What is the origin of baby christening?

Question

It is nowhere in the bible. Why do we go through it when a baby is too young to understand what is going on? It is basically baptism. So shouldn't it be done @ an age they can comprehend & form a relationship with God?

I know the meaning of baptism. I want to know the origin of it for babies because THAT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE.

Ok you people must not be reading my question. I KNOW THE PROCESS OF BATISM! Where in the BIBLE DOES IT SAY about BABY CHRISTENING!?

Answer 1

your right it's not in the bible. the catholic church incorporated into their system, because it would be easier for pagan worshippers who sacrificed babies to come into the church.

Answer 2

This is more of an defense of infant baptism since that seems to be what you were looking for. This may not be the best defense but I hope it will help you think over the discussion. Unlike the commenters above me I am speaking from a protestant position that denies that baptism regenerates or cleanses sin. The first thing I will say is that you should be prepared to consider the wider implications of biblical passages and concepts. You statement that it is not in the bible is only true in the sense that the words infant baptism (or christening) are not in the bible. Like the trinity, it may not have an explicit mention but it can be seen as a clear implication.

Very early in church history before the separation of the east and west, there was seen in the scripture a connection to the sign of the old covenant (circumcision) and the sign old covenant (baptism). This can be seen in Colossians 2:11-12 for instance. There is evidence of this practice even in the 2nd century. In the reformation the practice was maintained among almost all of the reformed churches although they had differences with the medieval position that is maintained by Roman Catholics today. Baptism is a sign that someone belongs to the covenant community of the church. This community is set apart from the world and that it includes that children of believers can be seen in 1 Corinthians 7, where Paul makes a point of saying that children are holy even if only one of their parents believed. It signifies the promises of redemption that are in Christ (like circumcision did in the old covenant) and these promises are offered to the baptized, actualized when received with faith. Christian parents are called have their children baptized because they are called to have faith that the promise to Abraham is yes and Amen in Christ Jesus. In short we baptized our children because we trust God will be a God to us and to our children.

Answer 3

"Do not prevent the little ones from coming to me for the Kingdom of Heaven is for such as these". Did not some of the people hear the Good news and have their whole households baptized? I would assume that meant children too. How about in the time of the Jews before Jesus was on Earth, do you think God should have said do not circumcise the little babies until they are old enough to know what's going on? No, he said to do it when they were eight days old. Baptize the babies for crying out loud. Get rid of the Original Sin right away. Remember Jesus is the SAME God as is in The Old Testament.

Answer 4

Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the door of the spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. And since through the first man death entered into all, unless we be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, we can not enter into the kingdom of Heaven, as Truth Himself has told us. The matter of this sacrament is true and natural water; and it is indifferent whether it be cold or hot. The form is: I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. We do not, however, deny that the words: Let this servant of Christ be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; or: This person is baptized by my hands in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, constitute true baptism; because since the principal cause from which baptism has its efficacy is the Holy Trinity, and the instrumental cause is the minister who confers the sacrament exteriorly, then if the act exercised by the minister be expressed, together with the invocation of the Holy Trinity, the sacrament is perfected. The minister of this sacrament is the priest, to whom it belongs to baptize, by reason of his office, In case of necessity, however, not only a priest or deacon, but even a layman or woman, nay, even a pagan or heretic can baptize, provided he observes the form used by the Church, and intends to perform what the Church performs. The effect of this sacrament is the remission of all sin, original and actual; likewise of all punishment which is due for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for past sins is enjoined upon those who are baptized; and if they die before they commit any sin, they attain immediately to the kingdom of heaven and the vision of God.

Answer 5

Christening has three purposes: one is a safeguard so that if the baby dies before it is old enough for first communion, it will not be stuck in limbo. The second is to welcome the child to the community and symbolize the community's responsibility in protecting the child from harm and seeing that it grows up well. The third is the parents taking official responsibility to educate the child in the parents' religion.

Answer 6

baptism, christening, are interchangeable terms, they both perform the same service, in other words, you are made officially christian. In some faiths, it is done with infants, so their souls will be saved should they die young, in others it is because the infant is not considered to need the choice.

Answer 7

they are now not required to put on something, i do not believe. the scarf suggestion sound lovely, however ensure you do not depart it on too lengthy and it is not too tight considering that it's going to rationale a headache.