I'm not trying to start a war on whether they should or should not (we can all make our own minds up there), and I'm not talking about people who do non-religious ceremonies to welcome children into the world. I am simply asking why so many people who do not believe in and/or practice any religion themselves have their children baptized (or the equivalent). I started to wonder this after many parents in my playgroup had their children baptized although they don't follow the religion themselves, but I thought it might be rude to ask them in person.
Thanks.
2007-08-29 08:33:38 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Since children cannot articulate their desires it is up to the parents to do so for them. A baby can't make it's own mind up in this case. Parents know there are issues with organised religion but if they believe in something, and they happen to be wrong, their child may suffer because of their way of thinking and doing. Baptizing a child hurts no one and neither does bringing them to church at a certain age. It doesn't change the mindset of the parent but it gives the child something to think about when they come of age to decide for themselves. I think it's a good thing and not hypocritical in the least.
2007-08-29 08:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by Chris B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who were raised as a particular religion, and now no longer practice it regulary for a variety of reasons. However, even though I am not exactly a religious person, I do feel that I owe it to my future children to expose them to religion so they can make their minds up for themselves someday. My boyfriend and I were both raised Catholic, and now we rarely ever go to church- usually just for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve with his family- because we both sort of identify ourselves as agnostic, and we feel that many of the practices and beliefs in the Catholic religion are somewhat outdated and small-minded (no offense to any practicing Catholics out there). Still, though, when we have kids, we've already decided to baptize them in the Catholic religion and take them to church on a semi-regular basis just so they will have experience in that area of life. Then, when they get older, if they'd like to study any other religions or maybe just be more spiritual than religious, we can know in our hearts that it was a decision they came to themselves and we didn't force them one way or the other about it.
2007-08-29 15:45:25 · answer #2 · answered by fizzygurrl1980 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My grandparents had my Dad and his sister baptized in what has remained the religion i follow. They themselves however did not get baptized. They said it was because they knew it was teaching wonderful ideas and a way of life they wanted thier kids to follow, but they were set in thier ways and and didn't want to change themselves. Honestly, I feel blessed that they did this because now I have a strong faith and religion in my family with my kids.
2007-08-29 15:42:02 · answer #3 · answered by Cowgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that parents that do not practice the religion get their children baptized not only because of tradition. They may recognize the significance and want their child to be apart of it.
2007-08-29 15:43:52 · answer #4 · answered by Joy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Husband and I decided not to baptize our children, but we did get a lot of pressure from my family (Roman Catholic) to have it done.
I am sure that some do it just to make the family happy. Hypocritical, I don't think so.
2007-08-29 16:09:27 · answer #5 · answered by Aundrea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend was baptized but her parents are totally not religious...not necessarily Atheist...but just not religious at all. When she asked her mom why they did it, her mom said it was for 2 reasons.
#1--It made the grandparents happy (the grandparents were practicing Catholics).
#2--Just in case...as in "just in case we were wrong, we just wanted to make sure our daughter's soul didn't go to Hell."
My parents are/were very very religious but didn't do any kind of religious ceremony for me when I was born. They did for my older brother when he was born. But when I came along...they just sort of didn't think it was too important. Doesn't really matter to me though.
2007-08-29 16:02:03 · answer #6 · answered by mari m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the priest were doing his job, he would not allow it...No child should be baptized unless the priest knows for sure that the child will be raised in the Church..I dont get it, but that's what happens with people now adays....
Hold fast to tradition
2007-08-29 15:58:44 · answer #7 · answered by Momto8gr8 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know anyone who has ever done that. The only baptisms I've attended were for children of religious parents. What a terrible 'trend'.
2007-08-29 17:05:17 · answer #8 · answered by ~Biz~ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definately pressure from family members. I'm not religious..or wasn't at the time. But yes....family members. I actually had nothing to do with it. I just brought the babies along.
2007-08-29 15:56:58 · answer #9 · answered by Kitten916 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess would be that it is because of pressure placed on them by a religious family (or family member) or in honor of a family member possibly.
2007-08-29 15:42:26 · answer #10 · answered by prncesbuttrkup 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋