Infant Baptism question from a Non-Catholic

[Lady_K2]

Hi everyone,

I have a question (well, lots of them) about infant baptism. I am not a Catholic and neither is my husband. His step-mother and little brother ARE Catholic and they talk to us about the faith all the time.

We just had a child last year and they want so badly for us to baptize her. I’m not sure how I feel about infant baptism right now; most of my life I have not believed in it.

1. Can someone please explain as a FIRST STEP/QUESTION what is supposed to do or accomplish from a Catholic perspective?
2. What, according to Catholic belief, happens to infants of Christian parents who are *not *baptized?
3. Not many protestant churches that I know of, personally, baptize children. Some do a “Christening”, but I don’t think they have true, full baptism in mind when they do it, so I question whether I should even bother which then leads me to question/issue #4…
4. If we were to have our child baptized in a Catholic church, would we be required/expected to raiser her as Catholic?

I’ll probably have more questions as I go along, but I just need to start with the basics.

I don’t believe in doing things that I don’t fully understand but at the same time, if there truly is something to infant baptism, I would hate to withhold that from our child just because I may lack some understanding.

Thx.

BTW, I do realize that there is a 1000+ post on the topic of infant baptism, so I am working through reading that as well.

 

[bengal_fan]

Hi everyone,

I have a question (well, lots of them) about infant baptism. I am not a Catholic and neither is my husband. His step-mother and little brother ARE Catholic and they talk to us about the faith all the time.

We just had a child last year and they want so badly for us to baptize her. I’m not sure how I feel about infant baptism right now; most of my life I have not believed in it.

1. Can someone please explain as a FIRST STEP/QUESTION what is supposed to do or accomplish from a Catholic perspective?
2. What, according to Catholic belief, happens to infants of Christian parents who are *not *baptized?
3. Not many protestant churches that I know of, personally, baptize children. Some do a “Christening”, but I don’t think they have true, full baptism in mind when they do it, so I question whether I should even bother which then leads me to question/issue #4…
4. If we were to have our child baptized in a Catholic church, would we be required/expected to raiser her as Catholic?

I’ll probably have more questions as I go along, but I just need to start with the basics.

I don’t believe in doing things that I don’t fully understand but at the same time, if there truly is something to infant baptism, I would hate to withhold that from our child just because I may lack some understanding.

Thx.

BTW, I do realize that there is a 1000+ post on the topic of infant baptism, so I am working through reading that as well.

it is the washing away of original sin and it is the beginning of the child’s membership in the church. yes, you have to raise them catholic if it is a catholic baptism. it is based on the faith of the parents. and we Presbyterians practice infant baptism (as do most Methodist congregations, Episcopalian as well).

 

[st_lucy]

I agree with poster above. Although I think infant baptism is very important, the parents most be there to help that child in their faith. Baptism is an important sacrament but it is not a magic position that will get one to heaven, and the parents should be their to help in this path.

I also don’t think there is a Catholic Church that will allow an infant baptism where the parents aren’t Catholic.

 

[Lady_K2]

it is the washing away of original sin and it is the beginning of the child’s membership in the church. yes, you have to raise them catholic if it is a catholic baptism. it is based on the faith of the parents. and we Presbyterians practice infant baptism (as do most Methodist congregations, Episcopalian as well).

Hi and thanks for your post!

1. How can baptism wash away original sin? I have heard my mother-in-law say this but can’t figure out where the idea/concept came from. I understand that the early church practiced infant baptism but I haven’t seen where they believed it cleansed of
   original sin.
2. If original sin MUST be washed away, what happens to babies who die without baptism? Do they all go to hell? What then of babies who are miscarried in the womb?
3. What do you mean by “the beginning of their membership in Church”?

Sorry I have so many questions but this topic is so foreign to me that I’m like a baby starting from scratch on this one.

 

[Lady_K2]

I agree with poster above. Although I think infant baptism is very important, the parents most be there to help that child in their faith. Baptism is an important sacrament but it is not a magic position that will get one to heaven, and the parents should be their to help in this path.

I also don’t think there is a Catholic Church that will allow an infant baptism where the parents aren’t Catholic.

Okay, so your position is that baptism does not ensure that the child will enter into heaven. What then does it accomplish from a Catholic perspective.

As for baptism in a Catholic church, my mother-in-law said that we could do it (and she’s Catholic and her son is Catholic) but only under the condition that we raise our daughter as Catholic (which she would, of course, love) but neither me or my husband is ready to make that kind of commitment.

We love God, love His Word, love serving Him but remain unconvinced regarding the Catholic church’s claims and teachings (but… this is all for another topic another time).

 

[1ke]

1. Can someone please explain as a FIRST STEP/QUESTION what is supposed to do or accomplish from a Catholic perspective?

Baptism remits original sin and forgives any actual sins (for those over the age of reason).

We become members of the Body of Christ-- the Church-- through Baptism.

Here is the Catechism section on Baptism, which explains the Catholic teaching in detail and with footnote references to Scripture, Church documents, and the writings of the Early Church Fathers.

And, here is a link to 7 articles on Baptism that include references from the early Church Fathers.

1. What, according to Catholic belief, happens to infants of Christian parents who are *not *baptized?

That is also covered in the Catechism link above. We do not know what happens to any unbaptized person. We entrust all children who may die unbaptized to the love and mercy of God.

1. Not many protestant churches that I know of, personally, baptize children. Some do a “Christening”, but I don’t think they have true, full baptism in mind when they do it, so I question whether I should even bother which then leads me to question/issue #4…

Christ commands baptism several times in the Gospels, and the Apostles confirm the necessity of baptism in their mission and writings.

1. If we were to have our child baptized in a Catholic church, would we be required/expected to raiser her as Catholic?

Yes, the parents make a declaration of this at the time of Baptism. And, Canon Law requires that there must be a well-founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic before the priest may proceed (except in danger of death when he may proceed regardleses).

 

[1ke]

1. How can baptism wash away original sin? I have heard my mother-in-law say this but can’t figure out where the idea/concept came from. I understand that the early church practiced infant baptism but I haven’t seen where they believed it cleansed of
   original sin.

See the links I gave you.

How does it wash away original sin? By the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. If original sin MUST be washed away, what happens to babies who die without baptism? Do they all go to hell?

We do not know what happens to the unbaptized. We trust God’s mercy. We are bound to follow God’s commandments. God, however, is free to work outside his commandments and provide grace through extraordinary means if he so chooses. It has not been revealed what he does in these situations.

What then of babies who are miscarried in the womb?

Same as above

1. What do you mean by “the beginning of their membership in Church”?

Baptism is the way in which we become a Christian. It is the way in which we are incorporated into the Body of Christ. It is how we become members of the Kingdom.

Sorry I have so many questions but this topic is so foreign to me that I’m like a baby starting from scratch on this one.

We are happy to answer your questions. Reading some supplemental materials linked on this thread will also help.

 

[Rocky]

When we are baptized, even as infants, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us in a real way. So as parents teach and bring up their child in the faith, the Holy Spirit also is with the child. Why would we want to deprive our children of help of the Holy Spirit?

 

[goodcatholicman]

I am a Catholic and hope in earnest you come into the faith of the Church. However, if you have any misgivings, an easy path is likely to have her baptised in a protestant church such as the Episcopal, Methodist or the like. The Catholic Church does recognize those churches as having valid baptisms. Then you will have a baptized baby (your Catholic relaitves will be happy) and you will have time to explore the Catholic faith in full and take your time in deciding the future faith of your family. You should not feel pressure to join the Catholic church but we always welcome new comers (I was one myself last year). Both of my children were baptised in the Episcopal Church within a few weeks of birth and I can tell you it is a profoundly rewarding experience for all involved. Whatever you do, thanks for considering the Catholic faith as an option and I hope you will soon be one of us!

PS - congrats on the new baby!

 

[Texas_Roofer]

… I’m not sure how I feel about infant baptism right now; most of my life I have not believed in it.

1. Can someone please explain as a FIRST STEP/QUESTION what is supposed to do or accomplish from a Catholic perspective?

It imparts “grace” and removes the stain of original sin. This is done by declaring the child a disciple of Christ and thus opening the compliance to the new covenant.

1. What, according to Catholic belief, happens to infants of Christian parents who are *not *baptized?

there are 3 forms of baptism only one is water, the other is blood and fire. Blood is to die for God (i think) fire involves answering the call of God (Natural Law) if none are achieved we believe the opportunity of heaven is lost, however that is God’s call not ours.

1. Not many protestant churches that I know of, personally, baptize children. Some do a “Christening”, but I don’t think they have true, full baptism in mind when they do it, so I question whether I should even bother which then leads me to question/issue #4…

I do not understand this question. If you are referring to a later baptism what is the big difference? If your referring to atheism ('um) what is the difference at all?

1. If we were to have our child baptized in a Catholic church, would we be required/expected to raiser her as Catholic?]\

Actually the Priest ( or Deacon) is called to only baptize child who are being raised as Christians. He may well refuse your request. He should warn you against a false perception this baptize could over come a shortage of faith and works.

… I would hate to withhold that from our child just because I may lack some understanding.

exactly now as mommy you have responsiblities, which include not dening your childs needs so a good RCIA program is the best option at this time

…1. How can baptism wash away original sin? I have heard my mother-in-law say this but can’t figure out where the idea/concept came from. I understand that the early church practiced infant baptism but I haven’t seen where they believed it cleansed of original sin.

Man’s fall from grace is reversible if we achieve God’s covenant which includes many things as baptism

1. If original sin MUST be washed away, what happens to babies who die without baptism? Do they all go to hell? What then of babies who are miscarried in the womb?

as 1ke wrote they are entrusted to God

1. What do you mean by “the beginning of their membership in Church”?

baptism opens the door to God’s covenant with man, if you do not live the practice the baptism alone is lacking as a substitue for correct living

Sorry I have so many questions but this topic is so foreign to me that I’m like a baby starting from scratch on this one.

No problem we are here for you

Okay, so your position is that baptism does not ensure that the child will enter into heaven. What then does it accomplish from a Catholic perspective.

imparts grace, starts the life under the new coventant

As for baptism in a Catholic church, my mother-in-law said that we could do it (and she’s Catholic and her son is Catholic) but only under the condition that we raise our daughter as Catholic (which she would, of course, love) but neither me or my husband is ready to make that kind of commitment.

my guess is she would pledge to guide, sponsor, lead the child to the church

We love God, love His Word, love serving Him but remain unconvinced regarding the Catholic church’s claims and teachings (but… this is all for another topic another time).

And your difference is what? If you baptize later in another church how would your child be raised different, what advantage would you be giving the child?

hope that helps

 

[Grace_Seeker]

1. Not many protestant churches that I know of, personally, baptize children. Some do a “Christening”, but I don’t think they have true, full baptism in mind when they do it, so I question whether I should even bother which then leads me to question/issue #4…

I don’t believe in doing things that I don’t fully understand but at the same time, if there truly is something to infant baptism, I would hate to withhold that from our child just because I may lack some understanding.

Lady_K2,

If you’ve been reading through that 1000+ post thread on infant baptism, you’ve realized that there are indeed protestant churches that practice infant baptism. Among them are some of the largest protestant bodies: the United Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).

Some of our reasons and theological understandings are the same as that of Catholics and some are different. However, you didn’t ask for our understanding of it at the moment, but for that of Catholics. So, I will let them fill-in that information for you. I just wanted you to know that when we practice baptism, it is indeed baptism and not “Christening”. Further, I think that you will find, that the Catholic church and even some adult believer’s baptism churches will still recognize the baptisms that are performed at one of our churches.

 

[Zooey]

Hi and thanks for your post!

1. How can baptism wash away original sin? I have heard my mother-in-law say this but can’t figure out where the idea/concept came from. I understand that the early church practiced infant baptism but I haven’t seen where they believed it cleansed of
   original sin.
2. If original sin MUST be washed away, what happens to babies who die without baptism? Do they all go to hell? What then of babies who are miscarried in the womb?
3. What do you mean by “the beginning of their membership in Church”?

Sorry I have so many questions but this topic is so foreign to me that I’m like a baby starting from scratch on this one.

Okay, so your position is that baptism does not ensure that the child will enter into heaven. What then does it accomplish from a Catholic perspective.

As for baptism in a Catholic church, my mother-in-law said that we could do it (and she’s Catholic and her son is Catholic) but only under the condition that we raise our daughter as Catholic (which she would, of course, love) but neither me or my husband is ready to make that kind of commitment.

We love God, love His Word, love serving Him but remain unconvinced regarding the Catholic church’s claims and teachings (but… this is all for another topic another time).

Baptism is the normative way in which God imparts His prevenient grace. This grace is the supernatural adoption into God’s family, which will provide your child with the blessings that she needs to grow in knowledge of God, eventually growing into a fully adult Christian believer.
We do not know what happen to unbaptized babies; what we do know, is that Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me, and forbid them not!”, and He took the little ones into His arms, & He blessed them.
It is not necessary for you to have her baptized Catholic; we Methodists would be happy to baptize her, as well!! (If I thought you lived around me, I would even volunteer you the services of my pastor, who has baptized many a baby,with never a tear from any of them.

I am a Catholic and hope in earnest you come into the faith of the Church. However, if you have any misgivings, an easy path is likely to have her baptised in a protestant church such as the Episcopal, Methodist or the like. The Catholic Church does recognize those churches as having valid baptisms. Then you will have a baptized baby (your Catholic relaitves will be happy) and you will have time to explore the Catholic faith in full and take your time in deciding the future faith of your family. You should not feel pressure to join the Catholic church but we always welcome new comers (I was one myself last year). Both of my children were baptised in the Episcopal Church within a few weeks of birth and I can tell you it is a profoundly rewarding experience for all involved. Whatever you do, thanks for considering the Catholic faith as an option and I hope you will soon be one of us!

PS - congrats on the new baby!

There you go!!