catholics, why do we get baptized as a baby?

Question

a friend of mine is a Baptist, and she was baptized at age 8 - which was when she decided to be baptized. another friend got baptized at 19. why do Catholics get baptized at like a few months?

(serious and respectable answers plz....)

Answer 1

Cathy, though you called it a Sacrament of Initiation, Catholics believe in baptism regeneration.

Baptism is a ordinance (sacrament) of the New Testament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, signify and seal our in-grafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Most importantly, neither Baptism nor Circumcision saved any, as it is an outward sign and seal signifying the inward regeneration accomplished by triune God.

Answer 2

The Catholic Church teaches, "Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called."

Infant baptism is not a new thing. There are non-biblical documented sources starting in the second century telling of infant Baptism.

There are even several passages in the Bible where whole households were baptized. This would include everyone who lived there, men, women, children, and infants.

Acts 16:15, "After she and her household had been baptized"

Acts 16:33, "then he and all his family were baptized at once."

Acts 18:8, "came to believe in the Lord along with his entire household, and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized."

1 Corinthians 1:16, "I baptized the household of Stephanas"

St. Paul wrote that baptism has replaced circumcision (Col 2:11-12), and in Judaism circumcision was performed primarily on infants.

By the way, infant baptism is also practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Church of the Nazarene, Reformed Church in America, Episcopalians, United Church of Christ (UCC), Presbyterians, Continental Reformed, and others. Together, these constitute over 80% of all those who call themselves Christians.

For more information, see Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 1250: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2.htm#1250

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

Christians believe that babies are born with Original Sin. Christians also believe that if you die without being baptized, without accepting Jesus as the Son of God, you will be damned to Hell for eternity.

During the Dark Ages, infant mortality rates were extremely high. In order to secure their child's entrance into Heaven, parents baptized their babies as soon as possible. It has become a tradition since then.

There is a movement among Christians, Catholics too, to wait for the child to reach an age when s/he can decide to be baptised or not. It is not just Catholics who baptize babies, most Christians do.

Answer 4

Because we want salvation for our children and 1 Peter 3:21 tells us that baptism saves us. Baptism washes away the stain of original sin, making the individual pure in the eyes of God, and places an indelible mark on the soul. This mark indicates that we belong to the Body of Christ. Colossians 2:11-12 tells us that baptism has replaced circumcision as the rite of initiation into God's family. Circumcision in the Old Testament was performed as a sign of the covenant between man and God at the age of 8 days (Genesis 17:12). Does God love infants and desire their salvation any less today than He did at the time of Abraham?

A conscious interaction does not have to take place between both parties in order for a personal relationship to exist. If it did, we would not have a personal relationship with our earthly family until several years after we were born. Babies, because they are God's children, have a very personal relationship with God. They may not have any concept of who God is, but this doesn't prevent God from caring for the child, protecting it, and sending His blessings upon it.

Infant baptism has been practiced since very early in the history of the Church. There are writings from the 2nd century which attest to this practice and the Bible itself refers to whole households which received baptism; no doubt including the infants therein (Acts 16:15; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 1:16). There is nothing in Holy Scripture which erects barriers to or forbids infant baptism.

Answer 5

It is a Sacrament of Initiation, the starting of Christian life. It washes away original sin that separates us from God.

Actually the three Sacraments Baptism (infant), First Communion (childhood) and Confirmation (young Adult) all experienced at different times are all Sacraments of Initiation (that is why when an adult ,who is fully capable of making the decision, they receive all three Sacraments at the same time). You are not considered a fully initiated Catholic until you have received all three.

This is usually why religions that do not have infant Baptism usually do not have confirmation and if they do it is not a Sacrament.

Each of the Sacraments initiates (introduces us to new aspect of our God)

Baptism- received into the Father's family
Eucharist- receive the body and blood sacrifice of the Son
Confirmation- Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit

EDIT:
Steve, I said that baptism washes away original sin hence a per aquam in verbo. I avoid the use of the word regeneration least the Catholic concept of rebirth be confused with modern day "born again" concept of intense conversion experience.

Answer 6

I'm Orhtodox not Catholic but I'm going to anseer any way iit is to being a child into the church the question is why do Cathoics wait so long before Chrismating a child and giving them comunion?

Answer 7

In the early church, whole families were baptised together.
Children were included, assuming they'd be raised Christian.
There was a good chance of parents being martyred.
So godparents were appointed to raise the children.
Baptism frees us from original sin & gives the Holy Spirit.
This is still the practice in Catholic & Orthodox churches.

Answer 8

Because Catholics beleive that if you are baptised, you automatically get into heaven. Therefore, it is important to baptize babies asap in case anything should happen to them. Once you are baptized Catholic, they consider you theirs for life regardless of what religion you actually practice.

Answer 9

We are baptized early to invite children into the church. It is meant to be an acceptance sacrament.

Answer 10

My wife used to be a catholic , they are afraid of not going to heaven and do all these extras thinking it will help make sure they are going to heaven . If it is any thing man does to get to heaven , then why did Jesus suffer so much , shed his innocent blood and die on the cross for then ? Ephesians 2:8.9