What Religion to Baptize

[bigcountrysg]

Hey yall, as many of you know my son was born 10 months ago. Well it is getting too the time I think is about right to get him baptized.

Here is the problem I was raised Catholic, went to Church every sunday, and went to catholic religion classes. I was baptized Catholic, and went through all the rituals a catholic boy goes through.

My wife is christian, what type I don't really know. As you may tell we have not really gone to church in a while. One reason is my work scheduel.

But what religion should we baptize our son. Being a traditional person and the fact that all my family are catholic I am wanting to get him baptized as a catholic.

But I am confused mainly because of the media, being all the bad reports the Catholic Church has gotten in the past several years. Although that has not took away my faith or beliefs. It makes this decission hard.

Any input would be great.

[theredmission]

I guess before answering I'm wondering why, besides out of ritual do you want to and/or think you need to have him baptized?

[bigcountrysg]

Being baptized is showing the acceptance of faith in my eyes. Which in case means I should allow my son to be baptized in what ever religion he decides to follow. Wether it is christian, catholic, baptist, what ever he decides. I never get into arguements or discussion of religion. Because it all boils down to the fact that everyone believes in the same god it is just taught in different ways. But the foundation of all religions is the same.

It cleans your soul which is the first real meaning of being baptized, as I was taught. You are baptized so you are clean of sin. It has been a while since I actually been in a sunday school class or any religion class. How ever that is what my memory recalls.

[theredmission]

Being baptized is showing the acceptance of faith in my eyes. Which in case means I should allow my son to be baptized in what ever religion he decides to follow. Wether it is christian, catholic, baptist, what ever he decides. I never get into arguements or discussion of religion. Because it all boils down to the fact that everyone believes in the same god it is just taught in different ways. But the foundation of all religions is the same.

It cleans your soul which is the first real meaning of being baptized, as I was taught. You are baptized so you are clean of sin. It has been a while since I actually been in a sunday school class or any religion class. How ever that is what my memory recalls.

Sounds about the same as I believe it to be, as an outward sign of an inward change basically showing to everyone watching that he or she has accepted Jesus and Savior and that he or she plans to obey the word of God and live to please Him. That is the reason I asked, like you mentioned I don't want to make it a big debate, but from my perspective I see no reason to have a child baptized. Rather it is more valuable to raise them to know the love, mercy, a justness of God and to direct them in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord" Eph6:4. Therefore, my advice would be more concentrated on how you will raise him up to a point where he will be able to make that conscious decision to follow God and be baptized on his own.

[Firecracker]

I believe, but I never got babtist untill I was a teenager. My Dad was a catholic mom was a babtist. We were always told you can believe without ....and when the Time comes you can make youre choice on which way to go.
being you dont go to church, and neither does youre Wife, I think you could wait... HE wont remember, so this is really something for YOURE piece of Mind.

Do you do Bible study's? teach any Religion at home? ( just asking being you dont go to church) If you dont whats the Point of even doing it ?

[Ferg]

First off you not baptizing him into a 'religion' your giving your child to Christ so to speak, what church you do it in is inmaterial, you could baptize him outside in your back yard it would be the same.

Pray about it with your wife and you will come up with the correct answer.

ferg....

[DaveW731]

My first is to not let the media play a role in your decision: when was the last time the press was concerned about helping anyone come to know God?

Second idea I think kind of goes with what ferg said: probably the bigger issue is how you and your wife wish to live your life of faith. I think this may be a great opportunity for the two of you to pray about, discuss and hopefully agree on what really matters to you in your journey closer to God, what you want to teach your son and what type of involvement in church you want to have. Answering those questions will make it easier to answer the question that you asked.

I have always liked the perspective of the Greek Orthodox church. They teach that it is the parents and God parents who actually baptize the child and in so doing are committing themselves to raising the child in the faith. All the priest does is guide them through the ritual.

[Tunedown]

Having my Children Baptised helped me find the Lord. I wanted to have my children Baptised because I wanted to give my children the best life possible. Having them baptised got me into church every Sunday. The more I went, the more I learned. The more I saw how joyful the people at church were the more jealous I got. It seemed the the people there had the best lives ever! Always happy and chipper and they seemed excited to be there. I now know there is no beter life than the one that includes Jesus. I would say pray about it and you will get the answer you need.

[fasthunter]

Hey, Big I'm no huge church attender on a regular basis and I know where your at. I too was raised a Catholic and was baptised when I was a baby. However, it never really meant anything to me. I now consider myself a non-denominational Christian. It's all about God and Jesus. So honestly that's what's most important. I however have no problem with other forms of Christianity. I realize there are preferential ways of worshipping. I agree that you and your wife should pray about it. I don't think it would be bad to have your son baptised as a kid, but just realize that in reality it's more of a tradition that an acceptance of faith from your baby. Later on I think it should be his choice if he chooses to do it again. I got baptised again when I was about 16 on my own free will. (Still I stray ALOT though..:lol::lol:...then again we all do.:)) Worse, come to worse I don't think it's going to matter either way for your son. I'm just giving my .02 cents and opinion. I agree though with Ferg though. Just pray about it, and discuss it with your wife. By the way, how are you doing? I haven't heard from you since I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and got in a scuffle with someone on here. Hope all is going ok.:)

[stillwaiting]

bigcountry:

I hope this might help. Non-demoninational, etc, usually "dedicate" their chidren to Christ. This is not a baptism, but only a dedication to Jesus that you are going to raise your child, etc. unto Him.

I'm doing a bible study right now and some scriptures on baptism are Acts 8:36-38; 16:31. 1 John 1:7

My ex-wife is Lutheran and my children were baptised/dedicated when they were babies. But as they are growing older they are starting to ask me questions about being baptised. My response to them has been, when you believe in Jesus yourself, with your heart and confess with your mouth, you are saved. If you want to get baptised when you're older you can do it whenever you want.

[snowman11]

Big...there is a catholic church to the south of you on whittaker road i believe.

my mother in law is not catholic, but she enjoys the church...she said that everyone is very friendly and not hooty tooty like she normally complains about the catholic church.

the problem with the catholic church is that you may get some flak from the priest in trying to baptise your son without being a member of the church. my brother in law did, but that wasn't anywhere around here.

[outdoor addict]

Pray with your wife as others have mentioned. I see it a little different now that I'm older. Was raised catholic and now say i'm a christian. Baptism is the accepting christ as your lord and savior and to cleanse your sins. According to the good book all children are free of sin until the recognition of right and wrong. So the way I see the baptizing as an infant is more for the parent than the child. When old enough to make the decision on there own and take this acceptance to heart truly. Then they should be baptized in an outward showing of faith and shall be reborn through the lord. just my .02

[musicman]

I think it is great that you care enough about your son and his future to ask questions concerning his position in relationship to God. How we stand before God in relation to salvation is the most important aspect of a human life here on planet earth. The bible has specific instructions concerning baptism,and how it should be administered, and why belivers are baptised. One of the prerequesits is beliving. Your 10 month old son would have to understand the why baptism question before it would do him any good. Other wise he would just be getting wet. There really isn't any place in the Bible that directs people to baptise infants. I think as was mentioned by several others that you and your wife should continue praying for direction for you fortunante son. Fortunante because he will be brought up in a home with parents that care. I would be happy to share scriptures with you if you ever decide to pursue this further.

[CoonMan]

The Bible never gives an example of infant baptism anywhere. I believe it should be done when you are old enough to understand the decision you are making. Baptism should follow your confession of Christ. A little child cannot do that.

[Blueump]

Being baptized is showing the acceptance of faith in my eyes. Which in case means I should allow my son to be baptized in what ever religion he decides to follow.

Big, I'm thrilled that your concern for your son has drawn you to examine what is best for him (and you) spiritually.

Using your own words however, how can a 10 month old baby "choose" acceptance of a faith or make the decision of which "religion" (as you call it - I call it a denomination) to follow? Acceptance of faith in God is a personal thing. It's not something that our parents can do for us, otherwise it gives us a false sense thoughout our lives that we are okay in our own personal relationship with God.

It cleans your soul which is the first real meaning of being baptized, as I was taught. You are baptized so you are clean of sin. It has been a while since I actually been in a sunday school class or any religion class. How ever that is what my memory recalls.

This is where I encourage you, personally Big, to re-examine what you were taught by sudying what the Bible has to really say about baptism. Years and misunderstandings have ways of making what we were taught many years ago to "fade" in our minds...especially when we were young. I would encourage you to not just rely on what other people say the Bible says, but find out what it really says yourself. Why am I saying this? I think the Bible makes it very clear that baptism does nothing to clean your soul. Baptism will not get you to heaven and baptism will not wash away your sin.

Please take some time to research this yourself, it's a journey that I'm personally very familiar with and have undertaken myself in the past. And Big, I'm really serious about this - if you have any questions - my PM box is always open. I'd love to share specific verses and passages with you!

[Cooner]

As Christians we know that everything we have belongs to our Lord. Therefore alot of Christians dedicate their children to the Lord.Our wealth,health,job,family,home all belong to him. He can give it to you & take it away at anytime.Read the Book Of Job-oldest book in the Bible.I believe adult baptism is making a public statement to the world that you are a follower of Christ Jesus. You have accepted him as your Lord & Savior.The immersion process symbolizes the dying of "The Old Man" in us & the rising out of the water symbolizes the rebirth of "The New Man" in us.I feel it's an adult decision to make-not an infants.Christ's blood washed away our sins. He came to wash away our sins & free us of our sins.:D

[Flash]

I'm new to this particular forum.

My first question for the original poster is; were you married in the Catholic Church? If yes, then you likely made a commitment to raise your children in the Church, which would include infant baptism. If no, then you have no such commitment. For the record, Catholicism is Christian. There is not a Catholic faith and a Christian faith. There are Catholics and protesting catholics (more commonly called Protestants), but they are all of the one universal "catholic" church. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, there is in addition to infant baptism a sacrement called "confirmation". This is typically at an "age of reason" whereby the person/youngster can confirm their baptismal sacrement, similar as Jews, and near the age of 12-13 and some Protestant denominations as well.

There are many arguments for and against not only infant baptism but baptism period. The bottom line, is that it is you and your family that must choose what is the correct path for you. The recommendation to pray over it, is sound indeed. Since it is written: "Seek and you will find" - "Knock and the door will be opened" - "Ask and you shall receive", I am confident that you will get your answer.

Peace.

[theredmission]

My first question for the original poster is; were you married in the Catholic Church? If yes, then you likely made a commitment to raise your children in the Church, which would include infant baptism. If no, then you have no such commitment. For the record, Catholicism is Christian. There is not a Catholic faith and a Christian faith. There are Catholics and protesting catholics (more commonly called Protestants), but they are all of the one universal "catholic" church. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, there is in addition to infant baptism a sacrement called "confirmation".


That's a loaded paragraph with plenty to debate, but thats not what this section is for. However, I do agree with you second one as it follows along the lines of what just about all of us have said in that the most important thing is to raise your child according to what has been instructed of us the the Bible and to spend time in prayer with your wife about what decision to make in this particular point in raising your son.

[Mickey Finn]

Also knew to this forum. Have read some and thought I would pitch in on this thread.

Flash has spoke the truth. But, whatever faith you decide on. Do not delay baptism. This is a world where nothing including life span is guaranteed.

Good luck.

[Firecracker]

My problem is, why do this now? It wont do no good to the Child , this is for the Parents not the Child.
The Child when old enough shoud decide HIMSELF which religion he wants too choose.. you can still raise him the right way,and go to Church and teach the Bible. When he is old enough he can decide which way he wants to go .

[Mickey Finn]

My problem is, why do this now? It wont do no good to the Child , this is for the Parents not the Child.
The Child when old enough shoud decide HIMSELF which religion he wants too choose.. you can still raise him the right way,and go to Church and teach the Bible. When he is old enough he can decide which way he wants to go .

What do you think the purpose of baptism is?

[theredmission]

What do you think the purpose of baptism is?

MF, this section is more for support, sharing, etc. not debates if you are truly interested in having such a discussion please start a new thread in sound-off or handle it through a pm. Thanks.

[Firecracker]

If you want to debate I can pm ya and I can explain there what Babtism means to me .
Otherwise this was just my thoughts on this!

[Mickey Finn]

Firecracker, Who said anything about a debate? I just asked you a question because your post raised it.

"theredmission". This is Bigcountrysq's post not yours. So bud-out young buck;)

[William H Bonney]

,,,But, whatever faith you decide on. Do not delay baptism. This is a world where nothing including life span is guaranteed.

Good luck.

I agree,,, don't wait. If something tragic happens,, the last thing I'd want is,, God wondering,,, "how committed is this guy,,, or his kids??"

[Roosevelt]

He's your kid Bigcountry. They took us all down to the muddy river as kids and the preacher dunked us all. Basically I don't think it matters what religion he gets baptised under as long as that religion uses the bible as it's source. And.. that you all understand that it's not the symbolism of baptism that gets you into heaven but your own personal beliefs.

[William H Bonney]

He's your kid Bigcountry. They took us all down to the muddy river as kids and the preacher dunked us all. Basically I don't think it matters what religion he gets baptised under as long as that religion uses the bible as it's source. And.. that you all understand that it's not the symbolism of baptism that gets you into heaven but your own personal beliefs.

That's part of the reason for the baptism,,,,,, infants don't have "personal beliefs". If the parent "believes" in any shape or form,,, they will have the child baptized.

[ESOX]

Basically I don't think it matters what religion he gets baptised under as long as that religion uses the bible as it's source.

I don't think there are any religions that practice baptism that don't use the bible as their source. Baptism is a Christian ritual.

[Firecracker]

@Mickey Finn. Well you ask what it means to me, that is NOT what this post/thread is about.

Wether you were Babtism or not has really nothing to do with going to heaven in my Eyes, I have seen MANY People getting their babtism and going home and thats it. Not leading a Life for God, or going to think THATS ALL thats needed to go to Heaven.

Youre Child is young, he is going to Heaven anyway, being you are 2 different religions here ( and they are quiet different in the way they do things) I would wait and let youre Boy decide wich Faith he wants to follow.
Youre NOT following any Religion anyway right now, FIRST I would figure out what you do at home, which Religion do you follow at home?

You say you dont go to Church, but you never said do you read the Bible at home ,,,, do you live the Life of God at home? And which one? Catholic or Babtist?

I say its youre CHOICE, not ours here,,,, nor should YOU LISTEN to us, afterall its not UP TOO US, its up too GOD/YOU/WIFE ........Pray about it, and I am sure it will fall into place.

I am done with this. @ Mickey if you like you can PM me .......

[theredmission]

I am done with this. @ Mickey if you like you can PM me .......

Same here from me.

MF, it doesn't matter whoes thread it is; I was just trying to keep things on track to what was laid out when this section was originally started. http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207521 Oh, and this "young buck" does have a Bible theology degree. ;)

There have been many, many points brought up in this thread that are heavily debated in the Christian faith and in the end its up to Big what he and his wife will choose. I think there have been plenty of helpful suggestions made and for the sake of keeping the Faith forum positive I'll suggest closing this one down.