Infant Baptism: What's this?

[Hoonbaba]

Hello again,

I don't think this is just a Catholic issue, but I'm curious to know: What's infant baptism? And what do Catholics believe about it?

God bless!

-Jason

 

[pax]

I would believe it is the Baptism of infants. Some Protestant denoms believe that only adults should be baptized when they are ready to accept their faith, not at infancy, but Catholic church denies that theory basically because they don't want infants to be denied the graces that come from Baptism.

 

[Fr. Rob]

Infant Baptism is the Baptism of infants. This practice is a mirror of the circumcision of infants in the Old Testament. Baptism is the "circumcision of spirit" of the New Testament. In the ancient Church, when families converted, the *entire* family, slaves, children, etc... were all baptized at once (this is the biblical mode). The early church simply agreed to disagree, as there were many communities who did not baptize infants, even though most did.

Also, though only slightly related, there is no such thing as a Jesus only baptism, or being "re-baptized" because you are a backslider. Many who deny infant baptism, especially in the more Pentecostal sects, practice both of these heresies.

Father Rob

 

[Auntie]

Originally posted by Hoonbaba
What's infant baptism? And what do Catholics believe about it?

Jason,

I know very little about this, but my sister-in-law who is Catholic, once told me this: "God did not ask our permission or our approval at the time Christ was crucified, and the work done on the cross was done FOR us, many many years before we were born. Likewise, when a baby is baptized it is done FOR that baby. The baptism is a gift of love for the baby, even as Christ's death on the Cross was a gift of love given to us.

I thought this was a beautiful explanation.


Auntie

 

[VOW]

To Jason:

Auntie hit the nail on the head!

You have been impressed with the sense of "family" in Catholicism, Jason, and infant baptism is an extension of this. When a baby is baptized, he or she gains a set of "godparents," who answer with the parents in promising to raise the child in the Christian faith. All four adults make the profession of faith in place of the child. Although it has no legal standing, a godparent traditionally is thought to agree to take custody in case something happens to the parents. And the godparents are agreeing to step in, should the parents neglect to raise the child in the Christian faith.

Baptism brings the new baby into the Body of Christ. Some Protestant denominations which do not believe in infant baptism will hold a special ceremony where an infant is dedicated to God. It's the same principle.

Babies are gifts from God. It is only fitting that we should give them back to Him!


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[jukesk9]

Baptism is the "circumcision of spirit" of the New Testament.

Outstanding. Over in the interfaith forum, I presented the Scripture where St. Paul discusses the circumcision of Christ. I made the argument that this referred to baptism but I was mocked when one person said he thought us Catholics were fighting a losing battle because we couldn't tell the difference between circumcision and baptism. Anyway, I'm overjoyed to see this position is shared by the Anglicans. If we could just overcome the King Henry thing

 

[Hoonbaba]

Wow...this is really fascinating stuff.

So the Catholic church encourages infant baptism, much like some protestant groups?

Also, why would it be heresy not to do it?

-Jason