"Baptising babies in pointless" Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered more than one point of view.

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

GCSE RE Coursework Baptism

“Baptising babies in pointless” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered more than one point of view.

I strongly disagree with the statement “Baptising babies is pointless”. I believe baptising babies is a very important practice in many Christian countries. From the days of the early church children have been baptised so I do not see it to be pointless. However I can see the other side of the argument, as babies cannot make their own decisions.

Many parents wish for their child to be baptised as a baby and believe that when the child comes of age he\she can decide whether or not to follow the Christian life in which they have been brought up in. These parents believe that by baptising their children they are giving then the best possible start to life by bringing them up in a family surrounded by Christians. Baptism brings the child closer to God and it cleanses them of original sin. Many parents see baptism as one of the best things they can do for their child.

In baptism the candidate is cleansed from original sin. Original sin is a weakness in all humans, which keeps us in a state of separation from God and so many people seen it as the very important to rid an infant of this burden of life as soon as possible. The grace we receive in baptism overcomes this weakness in us all and brings God into our lives.

For centuries infants have been baptised, almost from the very start of the church. There is much evidence to back this up. In the New Testament there is even word of whole ...

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For centuries infants have been baptised, almost from the very start of the church. There is much evidence to back this up. In the New Testament there is even word of whole households being baptised, the word “oikos” is used which includes children.

Polycarp was an early Christian, there is evidence that he too was baptised as a child. He was offered a deal that he would be spared if he would give up Christ, but he replied

“I have served the Lord for eighty years and will not desert him now”

Polycarp said he had been a Christian for over eighty years, which suggests that he was baptised as a child.

So infant baptism has been practiced in churches for many centuries and been very successful so why change something, which has proven to be successful. Infant baptism is still widely practiced today which shows that the majority of people do not see it as pointless.

Baptism is a public sign of the child’s entry into God’s family and it enables the whole family and friends to take responsibility. Many people believe that the sooner this happens the better. Also God’s grace given in baptism is a real comfort to the parents of a sick child. Parents want their child to be freed from all sin and be united with God.

Infant baptism entitles the child to receive the other sacraments so even if the parents of the child don’t practice the faith they are still a member of the church and the child will be taught the faith and prepared for other sacraments in school.

Jesus always welcomed children and blessed them rebuking those who wanted to keep them at a distance. He said

“Let the little children come to me and do not stop them”

I believe that Jesus was setting an example here showing that the church too should welcome little children and infant baptism is a good way to do this.

As we grow and mature we need the grace given to us in baptism to be strong and resist temptation of sin. God’s grace that we receive in baptism is a source of strength and guidance. Baptism is also a sign of Gods unconditional love for us. It shows he loves us always, regardless of how we live our lives god is always there for us and we can always turn to him.

However I do see there is an argument, which supports this statement.

Some Christians believe people should be able to make their own personal commitment to God when they believe they are ready. As infants the babies do not understand what is happening and are unable to make their decisions and so some believe that they should not have a religion forced on them.

Jesus was baptised as an adult as were many early Christians. People believe Jesus was setting an example, which we should follow.

The bible order says

“Repent, believe and be baptised”

Obviously infants are much too young to be baptised. Baptism is a ceremony of commitment and it is seen a completely meaningless ceremony by some Christians unless the candidate understands fully what is happening and has full belief in God and of course babies do not understand any of this.

So overall after considering both sides of the argument I disagree with the statement “baptising babies is pointless” I believe the reasons for infant baptism far outweigh the ones against it. However I do believe the parents have a huge responsibility and they should act as they have promised to. Also my baptism took place when I was a baby and I see it as the best way because I have been brought up as a Christian with my parents teaching me the Christian faith and teaching me to go to church and to receive the other sacraments which makes me a member of Christ’s community.

To me I would have it no other way but to baptise babies because I feel strongly that it does help to start of your Christian life within the church and God’s community.