When an eight-year-old child gets baptized is he/she freely choosing to do so?

Answer 1

They may think they have made the choice themselves, but of course they didn't.
Its all conditioning from the parents and the church.
They have been guided to make certain 'choices', but they don't fully understand all of the choices that are out there.
We don't allow children independent legal status for a reason.

Answer 2

Eight years of age is seen as being the "age of accountability" where a child can freely discern right from wrong. It is assumed that by 8 years of age, the child is knowingly understanding the reason and commitment associated with baptism. While anyone under the age of 18 is still considered a minor and falls under the guidance of a parent, the child is making the choice to get baptized or not. An 8 year old has far more accountability than a infant who is baptized in certain religions.

Answer 3

Yes they are. When a child grows up learning in the church they know that eight is the age. Most children are very excited to get baptised when they turn eight and it's a wonderful day for them. If they don't want to be baptised they don't have to but i have never ever seen or heard of an eight year old not wanting to get baptised. That's because we look at it in a positive and exciting way not another way to put down the church.

Answer 4

I personally think that it can depend on the kid and the environment he/she grew up in. I've known 8 year olds who are very childish, and I've known 8 year olds who are very mature (mentally). At that age, they can decide on so many things already, baptism is simply another choice (and, I might point out, the average 8 year old can make that decision a lot better than an infant can).

Answer 5

Maybe...there can be, in some churches, a lot of pressure. My husband, for example, went to church one morning and his father said, "Son, you are being baptized today." and that was that (in the ocean no less!). I refused and didn't get baptized until I was an adult. I know people who really felt the need to be baptized young without pressure.

Answer 6

I think most of the time 8 is a little young, but it really depends on the child. My son was 8 when he told me he wanted to be baptized. I had never discussed it with him before. I asked him why and he explained. I took him to talk to our pastor and we felt he was ready. He kind of was the exception to the rule. He's a very smart and loving boy and was ready. He was tested as Gifted and Talented in kindergarten (not bragging, just showing he's bright and understood). But like I said, 8 is usually a little young imo. My daughter made the decision when she was 10 and that was right for her. They knew right from wrong. They understood God's commands. They know in their hearts that Jesus is The Messiah. And before anyone says it's brainwashing, they had also been introduced to other religions by myself, friends and books we read. The choice was and still is theirs to make. I'm just glad they chose wisely.

God Bless.

Answer 7

most of the time, i would say 8 is not old enough to know.

there are those rare, mature children who may be able to decide for themselves at this age to pursue religion.

for the most part, i believe it's something that parents assume their children would have done anyway, so may as well do it when they're young, right? =(

Answer 8

In my personal opinion, I thing that is too young. I know teenagers who aren't mature enough to truly make this decision on their own. So, my answer is: most likely, no. I think they do it at that age because they want to please their parents who are often pushing for it. I think it's a much more honest expression of faith if a person is older - teens and up.

Answer 9

My daughter will be 8 very soon. She is so excited to be baptised. We are leaving it to her to decide. We do not want to force her. We want her to be prepared. My husband especially doesn't want her to come to us and tell us we were wrong or something. I want her to take that responsibilty for herself.
As for myself - I was baptised at 8 a few months after my mum did. I didn't know much about the Church. I want my girl to understand.

Answer 10

Of course not. An eight-year-old is not mature enough to make an independent, objective decision about religion. While they may express a desire to be baptised, this is only because they have been conditioned to do so by their parents.