Is child baptism correct?

Question

In christianity many denominations have child baptisms but many others believe in baptism at a later stage when they are old enough to understand(18yrs or so).What I dont understand is that if a child is not baptised how can they be called a christian

Answer 1

no baptisim is an outward expression of your christianity it is not a have to

Answer 2

There is no case or instructions given for child baptism in the New Testament. The good news and the need to be a Christian is only for people who are lost or separated from God. No one believes and the Bible does not teach that an unbaptized baby who dies goes to hell. Why? Because the baby is not lost. Matthew 18:11 says little one's are not despised because "their angels in heaven always behold the Father's face." This is a statement of complete innocence. The idea of inherited sin from Adam is of gnostic origin that taught all material flesh is evil, created by the evil creator god. Catholics and most Protestants teach inherited sin yet not one believes a baby who dies unbaptized goes to hell.

The idea of infant baptism began in the second century as only an emergency measure when the child was ill. Then Cyprian and Origen spoke of a "stain" attached to birth, and they both had gnostic leanings. Then Augustine, who had been a gnostic, was the first to speak of and define the doctrine of "original sin." Aristides was earlier than these and said children were converted through "persuasion" which means when they old enough to understand and make their own decision to be baptized.

Mark 16:15,16 baptism is for those who believe
Acts 2:38 personal repentance before baptism
Acts 8:12 baptized after believing
Acts 8:35,36 baptized after being taught
Acts 16:15 baptized as a personal response
Acts 16:31-34 baptized after hearing
Acts 18:8 baptized after hearing and believing
Acts 19:5 baptized after hearing instruction
Romans 6:17-18 baptism is personally obeyed from the heart
I Peter 3:21 baptism is a personal pledge to keep a clear conscience toward God

Answer 3

A Christian is someone who is truly following Christ at any age--with or without baptism. Baptism is a symbol of the dedication a person makes to do God's will in their life rather than their own. This can be done anytime a child is old enough to make that decision and follow through with it. The parents and other mature Christians should help the child get to that point and be instrumental in deciding whether or not the child is actually ready. This step should not be taken lightly.

Answer 4

You made a great point in your additional details, that if a child is not baptized, there is nothing distinguishing it from other children of other faiths, or no faith. Arminians are ok with this, all children under the age of reason are going to go to heaven anyway. But there is a strong parallel between baptism and circumcision in that manner, the entire family, i.e. household, was marked out by God. This is not to say that anyone was saved by circumcision anymore than baptism saves us today. The covenant belongs to God, not man. No incantations to control Him are going to work, there is only a following of his commandment and a desire to be marked as God's property.

Answer 5

Catholics have their babies baptized because they beleive the baby is born with Original Sin. The baptism is a way for the parents to present their child to God and the Church.

Christians (protestants) beleive baptism is more of giving your self and your heart to God/Jesus and is a conscious decision made after you know the consequences. Catholics also have an adult ceremony called Confirmation.

Good question!

Answer 6

Babtism is not going to wash away the sin or going to give you a place in heaven (whether you are a child or adult).

With respect to child baptism, my understanding from the christinaity is that it is a commitment from the parents (they called them as 'god parents', which invovelves the biological parents and some adult relatives from the family and church)that they will bring the child with good charactor and faith in god. It is like a ritual similar to oath in our assembly where newly elected members read the mandatory statments related to loyality, confidentiality etc.

"So child baptism is not for the child, but for those who are responsibile for brining up the child"

One of the fundamental issue about religions in India is, people don't know the underlying intention of any rituals (though not all rituals are meaningful or lost their meaning in todays world)

Answer 7

Child baptism is not correct. See, baptism is NOT what saves you or make you a Christian (neither does going to church, believing in God, or any of that). The only thing you have to do to become saved from sin is to repent of your sins and believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again, and you'll be forgiven! Baptism was symbolic (though it is commanded by God) to show that you have been cleansed; purged by the blood of the Lamb and are now a new creation (or born again), and it's a public proclamation of your faith. It is to take place only AFTER the person has come to true salvation and personally accepted Christ as their Savior...and age doesn't matter. As long as it's a true, repentant heart that realizes how deep the sin is, how holy God is, and how much we need salvation from hell eternally.
It's not a works/deeds issue; it's a heart/faith issue. Read this link, please; it will clear things up: http://www.bible.ca/g-why-be-baptized.htm

Answer 8

Baptism is a symbol of a person's voluntary dedication to God, after careful personal study. A Christian is someone who follows Christ's figurative footsteps. To the extent that a child endeavors to follow Christs footsteps as much as he/she understands about his life course & teachings, to this extent he can/cannot be considered Christian, even before baptism. Baptism does not make one a Christian. It is merely a symbol of one's submitting their life --in full in the future-- to do God's will.

One's Decision to Serve God
http://watchtower.org/library/rq/index.htm?article=article_16.htm

A Child's Early Years--What Should Parents Do?:
~ One's Role as a Parent
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/10/22a/article_01.htm

Answer 9

No child baptism is not correct as the little child does not fully understands the meaning of this precious moment in His or Her life as baptism is not just taking a dip in water but a great meaning is hidden behind it that the child can only undersatnds when he or she grows up.

Answer 10

Jesus was baptized at age 30, baptism has two important aspects. One, it is for a remission of sin, children do not sin because they dont know right from wrong yet. Two, it is to show obedience to God's commandments, Jesus was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness", Jesus didnt have any sins, but still needed baptism because he followed all of God's commandments. We should follow his example and be baptized as He was, in the manner that He was, and for the same reasons, and by someone who has the proper authority from God to do so.

Answer 11

Children should be baptized into the church. The majority of Christians from the being of the church believe and follow this. It is important for salvation. What if the child dies before it becomes an adult? Also I think that baptism keeps the child's soul safe.