Is It Better to Be Baptized as a Baby or an Adult

This post is post 9 in a series entitled Letting God Lead: My Journeying Through Protestant and Catholic Beliefs. While you certainly tin can read this postal service by itself, I highly encourage you to check out the rest of the series also. Discover more nigh this series and a list of all of posts here. *This mail service contains affiliate links.

When my oldest son was born, my husband and I had a decision to make: Would nosotros cognominate him as an infant or await? My husband was baptized equally an infant in the Cosmic Church building we however attend today. I was baptized in 4th grade at the church my family happened to exist attending at that fourth dimension. Which one was correct?

Both Catholics and Protestants see baptism every bit very important, and withal the ii groups (and various subsets within the groups) differ on details such every bitwhen a person should exist baptized, how a person should be baptized andwhat baptism does, exactly. Hopefully this postal service volition shed some light on the various positions.

"Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." — John three:5

A Brief History of Baptism in the Church

B.C: Baptism was around earlier the ancestry of Christianity. Information technology is not a Christian invention.

A.D: (Some?) Jewish communities began baptizing converts around the time Christianity began. The converts were outset interrogated to make sure they believed in Jewish teachings. And then they were circumcised and baptized naked in order to get fully accustomed into the customs. (On a side notation: Give thanks goodness we don't usually baptize naked today!)

Bible Times: There is some question about whether or not the Bible mentions infant baptism. It does say "households" were baptized, just at that place is disagreement as to whether or not this would include infants.

220 A.D: The oldest explicit account of infant baptism we have today is past Tertullian effectually 220 A.D.

Early Church – Get-go Few Centuries: At starting time, adult baptism was the norm, as Christianity was so new that most people converted into it, rather than were born into it. Adults were required to convert before they could be baptized. However, both infant and developed baptisms were adept, and everyone pretty much got along and didn't worry about it as well much. Both methods were acceptable and people were pretty much gratis to cull.

**Interesting Fact: In the earliest years, new believers were baptized immediately upon conversion. But past the 2d century, the church began delaying baptisms until after the new convert had completed a "grooming period" where they would learn the church's beliefs.

Early on Church Fathers: Non a single church begetter found baby baptism unlawful, though of course, everyone had their own stance on when the "optimal" fourth dimension to be baptized would be. There was never any serious controversy surrounding it until the 16th century.

253 A.D: The Council of Carthage condemned the exercise of withholding baptism from infants until the 8th day, and infant baptism became the new norm. Information technology was practiced nearly universally until the 16th century.

**Interesting Fact: At one indicate, many people began putting off baptism until they were on their deathbed. This was because the church believed (and the Catholic church all the same does believe) that baptism washes away all mortal (serious) sin, and people didn't want to run a risk getting baptized, committing a mortal sin, and then having to exercise penance afterwards. So they would expect. (Nosotros'll get into penance and purgatory, etc side by side week.)

416 A.D: Infant baptism was made compulsory by Roman Law. If a person was re-baptized later, both the person and the person who baptized him/her could be put to death.

16th Century: During the Protestant Reformation, some Protestant groups (most notably the Anabaptists) began to question whether infant baptism was actually Biblical. They began "re-baptizing" (hence the proper name "Anabaptist–which means "baptize again"). Not all Protestants switched sides however. Some Protestant groups (including Lutherans, Presbyterians and Methodists) maintained the practice of babe baptism.

**Interesting Fact: Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation, believed that baptism was more than than a symbol. He believed that it offers forgiveness from sins and grants eternal salvation.

Today: Some churches baptize infants, while some churches look, but non everyone gets along like they did in the early church. (When researching for this mail service, I found a TON of very heated, opinionated and hateful arguments. Information technology was very abrasive.)

What (Some) Protestants Believe About Baptism

Now, understand that opinions vary greatly; there is no "official" Protestant belief. This is non meant to address every single denomination. Simply since I grew up in the Baptist church, this serial is about my journey, and Baptists and Catholics are almost polar opposites when it comes to Baptism, that's the perspective I'm sharing. Experience free to share your ain experiences in the comments department! I'd love to hear them!

Requirements for a "Believer's Baptism" — (Baptist Church)

• People should be baptized of their own free will.
• They must be former enough to sympathize what baptism is and what it means.
• They must brand a confession of organized religion.
• Classes may or may not exist required.

What Baptists Believe About Baptism

• Baptism is important because the Bible commands it. ("repent and be baptized"–Acts 2:38)
• Baptism does non forgive original sin. (That happens prior, when a person repents and makes the conscious decision to follow Christ, or as we like to call it "accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.")
• The purpose of baptism is to brand a public profession of faith (though it doesn't really have to exist public).
• Baptism is a rich symbol, but it's just a symbol. Information technology doesn't necessarily "practice" anything.

Typical Baptism in a Baptist Church

Who: Anyone who believes and is old enough to want to(see requirements above). Baptisms are typically washed by the pastor.

Where: Many churches have a baptismal font right behind the stage, which is accessed from backside. People also have the selection of getting baptized in a river, pond, lake, etc., which commonly happens during special church camps or events.

When: Some churches go on the water warm to baptize anyone who wants to come forrard and "accept Jesus" at the end of the service on whatever given Sun. Others will wait and have a baptismal service where they baptize several people at a time.

How:

• People are baptized by full immersion to symbolize Jesus's decease, burial and resurrection.
• They typically article of clothing a robe with normal clothes underneath (and bring apparel to change into for after!)
• The pastor will mostly give a short introduction and the person will probably share their testimony.
• The pastor will enquire the person some "Do you believe" type questions to make sure the person is a believing Christian.
• The pastor will dunk the person while proverb "I now cognominate yous in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
• Much applause and rejoicing from everyone watching!
• And yeah, yous can concord your nose! (I know; you lot were curious.)

For infants: In denominations that don't baptize infants, they often accept a baby dedication ceremony instead. Basically, the female parent and father bring the baby (upwards to age ii or so) in front of the church, they promise to raise the baby in the faith, the church promises to practice everything in their power to help, and the pastor says a prayer that the baby will grow up to know God.

What Catholics Believe Nearly Baptism

• Baptism is of import considering it removes the stain of original sin (and considering the Bible commands information technology).
• Infants should be baptized every bit soon as possible, as their salvation depends on it.
• While baptism guarantees salvation for infants, once the person reaches the age of reason, they must and so consciously choose to follow Jesus. Otherwise, they can lose their salvation. (Baptism removes original sin, not personal sin)
• You are never as well erstwhile or besides young to be baptized.
• Similarly to how Protestants added baby dedications, Catholics added confirmation, in which a Catholic young person makes their official profession of faith.
• Baptisms done in other Christian churches are still considered valid (as long as they run into the requirements below). Y'all don't accept to be re-baptized if you catechumen to Catholicism from another denomination.

Catholics besides believe:

• Martyrs are considered "baptized in blood" and have all their sins wiped make clean at the moment they dice.
• If a person dies before they could be baptized, just they truly desired to be baptized, that'southward expert enough.
• While infants are usually baptized by a priest or deacon, anyone–even a not-Christian–could cognominate a person, peculiarly in an emergency situation, and it would however be considered valid as long as they followed the guidelines below.

Catholic Baptism Requirements for Infants

In society for a baptism to exist valid, you lot must have three things:

1. Water
2. The words 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit' (or some version thereof, naming all three)
3. The intention of baptizing.

Likewise, in almost cases, you volition as well need at to the lowest degree one consenting parent or legal guardian, reasonable assurance that the child volition be raised Catholic. Cosmic godparents, special clothes, candles and oil are all customary every bit well, though not required.

Typical Baby Baptism in the Cosmic Church

Who: Anyone. Babies born into Catholic families are mostly baptized as infants (from birth to 3-seven mo). Children over vii years and adults are baptized upon conversion and completion of a training grade (RCIA).

Where: In front of the church.

When:Typically on Sundays. Either during mass or afterward mass every bit role of a private, family unit-merely ceremony.

How:

• The parents and godparents country their intentions/promises for the child (to cognominate them and heighten them in the Catholic religion)
• The priest, parents and godparents make the sign of the cantankerous on the babe.
• One or two Scripture passages are read.
• Prayers are said.
• The baby is baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by immersion, pouring or sprinkling (Any method is fine. Immersion is rare, but information technology isn't unheard of!).
• Candles are lit.
• The baby is anointed with oil.
• The priest blesses the parents.
• The baptismal document is filled out and filed.

Unlike the Protestant do, which is pretty informal and doesn't have more than 5 min at most, the Catholic practice is generally quite long and formal.

You lot can find a detailed description here: Rite for the Baptism of One Child. Information most the symbolism of the various parts hither: The Symbols of Baptism: How Do They Work? And a personal business relationship of i baby's Cosmic baptism here: Blessings Abounded at Our Baby's Baptism.

Cheers to those of you who were up late with me on Facebook last night filling me in on all the details!! 🙂

Why Do Catholics Cognominate Infants?

Catholics believe that baptism washes away the effects of original sin. By washing away original sin and since babies are too young to commit personal sin, a babe would be guaranteed salvation were he or she to die young. The Church building sees no adept reason to withhold the graces or to wait.

Protestants will say that baptism should be a personal choice,  merely Catholics counter that with a couple arguments. The best one is probably: Say your baby was sick and dying and you lot had a vaccine that would cure him. Would you wait until your baby was former plenty to choose? Or would you lot, as the parent, make the all-time choice for the child, because the grave consequences?

Babies can still grow up to exist nonbelievers. You aren't forcing them to become Christians. Merely taking away their Original Sin–which most people wouldn't take a problem with. (They can grow up to sin all they want if they like.)

Why Do Catholics Believe Baptism Removes Original Sin?

Catholics believe that baptism removes original sin because of the following verses:

"Peter replied, "Apologize and be baptized, every i of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you volition receive the souvenir of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God volition call." –Acts two:38-39

"to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through h2o, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves y'all also—not the removal of dirt from the body just the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" –1 Peter 3:20-21

"he saved u.s., non because of righteous things we had done, merely because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" –Titus 3:v

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the expressionless through the glory of the Father, nosotros too may live a new life." –Romans half-dozen:4

"Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no i can enter the kingdom of God unless they are built-in of water and the Spirit." –John 3:5

The concept is also expressed in the Nicene creed, which states, "I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins" (I believe some translations say "for the forgiveness of sins").

Merely the Bible Says People Have to Become Christian Get-go!

Where? The Bible gives several accounts of people who gave a profession of faith and and then were baptized, but the Bible gives accounts of a lot of different things (David committing adultery and murder, for example). There is a deviation betwixt telling what some people did and giving direction about what we are supposed to do.

As well, you must remember, Christianity was a make new organized religion when the Bible was written so more people were converting in than being born in. AND the Bible isn't an spread-out manual to Christianity. Only because it doesn't include something doesn't mean that it did or didn't happen. That'due south why we take to turn to church history to fill in the blanks.

And so What Did We Ultimately Decide?

Like I mentioned in the introduction, when our first son was born, my husband and I had a option to brand: Would nosotros baptize him in the Catholic Church building or non? Here's what nosotros decided.

Beginning, we met with a priest to learn more about Catholic baptism. (I believe this was a requirement?) It was during this meeting that I outset learned that the Cosmic Church building believes that baptism washes away sin. This was news to me! After almost an hour in the church basement, they sent us home with a pamphlet.

Over the side by side few days, I poured over the pamphlet and the Scriptures. At starting time, I found enough of verses that seemed to back up my (Baptist) position. Then, I found quite a few verses that seemed to back up my husband'southward (Catholic) position. I wasn't completely and utterly opposed, but I definitely wasn't convinced.

I told my husband that I had some reservations nearly baptizing our son in the Catholic Church building since I didn't wholeheartedly concord with everything the Catholic Church teaches that that meant, BUT that I would permit him make the determination every bit the spiritual leader of our family. Whatever he chose, I would support.

Nosotros didn't end up baptizing our son in the Catholic Church. Instead, one night my husband decided he couldn't put it off whatever longer, we woke our son upwardly, and my husband baptized him right there on a towel on our living room floor! (Yes, you can do that!)

This was the absolute perfect solution for usa. My husband and I were (and still are) in complete understanding virtually our decision, and so far none of the priests we've mentioned information technology to take had any bug with it (though the paperwork thing is going to go catchy later on, equally we don't accept any). We baptized our 2d son the same way, and we plan to do the aforementioned with our third, whenever he or she gets here! (That's right–for those of you who haven't heard–I am expecting 🙂 )

Decision

Personally, I think if the early Christian church can become along–nosotros should exist able to as well. While I don't see anything wrong with being baptized as an adult, I besides don't come across any good reason to look either. I'd love to hear your thoughts though! Leave them in the comments department below!

Enjoyed this postal service? Don't miss the rest of the posts in the series!

The Day I Realized My Faith Got information technology Wrong

10 Common Catholic Church Myths that Critics Believe

Is the Eucharist Really Just a Symbol?

Is Faith Lone Enough?

Who has the Ultimate Authority? A Biblical Look at Sola Scriptura

A Brief Expect at the History of Christianity

What All Christians Should Know About Priests, the Pope and Confession

What Practice Catholics Really Believe About Mary, Saints and Statues?

Infant Baptism or Believer's Baptism? Which is Correct?

What is Purgatory? What are Indulgences?

Why Exercise Catholics….? Honest Answers to Your Burning Questions

Protestant and Catholic Beliefs Series Decision

Resources and Farther Reading

I'k non asking you lot to believe considering I say so. Delight DON'T take my discussion for it! The purpose of this series is simply to share what I've learned on my journeying in social club to inspire you to begin a journey of your own. Here are a few helpful resources to get you started.

*This mail service contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to yous. Thank you lot!

The New Catholic Answer Bible

Catechism of the Catholic Church building

Christian History Made Easy by Timothy Paul Jones, PhD

http://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/a-guide-to-catholic-baptism/

http://world wide web.beginningcatholic.com/baptism.html

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Catholic/2004/04/What-To-Know-Before-Your-Babys-Catholic-Baptism

http://world wide web.catholic.com/documents/how-to-get-a-cosmic

http://world wide web.catholic.com/tracts/baptism-immersion-only

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/infant-baptism

http://catholicbridge.com/catholic/infant_baptism.php

http://christeningcards.net/Files/BrokerBranding/christeningCards/Include/divergence.html

http://world wide web.churchhistory101.com/feedback/water-baptism.php

fant_baptism.htmhttp://www.gotquestions.org/infant-baptism.html

http://world wide web.gty.org/resources/sermons/lxxx-369/Is-Infant-Baptism-Biblical

robertscancest.blogspot.com

Source: https://equippinggodlywomen.com/faith/infant-baptism-or-believers-baptism-which-is-correct/