Baptising Babies

The Reasons for Baptising Babies

I strongly disagree with the statement “Baptising babies is pointless”. I believe baptising babies is a very important practice in many Christian countries. From the days of the early church children have been baptised so I do not see it to be pointless. However I can see the other side of the argument, as babies cannot make their own decisions.

Many parents wish for their child to be baptised as a baby and believe that when the child comes of age he\she can decide whether or not to follow the Christian life in which they have been brought up in. These parents believe that by baptising their children they are giving then the best possible start to life by bringing

Many parents see baptism as one of the best things they can do for their child.

In baptism the candidate is cleansed from original sin. Original sin is a weakness in all humans, which keeps us in a state of separation from God and so many people seen it as the very important to rid an infant of this burden of life as soon as possible. The grace we receive in baptism overcomes this weakness in us all and brings God into our lives.

For centuries infants have been baptised, almost from the very start of the church. There is much evidence to back this up. In the New Testament there is even word of whole households being baptised, the word “oikos” is used which includes children.

Polycarp was an early Christian, there is evidence that he too was baptised as a child. He was offered a deal that he would be spared if he would give up Christ, but he replied

“I have served the Lord for eighty years and will not desert him now” =====================================================================

Polycarp said he had been a Christian for over eighty years, which suggests that he was baptised as a

God’s grace that we receive in baptism is a source of strength and guidance. Baptism is also a sign of Gods unconditional love for us. It shows he loves us always, regardless of how we live our lives god is always there for us and we can always turn to him.

However I do see there is an argument, which supports this statement.

Some Christians believe people should be able to make their own personal commitment to God when they believe they are ready. As infants the babies do not understand what is happening and are unable to make their decisions and so some believe that they should not have a religion forced on them.

Jesus was baptised as an adult as were many early Christians. People believe Jesus was setting an example, which we should follow.

The bible order says

“Repent, believe and be baptised”

Obviously infants are much too young to be baptised. Baptism is a ceremony of commitment and it is seen a completely meaningless ceremony by some Christians unless the candidate understands fully what is happening and has full belief in God and of course babies