*Serious Answers Only Please* Do you believe that a child should be baptised?

Question

Should we baptise or children or wait til they are old enough to decide?

Answer 1

I think it should be the child's choice. It's a very serious ritual, with serious meaning for that persons life. It shouldn't be done before they can truly understand what it means for them.

Answer 2

Child baptism came about when Christians began having children and wanted to bring them up in the faith. The Church was agreeable but had no way to acknowledge them. Baptism was the first sacrament of initiation into the community. One couldn't just make up a "sacrament" that had any doctrinal meaning, so baptism became the acknowledgement, even though the children could not make the required faith commitment. That's how "godparents" came about, as members of the community to help provide witness to the faith beyond the family unit.

But there is still a doctrinal problem. Making a proxy pledge of this kind is a dodgy proposition. Even if the "witnessing" is excellent, the child has his own mind and must make his own choices. But for that matter, even a mature, baptized adult can change her mind afterwards.

The definition of "baptism" is important. If one looks on baptism as an initiation into the Christian community, infant baptism makes some sense. If it is seen as a necessary precaution against hellfire, it makes a different, desperate kind of "sense". But if it is the symbol of a conscious commitment to a new kind of life, then only adult baptism makes sense. The faith tradition of the denomination matters.

Some denominations have special blessing ceremonies to acknowledge and welcome a child into the community without resorting to actual baptism. This is a reasonable solution, but for those denominations that require theological reasons for everything they do, it amounts to a made-up, meaningless act. Neither viewpoint is categorically right or wrong, they are just the different ways that different Chrstians have chosen to respond to a life situation. Baptized or not, people tend to share their faith with their children. If not baptized, there will be some question about the child's status with the community. If the child is already baptized, formal commitment most be acknowledged in other ways, through Comfirmation, for example. But I doubt there is a single "proper" way to do these things. I'd advise any denomination to act consistently with its understanding and not get worked up about the practices of other Christians.

Answer 3

Baptism is a choice so it depends on the child's age and if he/she will be able to decide if he/she wishes to be baptised or not!
My daughter was12 when she was baptised and it was her own decision to do so. She is now 14 years and she is teaching at the Bible school (Already) for the 4 to 7 years old children.
Most of the christian churchs in Brazil do not allow the children to be baptised before they are old enough to choose. The Shepherds present the babies to God in the Name of Jesus and it will be up to the children to decide about everything else.

Answer 4

No I don't believe a child should be baptised. It is when that child comes to the decision themselves is when they should be baptised. My youngest son decided to be baptised in 3rd grade. My other son waited until he was in high school. I supported both of their decisions to do so. In addition to being baptised by water they are baptised in spirit also. They have accepted Jesus into their hearts and live in accordance w/ Jesus teachings and commandments. You must be baptised of water and of spirit. Both are important to enter the kingdom of God. I was baptised at 11 because my friends were all doing it, therefore, I feel the need to be baptised again for all the right reasons. I am 47 years old and plan on being baptised again this year.

Answer 5

In the Bible entire families were baptized (Read Acts). This included the small children. It really comes down to what you believe baptism to mean. Do you think it is purely symbolic an outward sign of your beliefs (this is what most protestants believe) or is it intended to wash away original sin and bring someone into the family of God (Catholic belief). The most important thing is that you raise that child to have a personal relationship with God and that they are baptized at some point - the Bible says that in order to enter heaven you must be baptized by water and the spirit.

Answer 6

I think that you should wait until the child is old enough to understand the meaning behind it and have them chose for theirself whether or not they want to be baptised. It is another commitment to God and how can you impose that on someone who has no idea what is going on or whether or not that is what they want?

Answer 7

As a child, I was *told* it was time I was baptized, and by our preacher no less..... that is when I walked away from any *organized* religion....... being baptized is personal and a VERY private matter between the person , no matter what age, and God...... and I am one of those who is baptized, I was baptized in my own home a few years back, but does not believe it is a *have to* thing...... baptism is an outward sign of dedication of faith, NOT a sign of * here I am people* thing...... done for the wrong reasons baptism is and or can be a dangerous thing, for the spirit as well as the mind...... go in peace........ God bless

Answer 8

If it's parents is a Christian yes. I am an Atheist. I would never have one of my children baptized. A parent is responsible for educating their children in their own beliefs. It doesn't hurt a child to be baptized. And it really makes no difference. I was baptized when I was a child. It had anything to do with what I am now.
BB

Answer 9

The common factor in all NT baptisms is that the people were old enough to make a conscious decision. The only "children" who should be baptized are those who are old enough to understand and make a conscious decision to accept Christ. This age could range anywhere from 7 or 8 to teenage years. It differs for each child, because the maturity level differs. It is pointless to baptize a baby who could grow up to be an atheist. God does not send babies to Hell for not knowing. My God is a God of love and justice.

Answer 10

I don't believe that a child should be baptized. In my religion what we do is present the child to God in front of the church so that the child can be presented until they get older and have an understanding of God and the religion and they can decide for themselves whether or not they want to get baptized.

Answer 11

We had are children dedicated with a prayer when they was a couple weeks old. When a child comes to acknowledge Jesus as his/her saviour and wants to be baptised who are we to say no. If they are intrested then let them. But for you to make the decision I say No. Let them decide.