Non-religious and wondering: Godparents without baptism? Can you choose godparents and have no baptism?

Question

Can you choose godparents and have no baptism? Will the godparents' roll change if the baby is not baptized? We're not religious and do not attend church (unless my grandmother requests it), however we would like to have that special "sponsor" or guardian for our child(ren). Would it be pointless to have godparents if we're not religious and if the child will not be baptized?

Answer 1

You can do what we "non baby-dippers" do, and that is to DEDICATE the child. See, in my non-catholic world, we think that children are innocent, and are not accountable for their sins until they reach an age of accountibility or reckoning, that is to say that they realize when something is right or wrong and at that point they CHOOSE to accept Christ or not to accept Christ. At that point, is when they are baptized (13 is traditional, but some children understand earlier) Before that time, parents can present the infant at church with a dedication appointing two other adults with the responsibility of dedicating their time and love (and in rare cases of parent loss, parenting) to raising this child to understand the way of the Lord to base their later acceptance or denial of Him.

Hope this helps your decision..God bless you and your family.

Answer 2

Non Religious Godparents

Answer 3

sure you can choose godparents without a baptism but there will be nothing official on paper saying the people you picked are godparents. If what you are looking for are guardians for your child in case something happens to you. you would have to go to your city/town family court and have it put down legally that you wish these people to take care of your child if you are unable, then just put "godparents" in the space that asks if there is a relationship between the people and child. they dont ask for proof of this. But even if you are not religious, a baptism is easier, cheaper and nicer than the other way. If you have the short ceremony done, your child can choose later in life if he/she wants to pick a religion or not.

Answer 4

Sure, you can have secular godparents. Go for it. It's an excellent idea to have people lined up, so to speak, to take care if your children in case something happens to the parents.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godparents#Non-religious_context

"Godparent is also used, in absence of a "religious reason", as a stated person (be it family member or close friend) who is responsible for the child in the event of both parents' demise or incapacition."

And, re. the person who said you won't have anything on paper: not true; all you need to do is put it in a will.

(Which I suspect has more weight these days, if written properly, than anything a church hands out.)

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Non-religious and wondering: Godparents without baptism? Can you choose godparents and have no baptism?
Can you choose godparents and have no baptism? Will the godparents' roll change if the baby is not baptized? We're not religious and do not attend church (unless my grandmother requests it), however we would like to have that special "sponsor" or guardian for our child(ren). ...

Answer 6

A godparent is a person who sponsors a child at baptism and assumes responsibility for the child's faith in case of the death or incapacity of the parents. Without a faith there can be no godparent.

Answer 7

You can do whatever you want, we are a non religious family too, it wouldn't be pointless at all, just let the godparents you choose know what your definition of the role of godparent is, I'm sure they'll still be quite honored!

Answer 8

You know I asked a similar question before and got alot of grief for it. I chose God parents for my son because both my husband and I have them and were baptized and even though we do not attend church and would like to have our son baptized, that is something that we'll have to wait on. I think it's a great idea, Someone that isn't judging your child to be a safe haven for your child.

Answer 9

No, it wouldn't be pointless. It's called looking ahead and planning for your children's physical needs. You should probably have it stated in a will, so if something happens to you, others can't contest it.

Answer 10

yes you can ...what you might want to do is have a non religious dedication ...where you more or less ask the sponsors to guide, be their friends and support the child in any religion the child chooses when the child is old enough to do so. that is what we did you can email me if you want and i can help you with it if you want. we had an out door ceremony and a light luncheon after.