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3rd Trimester
wwyd? Infant baptism
DH and I have a great church that we have been attending for about 2 years now. ( It is a non-denominational Christian church) DH was baptized by our pastor about 4 months ago, and I was baptized as a baby in another church. We recently asked our pastor how he felt about infant baptism, and he will not baptize a baby. He does not view a child mature enough to make such a decision until age 10 or so.
DH and I were brought up, and still believe, that infant baptism is an important way to dedicate a child's life to Christ, and that the personal acceptance of Jesus happens when a child is old enough to understand the choice.
I'm uncomfortable with the thought of not having my baby baptized as an infant, but our church does not agree.
wwyd?
I don't feel right looking for another church or pastor that I don't know to baptize our child, and yet I can't imagine not having it done.
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Re: wwyd? Infant baptism
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Let me preface this with I'm Jewish.
If it is important to you then you should reconsider your church. It doesn't sound like your aligned on a very fundamental christian belief. This is soley based on my experience with my friends. Note: I'm from Boston so we're talking Irish Catholic.
I agree with pp; if there is a church back home that you could do it at, that would be the best option.
I'll preface this: I'm Roman Catholic and we believe that Baptism is the gateway sacrament, welcoming the baby into God's family. Confirmation is the sacrament that comes closer to older children/adult baptism outside of Catholicsm - it is the adolescent's choice to take more adult responsibility for their faith at that point.
And I'll probably get flamed, but here goes: if you strongly believe in infant baptism and the church you are attending does not, that's a conflict. Maybe you and DH need to closely examine what beliefs/values that your church holds, the ones that you two hold, and see where there are issues that can arise, such as this one. I know it sounds mean or whatever, but that's something you and DH really need to consider.
Good luck!?
We do have a very close family friend who is a pastor (he married DH and I), but he lives a good 17-18 hours away.
I guess I just hate the fact that while we feel so at home with our church, there is a huge difference in how we view something so important to DH and I.
It doesn't sound mean at all, we've talked this same point over and over and just feel really torn at this point.
Hmm, is there a way that your pastor would be willing to bless your baby or do something quasi-baptismal but not quite a baptism? If not, I would find another church.
I probably shouldn't say this but I don't see the advantage of baptizing at 10 versus as an infant. I mean, how many 10 year olds are really able to make their own choices anyway? At that age, I was still doing what my parents told me to do. If my parents wanted me baptized at 10, I would have gone along with it then too. Even when I was confirmed at 13, it was still something that me and a lot of my peers felt we should do just because of what we had been doing and our families wanted.
It's such a hard line to say when someone is really making their own choices, outside of when they become an adult. I may be stunted spiritually, but it wasn't until I was an adult that I really felt I chose my religion.
I already posted one here, but I had another comment. In most Christian churches (and when I say most, I really mean I don't know of a Christian church that doesn't do this, but I just don't know) baptism is a fully submerged under water thing. Not like how the Catholics to it but just sprinkling the water in there head. So that should be completely understandable why you Pastor won't do it. A Christian Baptism is the washing of sins and dedication into a church. Infants do not have sins yet. They are the only innocent beings on earth. That is why most babies are Blessed as infants and are baptized later in life!
Good luck to you on your decision! ?
Honestly, I would just find another church to do it. I also feel that infant baptism is important (although, my church does infant baptism, so that's probably a lot of why I feel that way).
What about the church where you grew up? Do you still know the minister there, could you ask him/her? Do your parents (or DH's parents) go to church -- a lot of churches will baptise their church member's grandchildren.
Please be careful with your wording. Catholics, Episcopalians, and AME Zion churches are three examples of Christian churches that baptize babies. There are many Christian denominations with various traditions and beliefs, but what makes a church Christian is simply the belief in Jesus Christ.
I'm not trying to flame, but I didn't want those who don't know be led incorrectly.
Thanks for the suggestions/opinions!
I just feel, like I'm sure most everybody does, the responsibility of guiding my child spiritually in the best way I can, and it's a little overwhelming sometimes!
Lutherans also baptize babies.
Okay, I'm sorry. I don't like to do this, but I just have to point out a few things.
In both the post I quoted above and your first post, you talk about "most Christian churches" not doing infant baptist. and what a "Christian Baptism" is.
First, Catholicism IS a Christian religion. In fact, it is the original form of Christianity, so for you to differentiate "Christian" from "Catholic" is nothing short of insulting.
Second, I believe you are mistaken as to how "most" baptisms take place. Many, many non-Catholic Christian churches do not do full submersion for baptism. I've actually gone to a lot of different churches in my life (Episcopal, Methodist, and non-demoninational) and I have NEVER seen a full submersion baptism.
Finally, many Christians believe that baptism is to cleanse the person of original sin. Not everyone believes that anyone who dies unbaptised is condemned to hell, but baptism is very, very different from a baby dedication. If the OP wants her baby baptised, a baby dedication is not going to cut it. Confirmation is the equivalent to the concept of adult baptism which many (but not most) protestant denominations practice.
Umm, Catholics are Christians. What is your definition of Christianity?
Oh for F's sake. Please tell me you're not serious. How exactly do you define Christianity, then?
Wow that is cazy to me. I am Catholic and yes I am a Christian.
Excuse me? Since when are us Catholics NOT Christians?! You are aware that the Catholic Church is the original Christian church - and that all other denominations - Protestants, etc. - all broke off from the Catholic Church at some point?
No, lemme guess. You think we worship idols, right? Or some other ignorant belief that still exists? I cannot believe how many people actually believe that we aren't. Do you even know about the Catholic faith at all - or just what stereotypes and ignorances are passed along??
our church does a baby dedication Sunday on mother's day. of course we are baptist and don't believe you should be baptized until you can make that decision for yourself.
Some people have no idea of Church history whatsoever.
Even if your pastor wouldn't do it for you, could you talk to him about what you're feeling and why its important to you? Maybe he has some suggestions? At the non-denominational church we've attended a few times, they don't do infant baptisms, but they do dedications.
I understand that "Christian" means you believe in Jesus Christ, but as far as I've been alive and have had many Catholic friends and have also been to a Catholic church before (was not a member, but did attend with friends a few times), they "worship" (I don't know what word to use correctly) the virgin Mary, not Jesus who died for us. Christians focus on the Lord Jesus Christ because it is because of him we are here and able to be forgive. No where did I say that not being baptized means you're going to hell. Not at all. It's a personal choice.
It's also funny to me that there is only ONE bible and unfortunately some people read it and establish in their own mind what they "think" or "believe" it means. Now I'm not at all saying that I know it all word for word, but when I do not understand something in it, I seek the teachings of someone who does know.?
I also never said that a baptism and baby dedication were the same. They are very different and whatever she wants to do is just fine. It's all personal. However, she already stated that she was baptized as a baby in a different church, so that alone tells you that it could have been a completely different denomination. They are in a tough spot now to make a decision. They are in a church that they love and they will not do infant baptism (reason probably being because they do full submersion). Whatever decision they make, it's really all about being happy where they are at and striving to live a Christ-like life and raising your child in that way. Whether it be a blessing, dedication or baptism, the child will only know and live how the parents raise them to be. A blessing, dedication or baptism will not automatically make them perfect or automatically give them all the teachings they need in life. That all comes from personal choices and how you are raised. Period.
OK, I'm done with all this because everyone is all different and we all have different views and we could be on this all day.
So best of luck! ?
You are so way off base that I don't know where to start. Catholics pray to Jesus. Do you really think we pray to Mary but not Jesus? That is the most backwards thing I've ever heard in my life.
Prayers to Mary and the saints are done to ask them to intercede on our behalf to Jesus. In no Catholic prayer will you find them praying to or worshiping the saints or Mary.
I'm guessing that's not the only misconception you have about the Catholic church but it's no doubt part of some propaganda you have received from somewhere. I suggest you educate yourself about Catholicism before claiming they aren't Christians or that they don't pray to Jesus. I've never heard such nonsense.
Sorry to OP for hijacking this post.
Catholics do not worship Mary. We pray to her to intercede for us on her son (Jesus) behalf. We do not worship her, we only worship Jesus. You should really get your facts straight before you tell Catholics what they believe. Because I am Catholic I think I know what Catholics do better than yourself.
Go read some Church history.
THANK YOU!!!!