Sorry I have one more question on the baby blessing in the Mormon church. What exactly is the purpose of giving the baby a "name"?? Where do they get the name?? This seems pretty cult-like to me???
2007-05-28 18:54:39 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The naming of a child is to let the Church records know what the name will be. Priesthood holders also give the child a blessing as the Spirit guids at that time as well. I can tell you that it was the most moving moment in my life when I had a chance to bless my son. I'm so grateful to have the Priesthood in my life and I'm able to give blessing to my family when they are sick or afflicted. I won't tell you what was said during my sons blessing... it's far to personal and sacred. If you were there you could have heard it, but now I ponder it in my mind.
Nothing "cult like" about it just a statement of the name in which the child shall be known, and like most things in the Church it is done so in the Holy name of our Savior Jesus Christ.
2007-05-28 19:05:46 · answer #1 · answered by Bubblewrap 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What other's have posted is correct. It isn't a required ordinance. It is a special blessing which gives the parents (yes both) the opportunity to bless their child. The father who holds the priesthood gives the blessing, but he should consult with his wife and fully discuss it with her. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring your family together. With this said, blessings have also gotten a bit out of control. For example, the number of priesthood holders in the circle keeps traditionally getting bigger. Too many people make it difficult for the blessing physically and spiritually. Please don't misunderstand my inttentions, but Immediate family and very close friends are encourage. However, you don't need to fall into the tradition of having everyone there so someone doesn't get offended. It isn't a status symbol for those participating it is a blessing for your little one. The next thing would be having everyone over for a lunch, dinner, or snack. You almost need a activity handbook on that now days. Of the blessing we have done we have had one at home which was very special. I felt more comfortable and it was wonderful. For the other two, they were done in the ward during a sacrament meeting. They too were special and I wouldn't have changed a thing. You may think that your little one may not need it right now, but sometimes within those blessings there is inspiration for us as parents. It puts things into perspective of how special this little one is. My wife and I were discussing the other day about our youngest's blessing. He was a difficult baby, and after the blessing there was one particular thing which I thought "where did that come from". Now after seeing him grow a little bit and getting his own little personality we can see how that blessing has come about. Take advantage of the opportunity. You might not fully realize it now, but you will!
2016-05-20 04:34:20 · answer #2 · answered by arlena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They get the name from mommy and daddy, just like everyone else. The blessing is supposed to be done by the baby's father, and the parents are the ones who give the baby the name. The blessing is just sort of making it official, that this is the name the baby will be known as.
A blessing of a baby is not something that is a necessary ordinance, at least, not that I know of. I think (IMHO) it's sort of a celebration or welcoming or something.
2007-05-29 02:03:32 · answer #3 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The purpose is to "announce" the name of the baby that will be known in church records to the congregation, and the name is the one they're given when they're born. My opinion is that it's no more cult like than a christening in other Christian religions, or baptizing a baby (I understand a baby blessing better than baptizing a baby, which is to purify and cleanse a spirit from sin... how can a baby sin when they don't know right from wrong?)
2007-05-29 05:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by jenn_in_spokane 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As the father of the Baby, you are the patriarch of the family.
And you are entitled to inspiration that only the family patriarch can received. It is really not cult like, it is actually a very public ritual that even non-member can see and hear what is taking place.
Naming the Baby is basically acknowleding to the church and God, what you will called the Baby, and give a blessing to the baby as inspired.
2007-05-28 19:20:28 · answer #5 · answered by Wahnote 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Giving the baby a name is no more cult like than putting his name on his birth certificate. it's the name he/she is picked by her parents to be the baby's name ie:the childs name is michael david smith, that is the name they say when blessing the baby. the blessing is just that. it's to bless the child, ie: bless you with health etc. it's basically presenting your child to the world. this is what he will be known by, etc, etc. i hope all the answers have helped you understand it a little bit more.
2007-05-28 20:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by pono7 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a custom in the church. It is an opportunity to present the baby to the members of the church in the local unit. Nothing wrong with giving a baby a blessing. It reminds me of what Jesus did in his mortal ministry.
2007-05-29 08:42:05 · answer #7 · answered by Doctor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The parents make up the name...it's what's printed on the birth certificate. It's the name that the child will be known by during his/her mortal life. It's the kid's legal, given, non-secret name. It's not rocket science here.
2007-05-29 16:11:48 · answer #8 · answered by Fotomama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just the name the parents have picked.
2007-05-28 18:58:37 · answer #9 · answered by McLovin 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋