Sarah Mitchell
Infant baptism, also known as christening or paedobaptism, is a Christian practice of baptizing infants and young children. It is performed in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, and other denominations of Christianity. The Catholic Church has been practicing infant baptism since the early Church, and it gained widespread acceptance by the mid-third century. The practice involves baptizing infants born to believing parents, marking their initiation into the Christian faith. The Church requires assurance that baptized infants will be raised Catholic, with parental consent being mandatory. While some Christian denominations vary in their practices, infant baptism is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, with biblical references supporting its legitimacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When did infant baptism begin? | It is hard to know for certain, but it likely began in the late 2nd century, gaining widespread acceptance by the mid-3rd century. |
| Who practices infant baptism? | Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, various Protestant denominations, and other denominations of Christianity. |
| When is infant baptism performed? | Within the first few weeks after birth, or without delay if the infant is in danger of death. |
| Who is responsible for arranging the sacrament? | The parents. |
| Is parental consent mandatory? | Yes, at least one parent/guardian must approve. |
| Can baptism be administered against parental wishes? | No, except in danger of death. |
| Is infant baptism a one-time sacrament? | Yes. |
| Can the sacrament be repeated? | No. |
| What is the Roman Catholic Rite of Baptism for Several Children? | Includes the Reception of the Children and a Liturgy of the Word with Scripture readings, homily, and intercessions. |
| What is the Episcopal and Lutheran rites procedure? | Presentation and Examination of Candidates, including questions to parents, sponsors, or godparents. |
| What is the Eastern Orthodox Church rite? | Opens with the "reception of the catechumens," where the celebrant prays for the candidate. |
| What is the Methodist practice of infant baptism? | Performed at any age, and for infants, it represents prevenient grace, with the congregation and parents committing to the child's spiritual upbringing. |
| What is the basis for infant baptism? | Biblical references to the baptism of entire households in the New Testament, as well as Jesus' teachings on welcoming children. |
| What is the purpose of infant baptism? | To initiate infants into the Christian faith, to remove original sin, and to unite the child with Christ. |
| What are the criticisms of infant baptism? | Fundamentalists argue that baptism requires faith, which infants are incapable of having. |
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What You'll Learn
The Bible and infant baptism
The Bible does not explicitly mention infant baptism, and there is no record of a baby being baptised in the New Testament. However, there is evidence to suggest that infant baptism was practised in the early Church. Origen, for instance, wrote in the third century that "according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants". The Council of Carthage, in 253, condemned the opinion that baptism should be withheld from infants until the eighth day after birth. The only reported controversy on the subject was a third-century debate about whether to delay baptism, similar to the Old Testament practice of circumcision.
Supporters of infant baptism cite biblical references to the baptism of entire households in the New Testament, as well as Jesus' teachings on welcoming children. They argue that baptism is how a person receives the Holy Spirit, and that it sets the child apart and secures salvation. In Acts 2:38, Peter declares: "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". The use of the term "every one of you" and "children" indicates that infants were included in baptism.
Baptism is also seen as a way to remove original sin and unite the child with Christ. Romans 5:12 states: "Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned". This implies that infants need to have original sin removed from their souls, and baptism is a way to achieve this.
Opponents of infant baptism, such as Baptists and "Bible churches", argue that baptism requires personal faith and a conscious act of commitment to Christianity. They believe that only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their saviour should be baptised, as it is a public manifestation of their conversion. They also point out that there are no explicit accounts of infant baptism in the Bible, only the conversion of Jews or pagans.
While the Bible does not provide a clear mandate for infant baptism, it also does not prohibit it. The practice of infant baptism has a long history in the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, and it is seen as a way to initiate infants into the Christian faith and bring them closer to God.
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Historical evidence for infant baptism
The practice of infant baptism in the Catholic Church has a long and complex history, with various interpretations of its origins and biblical justification. While some critics, particularly Fundamentalists and Baptists, argue that baptism is only for those who have consciously accepted Jesus Christ and made a personal profession of faith, Catholics and other Christian denominations point to historical evidence and biblical passages that support the practice of infant baptism.
One key piece of historical evidence for infant baptism is the early Church's practice of baptizing entire "households," which likely included children and infants. Acts 16:33 and 1 Corinthians 1:16 in the New Testament mention the baptism of households, indicating that the early Church viewed baptism as a means of initiating the entire family unit into the Christian faith. This interpretation is further supported by Peter's declaration in Acts 2:38–39, where he says, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and your children [...] for the promise is to you and to your children."
Additionally, early Christian writers and Church Fathers provide evidence for the practice of infant baptism. Origen, writing between AD 225 and 250, stated that "according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants" (Holilies on Leviticus, 8:3:11 [AD 244]). The Council of Carthage in 253 condemned the opinion that baptism should be withheld from infants until the eighth day after birth, similar to the practice of circumcision in the Old Testament. Irenaeus, a pupil of Polycarp, also supported infant baptism, stating that Christ came to redeem "all who through Him are born again unto God, sucklings, children, boys, youths, and adults."
The practice of infant baptism appears to have gained widespread acceptance by the mid-3rd century, as evidenced by the lack of Christian objections to its licitness until the Reformation. However, there is some debate about the exact timing of its origins, with some suggesting it began in the late 2nd century or even earlier. Tertullian, writing around AD 220, provides the first explicit mention of infant baptism, although he addresses it directly and disagrees with the practice.
The expansion of infant baptism during the early Middle Ages, particularly from the 6th century onward, can be attributed to concerns about high infant mortality rates, leading to the frequent administration of emergency baptisms. The Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law outlines that baptism is recommended within the first few weeks of a child's birth or without delay if the infant is in danger of death. The sacrament of baptism is considered fundamental, marking an individual's initiation into the Christian community and granting regeneration, the removal of original sin, and union with Christ.
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Opposition to infant baptism
Fundamentalists have been vocal critics of infant baptism, asserting that it is only appropriate for adults and older children who have undergone a "born-again" experience and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. They view baptism as a public manifestation of an individual's conversion, rather than as a sacrament, and argue that children below the "age of reason" (typically considered age seven) cannot truly convert. This perspective aligns with that of Baptists and "Bible churches" in the Baptist tradition, who interpret the Bible as supporting believers' baptism (credobaptism) rather than infant baptism. They emphasize that the Bible does not explicitly mention infant baptism and that the accounts of baptism involve converts from Judaism or paganism rather than infants raised in believing households.
However, supporters of infant baptism refute these interpretations by citing biblical references to the baptism of entire households in the New Testament. They argue that the term "households" includes children and infants, indicating an understanding of family as a unit in the early Church. Additionally, they point to Jesus' words about welcoming children and his association of baptism with salvation: "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14; Luke 18:16).
The early Church practiced infant baptism, as evidenced by writings from the third century, such as Origen's statement, "according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants." The Council of Carthage in 253 also supported infant baptism, condemning the idea of withholding baptism until the eighth day after birth. While there were discussions about delaying baptism for children, there were no recorded objections to the legitimacy of infant baptism until the Reformation.
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The role of parents and guardians
The Catholic Church has always practiced infant baptism, and it continues to do so today. The role of parents and guardians in this sacrament is crucial. Firstly, parental consent is mandatory for infant baptism in the Catholic Church. At least one parent or guardian must approve of the baptism for it to proceed. The Church respects the wishes of the parents or guardians and will not perform the sacrament if they object, unless the infant is in danger of death. In such cases, the Church may proceed with the baptism, even against parental wishes, as outlined in the Code of Canon Law.
Parents and guardians are also responsible for arranging the sacrament of infant baptism. This includes choosing the timing of the baptism, which is recommended to take place within the first few weeks after the infant's birth. However, in cases of imminent death, the sacrament may be performed immediately. The Roman Catholic Rite of Baptism for Several Children includes a Liturgy of the Word with Scripture readings, homily, and intercessions, during which parents and godparents are questioned. This phase highlights communal recognition and prepares the candidates and their families for baptism.
The Catholic Church also requires a "founded hope" that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. This assurance is necessary for licit baptism, as stated in Canon 868 §1, 2° CIC. If there is no such assurance, the baptism may be postponed with an explanation provided to the parents or guardians. The role of parents and guardians in providing this assurance is essential, as it demonstrates their commitment to raising the child within the Catholic Church.
Additionally, the practice of choosing godparents is also an important aspect of the role of parents and guardians in infant baptism. Godparents, or sponsors, aid in the child's spiritual training and development. They are chosen by the parents or guardians and play a significant role in the child's religious upbringing, often committing to support the child's spiritual growth alongside the congregation.
Finally, parents and guardians are responsible for the ongoing spiritual upbringing of their children after infant baptism. This includes ensuring that the child is raised in the Catholic faith and providing religious education. The sacrament of infant baptism is a one-time ceremony, marking the initiation of the infant into the Christian life and the Church community. It is not to be repeated, and the Catholic Church recognizes the lifelong significance of this sacrament.
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The purpose of infant baptism
The Catholic Church has been baptizing babies since the time of Christ, and the practice is believed to be what Christ commanded his apostles to do—baptize all people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Church has always understood baptism as a sacrament that accomplishes several things, including the remission of original sin.
Supporters of infant baptism cite Jesus' words, "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14), and "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:16). Additionally, the Book of Acts speaks of whole households being baptized, with no indication that infants and children were excluded.
Infant baptism is also seen as a way to offer God's grace to children based on the faith of their parents. Children inherit original sin from the moment of conception, and baptism is necessary for salvation, as Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). By receiving baptism, one receives the gift of God's grace, which eliminates the void left by original sin.
The practice of infant baptism expanded significantly during the early Middle Ages, particularly from the sixth century onward, due to concerns about high infant mortality rates and the belief that only baptized infants would go to heaven.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Catholic Church has practiced infant baptism since the days of the early Church.
Infant baptism, also known as christening or paedobaptism, is a Christian practice of baptizing infants and young children. The Catholic Church requires assurance that the baptized infants will be raised in the Catholic faith.
Infant baptism is a way to initiate infants into the Christian faith and remove the stain of original sin. It is also seen as a one-time sacrament that marks a person's commitment to Christ.
No, the practice of infant baptism varies across Christian denominations. While some denominations, such as the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and various Protestant denominations, practice infant baptism, others, such as Baptist and "Bible churches," insist that baptism is only for those who have come to faith.
