely. But only to people who consent. Those ceremonies are often important turning points to many teens. They give them something to lean on during the most vital years of their lives. There is no harm in them. And if one were to take away those ceremonies would be to take away some of the diversity from our country.

I don't however beleive in infant baptism because that is a choice that should be left to some one who has a little more control over what they beleive.

Answer 4

Of course it should be practiced on minors. They are no less part of the family of God than the adults are. In the Old Testament, this "membership" was practiced through circumcision. There is no separation between their meanings, one just replaced the other.

Baptist beliefs seem to have won out on YA, but their vociferousness doesn't necessarily mean that this is a true interpretation of Scripture.

Answer 5

In my church (The Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, CA), children can be baptised. It's like a blessing or prayer and the community recognizes the divinity of the child and offers the child love and light. It's all good.

I don't think I would baptise my child if It meant that I was committing them to a specific religion or lifestyle. I think that's wrong. Religion is a personal choice. I don't make that decision for them.

Answer 6

absolutely not, religion is a very personal choice and that kind of commitment should not be made until the person being baptised (or other) understands what the full meaning of their action is
i remember when i was seven i went to church with some friends and i came home and told my mother that i was supposed to get baptised the next week. she freaked out and told me i wasn't allowed to do that until i was 14. she was right i had no idea what baptism mean i just knew that i was the only one of my friends who wasn't baptised. i am glad that that happened because by the time i was 14 i had chosen not to be baptised and i am still not, which is fine with me.

Answer 7

Depends on how you view "Baptism" and what is it for?

In my understanding "baptism" is a rite of the initiate entering Christianity, by faith the person undergoes the ritual showing to the church that she has accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, that the inward change has been wrought by faith.

If you use it as a dedication service then it is saying to the parents or those concerned that in the sight of God we pledge to bring this child up in the admonition of the LORD, to show him the way of salvation, and to keep him in the way of righteousness so that when it comes time for the child to choose Christ by faith on his own he will have the proper guidance, teaching, knowledge, and to know what he is doing by his repentance, to make good his confession. So that he can call upon the LORD to enter that relationship which is holy, righteous and good.

minors need to know what these ceremonies, rites, and church activities entail so that when it comes time for them to participate in them they can claim them for their own spiritual heritage and experience; other than just going through the forms for their parents or church body.

Answer 8

I think baptism should take place when one is old enough to make an informe decision themselves as it is a choice made by the person being baptised not their parents.

Answer 9

I think only at the age of accountability, whatever age that is as each person is different. Why get baptized if you have know idea what you're agreeing to or even what your doing. It makes no sense to me. No, I say wait until it's truly their choice and they know that.

Answer 10

Babies, no. At the age of reason (early teens, depending on the maturity level of the child) I would say yes, if they have received instruction and are doing it of their own free will.