Nonbelievers' Infants Baptized???

[missmuffet]

I do not believe in infant baptism. It makes no sense to me.

It does not make any sense to me either.I came from a denomination which insisted that their infants were baptized. They believed that infants were not saved because they were born into sin.If they died they would not go to heaven.

[Philitus]

 

I do not believe in infant baptism. It makes no sense to me.

It does not make any sense to me either.I came from a denomination which insisted that their infants were baptized. They believed that infants were not saved because they were born into sin.If they died they would not go to heaven.

 

 

Historically Christian's always baptized children up until the 15th Century. We at least know this back until the 2nd Century. Also David in psalm 51 points out that he was born into sin. Jesus saying "don't deny the children to come to me" and whole households getting baptized is where the doctrine of infant baptism arise from.

 

I believe that baptism is a means of grace, it is a promise of God with the water. Because of this promise, I baptize my children. I hope that clarifies why churches that practice infant baptism do so.

[cozmoe]

I agree with bopeep {, pressure from family,} even though your not baptized into the christian faith

[Sevenseas]

maybe for the same reason that couples who never go to church want to be married in one..........right...didn't give a reason

[missmuffet]

maybe for the same reason that couples who never go to church want to be married in one..........right...didn't give a reason

That is an interesting point.Maybe because it is tradition.Nothing to do with being a Christian.But then what kind of a pastor would marry someone in a situation like that?

[OakWood]

Maybe, just maybe, there's a twinge of fear there too. Many non-believers are in denial, but a little tiny part of them is worried that the existence of God is true. I know people like that. They are more what you would call Agnostics rather than Atheists.

[Sevenseas]

 

maybe for the same reason that couples who never go to church want to be married in one..........right...didn't give a reason

That is an interesting point.Maybe because it is tradition.Nothing to do with being a Christian.But then what kind of a pastor would marry someone in a situation like that?

 

 

 

You know, thinking about this point a little further (farther?...whatever), I can see how marriage in a church between non-believers and or a pastor allowing such, actually WEAKENS said church

as a body of believers.  Wondering if you see that?

 

I do know of one pastor who refused (some years back now) to marry a couple...actually the daughter and boyfriend of a friend..because they were not believers, they were living together and had

already had 2 children.  People were angry at him.....but why?  They just went and got married in a Catholic church.....so, any church was good apparently

 

If the church stands for something (not the building) then should it allow unbelievers to bring questionable behavior into the building and use the body as witnesses?  OK...maybe I am getting

too philosophical.....

[Littlelambseativy]

Infant Baptism in some denominations is the same as dedication in others. When baptized it is the parents and the congregation that promise to bring the children up in the nurture and admonition of God - though the greater role applies to the parents.

It is merely symbolic as is dedication and also symbolic of passing through the first water - at birth obviously the child when of a certain age is accountable for himself until then it is the parents who are accountable. As in the Jewish tradition it is the age of 12-14.

[Fez]

Infant Baptism in some denominations is the same as dedication in others. When baptized it is the parents and the congregation that promise to bring the children up in the nurture and admonition of God - though the greater role applies to the parents.

It is merely symbolic as is dedication and also symbolic of passing through the first water - at birth obviously the child when of a certain age is accountable for himself until then it is the parents who are accountable. As in the Jewish tradition it is the age of 12-14.

I like this answer. In our church parents dedicate infants (actually themselves), to raising the child in a Christian manner. Both the infant "baptism" , or the dedication of the parents are good things, as long as it is understood that there is no "saving" going on, if you get my drift.....

[ladypeartree]

 Ever heard of " fire insirance " ?? You dont really believe that you home is going to catch fire but you want to protect yoursleves " JUST IN CASE " ..the same applies to a lot of parents that dont want to walk in a Christian manner as itis too inconvienient to give up some sins but are looking for the best for their children without really understanding the concept at all. It is NOT the parents that are at fault but the priests who perforem a social function from what should be a dedication to God

 

as for getting married in a church ( small letters not THE Church ) I know several girls who actually measured the aisle to chose the longest so they could show off the gown to best advantage and the vicars/priests make a token gesture of expecting them to come to the building to listen to the banns being read simply because it is a lucrative buisness and they make a lot of money on weddings