Is there an alternative to baptisms and god parents?

Question

I've had a lingering question and I was hoping someone would be able to answer it. As much as I disagree with the way things are done in the catholic/christian world... I do like the idea of having a celebration to welcome an infant to the world. I would also like to designate 'god parents' but have no idea what that would convert to in other terms. Is there another word for it? And if so how do I go about finding someone to perform the ceremony? Any information you have regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated (or even if you had a link where I could get the info would be fantastic). Thank you!

Answer 1

this describes the Unitarian Universalist naming/dedication ceremony. you can take parts of different faiths and make up your own ceremony too!

http://www.uua.org/families/witness_celebration/naming.html

Answer 2

What things do you disagree with in the Christian/Catholic world. Like honestly guys do we hear or read about some mother who leaves her babies home and goes to the club one night and say 'i heard those "mothers" before ...they're all crazy, I don't want to be one of them' or some mother who abuses her kids do we say ' man all those "mothers" out there must all be the same!'

No

There are bad people of all kinds in every part of the world.

I would say your baby deserves to know about God (because nobody is a mistake in this worls we all have a God given purpose) I 'dedicated' all 3 of my girls and it's a public delaration that you will teach them about God and do the best you can to live a life that would be pleasing to God so my children will learn from my example.

I also had a Baby Blessing (like a shower) where all the people who are in my life and mean something to me would get a chance to pray or say a special something to her and all could hear. It turns out to be full smiles and tears.

Answer 3

Feel free to create your own "birth celebration" in lieu of a religious baptism, and incorporate whatever spiritual or religious themes you feel are fitting. You can also use this occassion to announce the 'godparents' you have chosen, and what you feel this title means to you.
If there is someone you would like to have officiate the ceremony, have them visit the website for the Universal Life Chruch to get ordained instantly. They are then allowed to perform any sort of baptism you want (although it might not be recognized by any other church).

Answer 4

In the Baptist church (I know others do this too) it's called a Dedication Service. The child is not sprinkled nor is any water used, but the baby is dedicated to the Lord and you acknowledge that you are given this child to raise for the Lord.

The only one I can think of beside God Parents are called "sponsors". I know the Lutheran faith does this. The sponsors are supposed to do things with the child as he/she grows up and be there to support them in all things. They are also the ones the parents have asked to take care of their children should anything happen to them. I'm sure other faiths do this too.

I'm all for dedication and/or christenings and having someone devoted to your child. Anything you can do to make your faith and help your child is great.

Good luck in your decision and hope it's right for you.

Answer 5

i do no longer quite comprehend why you want to have a 'baptism' in any respect.. that's extremely almost strictly a Christian rite, only one or 2 different religions that i understand of have some style of baptism. Promising to shield your infant and love them and encouragement is form of implied once you genuinely have them. i think of that, despite you p.c., you will could settle for that your loved ones might no longer be there for it. And in the event that they do no longer agree along with your desires, it quite heavily isn't a particular family contributors 2d (all your non secular family contributors would be uncomfortable with the area) - it won't deliver your loved ones together, no longer in the event that they don't have faith in what you're doing.. yet i assume it would not end you and your husband from making it particular for yourselves.

Answer 6

God parents are allocated to look after a child if anything happens to the parents, supposedly. Maybe if you don't want to go through this process, you could legally name a custodian, with their permission, to look after your children if anything happened to you or their father. The Salvation Army have a ceremony, I think it's called something like a birth blessing, to celebrate the birth of a child.

Answer 7

I think it's great that you are going to not indoctrinate your child from birth. I plan to do the same when I have a child. I'd like to know this for reference as well.

I have no belief in the supernatural or religion, but even if I were religious, I would be against baptism because it requires you to make promises for your child, spiritual promises that you really can't make for someone else. If I have a kid, and they come to me as a young adult and want to join a religion, I'll support them, but I would never raise them into one particular religion. There's no reason for young kids to be taught abstract concepts that they really can't fully understand at a young age.

Answer 8

All godparents or sponsors are are witnesses to the baptism agreeing to be responsible for the Christian upbringing of the child, this responsibility actually falls upon the parents, godparents, the baptizer (usually a priest/pastor), and the congregation.

A sponsor typically has to be someone who is confirmed in the faith, I personally would recommend someone out of school (older than 20) who regularly attends church.

Answer 9

Just throw a regular baby shower. And ask whoever it is if they would like to be your baby's caretaker incase you become deceased. I dont really know what the big difference between calling them god parents is.

Answer 10

You can call it a "purifying ritual" and instead of god parents you could call them "kin parents" as for someone doing it i'd suggest an elder relative like a grandma or grandpa.

Answer 11

How things are done in the Jewish world: http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/cycle/naming.htm
Wicca: http://www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/wiccaningritual.html

You can also look on beliefnet.com. Or, just invent one of your own, combining the elements that you like from various cultures and religions.