In infant baptism anointing with Chrism shows that God has chosen the infant for a special purpose. The fragrant perfume symbolises the beauty and dignity of the child.
As Christians we believe that in baptism we are leaving behind a life of sin and starting a new life in Christ. We can see this in the symbolism of water. Water represents death to sin and new life in Christ. Water is needed for life and can cause death by drowning. The symbolism of water is more evident in the believer’s baptism ceremony. As they enter the pool down the steps they are leaving their old life behind and as they come out of the water they are beginning a new life in Jesus. There is a strong connection between baptism, death and resurrection as St. Paul says in his letter to the Colossians,
“… having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith.”
Through baptism we Christians join in the resurrection of Jesus and will receive eternal life. This is a reason why baptism is significant to Christians.
Christians are baptised to become a member of God’s Church and family, to be a part of the community of believers. In baptism Christians believe we are chosen by God to be a disciple. This is symbolised in the anointing with oil, priests, prophets and Kings were traditionally anointed with oil.
Christians are baptised to express their belief and faith in Jesus, this can be seen in believers baptism where the candidate repents and this is an outward sign of accepting Jesus.
Baptism is a celebration of God’s love and as Christians we believe God wants us to be united with him.
Christians apply baptism in their lives by trying to follow the teachings of Jesus. They do this by donating to the poor or setting up organisations to help those in poverty stricken areas. Christians attend Church services and try to follow the commandments. These lessons and teachings were introduced at baptism.
AO3
“Baptising babies is pointless.”
I agree with this statement. Baptism is a sign of repentance and in infant baptism, the baby does not make the choice to be baptised and turn away from sin.
The benefits of baptism cannot be understood by infants, they are unaware of eternal life with Jesus Christ. The infant is too young to be aware of the meaning of the ceremony and as a result they may not take baptism as seriously when they are older and decide to reject it. It is for this reason that most young people turn away from the Church.
Infants are usually baptised when they are a few days or weeks old and have no recollection of it when they are older and so it holds no importance to them. Jesus was baptised as an adult and we should follow his example in order to be a good Christian.
Infant baptism is not recognised as valid by some Christian Churches, so if a Catholic wanted to covert to being a Baptist they would have to be baptised again.
In infant baptism an exorcism takes place to free the child from original sin but this is pointless, as babies do not sin.
Despite this I can see how some people would disagree with the above statement. Parents may want children to enjoy the benefits of baptism from an early age. They want their child to be united with Jesus and want them to become a member of God’s family. In infant baptism the child is protected from the effects of original sin and is strengthened against sin and evil.
Baptism is the beginning of a life-long journey with Jesus and if a Christian is baptised as an infant they will grow up learning about Jesus and loving him. Their faith journey will be longer than that of a Christian who is baptised as an adult.
From the points I have discussed I agree with the statement because in adult baptism the individual makes the decision to become a member of God’s family.
