Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church has long practised infant baptism, also known as christening or paedobaptism, which involves baptizing infants born to believing parents to initiate them into the Christian faith. This practice stems from Christ's command to His apostles to baptize all people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as well as biblical references to the baptism of entire households, including infants, in the New Testament. The Church also justifies infant baptism by citing Jesus' teachings on welcoming children and the correlation between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, where baptism is seen as the new circumcision. Opponents of infant baptism, including Fundamentalists and certain Christian groups, argue that baptism should only be administered to individuals who have personally accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and can consciously commit to Christianity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Infant baptism | Also known as christening or paedobaptism |
| Who does it apply to? | Infants and young children |
| Who performs the baptism? | The Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, various Protestant denominations, and other denominations of Christianity |
| Who is eligible? | Infants born to believing parents |
| What is the purpose? | To initiate infants into the Christian faith |
| What is the basis for this practice? | Biblical references to the baptism of entire households in the New Testament, as well as Jesus' teachings on welcoming children |
| Parental consent | Mandatory - at least one parent/guardian must approve |
| Timing | Recommended within the first few weeks, or without delay if the infant is in danger of death |
| Post-baptismal rituals | Explanatory Rites: anointing with chrism (Seal of the Spirit), clothing in a white garment, presentation of a lighted candle, and the Ephphetha prayer |
| Opposition | Some Christian churches teach that baptism should be reserved for teenagers or adults who have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior |
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What You'll Learn
The Catholic Church baptizes babies because they are born with original sin
The Catholic Church has been baptizing babies ever since Christ commanded His apostles to baptize all people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This practice is also observed in the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, several Protestant denominations, and other denominations of Christianity.
In the New Testament, Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). He did not restrict this teaching to adults, but added, "For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him" (2:39).
The Scriptures also demonstrate that the early Church baptized babies. For example, St. Peter preached to the crowd, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). In the Roman Catholic tradition, baptism is recommended within the first few weeks of a baby's birth or without delay if the infant is in danger of death.
Furthermore, in the Old Covenant, babies were circumcised when they were eight days old (see Gn 17:12; Lv 12:3). This was the sign by which they entered into the covenant. St. Paul calls baptism the "new circumcision" (Col 2:11-12), indicating that just as circumcision was for babies as well as adults in the Old Covenant, baptism is for both babies and adults in the New Covenant.
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The practice of baptizing babies is biblical
The Catholic Church has been baptizing babies ever since Christ commanded His apostles to baptize all people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (see Mt 28:18-20). This practice is also observed in the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, various Protestant denominations, and other denominations of Christianity.
Additionally, supporters of infant baptism cite Jesus' teachings on welcoming children, such as "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:14). They also point to the correlation between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, babies were circumcised when they were eight days old (Gn 17:12; Lv 12:3) as a sign of their entry into the covenant. St. Paul calls baptism the "new circumcision" (Col 2:11-12), indicating that baptism, like circumcision, is meant for both adults and infants.
Furthermore, infant baptism is seen as a means of initiating infants into the Christian faith and providing them with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Babies are considered to be born with original sin, and baptism is believed to cleanse them and unite them with Christ, making them adopted sons and daughters of God.
However, critics argue that infant baptism lacks direct biblical authorization and is a human tradition unsupported by divine revelation. They emphasize that baptism should follow a personal confession of faith, which an infant is incapable of making. They also question the practice of enforced membership and the imposition of lifelong obligations on children without their consent.
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Opposition to infant baptism is not new
Opposition to infant baptism is not a new phenomenon. In the Middle Ages, groups such as the Waldenses and Catharists rejected the practice of infant baptism. Later, the Anabaptists, or "re-baptizers," emerged, claiming that infants cannot be validly baptized. These groups argued that baptism requires a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as one's savior, which only adults or older children are capable of making.
Fundamentalists and Baptists often criticize the Catholic Church's practice of baptizing infants, asserting that baptism is a public manifestation of an individual's conversion and has no salvific value. They believe that only those who have undergone a "born-again" experience should be baptized, reflecting their interpretation of Christianity as a personal and conscious choice.
The debate around infant baptism centers on differing interpretations of biblical teachings. Supporters of infant baptism point to biblical references to the baptism of entire households and Jesus' welcoming of children. They argue that the early Church likely included infants in household baptisms and that children are part of God's covenant family.
Opponents of infant baptism, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of an individual's conscious decision to turn to God. They interpret baptism as a symbolic act of commitment to Christianity, requiring an understanding of its significance. Additionally, they may question the effectiveness of baptizing infants who cannot personally profess their faith.
The controversy over infant baptism has persisted for centuries, with both sides finding support in their interpretations of Scripture and the nature of God's covenant with humanity. While the Catholic Church and other denominations continue the practice of infant baptism, the debate reflects the diverse theological perspectives within Christianity.
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The Catholic Church requires parental consent for baptizing infants
The Catholic Church has been baptizing babies ever since Christ commanded his apostles to baptize all people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This practice is also observed in the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, several Protestant denominations, and other Christian denominations.
The Code of Canon Law 868 §1, 2° CIC states that parental consent is mandatory for infant baptism. The Church requires assurance that baptized infants will be raised Catholic, and parents are responsible for arranging the sacrament. In cases where the parents are not practicing the faith or do not intend to live a Catholic life, the Church may postpone the baptism to provide guidance and help the family enter into a sacramental marriage if needed.
The Catholic Church encourages the baptism of infants born to believing parents as a means of initiating them into the Christian faith. Baptism is seen as a sacrament that grants regeneration, removes original sin, and unites the child with Christ. It is considered a fundamental step in the Church, marking the initiation of an individual into the Christian life and the Church community.
Opponents of infant baptism, including fundamentalists and certain groups in the Middle Ages, argue that baptism should be restricted to adults and older children who have personally accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. They believe that baptism is a conscious act of commitment to Christianity, requiring an understanding of its significance. However, the Catholic Church maintains that baptism is for both adults and infants, as Jesus' teachings apply to all and there is no age limit mentioned in the Scriptures.
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Baptism is a one-time sacrament
The Catholic Church has seven holy sacraments, and baptism is one of them. It is considered a sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. Baptism is a one-time sacrament because it marks a person's commitment to Christ and cannot be repeated. It is seen as a confessional expression of faith and repentance, rather than a "work" that earns salvation.
Baptism is a fundamental sacrament in the Church, marking the initiation of an individual into Christian life and the Church community. It is essential for salvation, providing spiritual rebirth and access to other sacraments. The Church requires assurance that baptized infants will be raised Catholic, and parental consent is mandatory. In the Roman Catholic tradition, baptism is recommended within the first few weeks, or without delay if the infant is in danger of death.
The practice of baptizing infants is not unique to the Catholic Church. It is also practiced in the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, various Protestant denominations, and other denominations of Christianity. The practice involves baptizing infants born to believing parents as a means of initiating them into the Christian faith.
Opponents of infant baptism argue that it is inappropriate for infants or children who have not yet reached the "age of reason" (generally considered to be age seven). They believe that baptism should be administered only after one has undergone a "born-again" experience and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Supporters of infant baptism, on the other hand, cite biblical references to the baptism of entire households in the New Testament, as well as Jesus' teachings on welcoming children. They believe that baptism is for babies as well as adults, just as circumcision in the Old Covenant was for both.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Catholic Church baptizes babies, and this has been the case since Christ. According to the Church, baptism is necessary for salvation and is a way to cleanse babies of original sin.
The Roman Catholic tradition recommends baptism within the first few weeks of birth. However, if the infant is in danger of death, it should be performed without delay.
Infant baptism is also known as christening. The term 'christening' is often used by the Anglican and Reformed traditions.
