When baptised, you are welcomed into the Christian community and church and are officially recognised as a member of the Christian Church. You are then expected to do God’s will as a disciple, and to follow Christ throughout your life.
In addition to this, when you are baptised, you are physically marked out as one of Christ’s disciple as the oil of Chrism is used. The oil of chrism represents that the child has been chosen by God for a special task. The oil of catechumen is also present and this oil gives the child strength to be able to get through difficult times.
Although the Adults present make the decision for the infant to be baptised, the child can return to the church and make the promises themselves at Confirmation (because baptism is the foundation for receiving the sacraments) that they will follow Christ throughout their life and do Gods work.
Another reason I think baptism is important is because babies will be growing up amongst other Christians, and it is critical for them to adopt their beliefs and Christian values.
However, I can understand why some may think otherwise as at the tender age of eight days old babies are unable to understand the concept of baptism. They cannot accept the responsibilities of becoming a Christian as they are simply not mature enough. Babies are also too young to comprehend the concept of Christianity and religion. In Baptist baptisms, the adult decides whether to be baptised and it is a personal choice so they may be more dedicated Christians.
Similarly, the child cannot decide whether or not to be baptised. In some cases, Infant Baptism is seen as being literally pointless, for instance, a child may reach adult life and realise that Christianity is not for them and abandon their faith.
To conclude, I do not think that baptising babies is pointless. I believe that baptism is a very influential part of a Child’s life as they become a member of the Christian Church and move from spiritual darkness to light. Unfortunately, the infant is not capable of making the decision themselves, so it is very much down to the parents of that child. Baptism is the first and most important spiritual gift parents can give to their child.
