I was raised Roman Catholic although not strictly. I just had a baby girl 7 months ago and am getting pressured into baptizing her.
Now that I am an adult, I feel that I no longer share the same beliefs as the Roman Catholic religion and dont believe in Baptisim.
I work full time and am a full time mother, I dont have time to plan a baptisim and a party to make other people happy. What to do?
I would imagine that I am going to get some negitive responses but, honestly, save it. I have my beliefs and dont push my beliefs on others. Please dont push your beliefs on me.
2007-12-18 08:34:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The pressure is coming from a bit from my father but more so from my inlaws. My boyfriend, is Christian but isn't strict either.
I mean, I know it wont hurt but, if they want it that bad, I feel that they should plan it. Not me.
2007-12-18 08:46:57 · update #1
honestly if you really don't believe in baptizing your baby then don't... simple as that. if it's something you want to do but just can't find the time to plan a party and do all that stuff, then forget the party... it shouldn't take that long to call a church and arrange a date and have your baby baptized... who needs a party
2007-12-18 08:39:55 · answer #1 · answered by Yvonne 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not only should you not feel pressure to have a party and buy cute outfits, you are missing the entire point of baptism in doing this. If you don't have Catholic beliefs any more, fine, I'm assuming you're still Christian. Consider what you are doing, then. You, a Christian, are laying your child at the foot of the cross, to have water poured on it as the Holy Spirit was poured out on God's people. Or sprinkled as with the stripes from the blood of the Lamb. Babies need a Savior, too, and you are recognizing that, and would be bringing that young one up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
You say you don't believe in Baptism. OK. But please respect the rite, it doesn't have to be the Catholic way, but you should want it for your child. Baptism is scriptural, and it most definitely is for infants as well as adults.
2007-12-18 23:44:18 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A baptism is only valid if the parents intend to raise the child Catholic.
You obviously do not intend to do this. Call the priest and explain to him that your parents want you to go through the motions and have the baby baptized, but you have no intention of raising the child to learn, know and understand the Catholic faith. Ask him if he would baptize the baby in that situation.
He will likely say no. So ask him if you can have that in writing. Show it to your parents and tell them that the Church is on YOUR side on this one.
P.S. Lack of timing to plan a party is no reason. A party is not part of the baptism.
Also, I actually disagree with your beliefs -- I'm Catholic and all my kids are baptized, but the fact of the matter is that any baptism would be invalidated by your refusal to raise the kids Catholic.
2007-12-18 17:29:56 · answer #3 · answered by sparki777 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
just baptize the baby and keep the grandparents happy, and who says you have to have a party. my niece just had her son baptized in secret (her husband, baby's father) didnt want the baby baptized. it doesn't have to be a big ordeal. the only problem i see, is if you do not belong to a church, how do you expect a priest to baptize your baby, unless he's very liberal, and then i wouldn't waste my time on him. let the wanting grandparent get the job done since you do not have time. I know if this was my grandchild, i would personally see that the baptism was done, if the parent didn't want to do it.
2007-12-18 17:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie L 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You decide as an adult what is best for you and your family. Stick to your guns! They will get over it. Besides, Catholics get their babies baptized before 7 mos. anyways. If you were going to do so. Don't they realize you would have done so by now?
2007-12-18 16:38:51 · answer #5 · answered by paula r 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Whos pressuring you? Is it family?
Sometimes it's better just to make Granny happy.
You have the option of letting your baby be baptized, and only invite the close family, and ask Grandma to have a dinner at her house.
2007-12-18 16:40:06 · answer #6 · answered by Sister blue eyes 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Then don't baptize your child. I really do not see the issue, you are an adult, aren't you?
I mean it can come as no surprise to your family, I am sure you are not a regular church-goer.
2007-12-18 16:38:23 · answer #7 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋