Infant Versus Believers Baptism

Many argue that because the baptizo means to plunge that this is the necessary procedure for the baptism. Also they think that because Jesus was baptised as an adult that all should be baptised as adults and have adapted the bible to suit them saying that Jesus only wanted adults baptised. There is no mention of children or indeed infants being baptised in the New Testament but the word for household ‘oikos’ is used which includes children; if children then were not meant to be baptised or included in the ceremony another word would have been used. Some say however that those baptised as children do not lead very Christian lives but that water does not make you a Christian it only makes you wet. These are very strong words against infant baptism but without knowledge of the life a Christian leads then you are not sure what to expect where as being born into a certain religion such as Catholicism or Anglican who both baptise infants their congregation would not know what they where to be baptised into.

Typical infant baptism in the Catholic Church

• The priest welcomes the child, parents and Godparents

• The reading of the bible  (important at all Catholic Sacraments)
• Prayers of the faithful
• Exorcism and Anointing (Jesus asked apostles to cast out devils in his name)
• Baptismal Promises (renewed each year by the Congregation each year)
• The Baptism
• Anointing with the Oil of Chrism
• Clothing with the white garment
• The Baptismal Candle
• Conclusion

A Baptist View of Baptism

Baptists don’t regard baptism as a sacrament as in the Catholic tradition. They prefer to call it an ordinance, which is an observance (act) ordained by Jesus Christ. Baptists do not baptise infants as they only baptise those who publicly declare their faith in God and in Jesus Christ. As children cannot speak at a young age this you would think is not strange.

The Baptist Church Will Baptise Because…

The Baptist Method Of Baptism

The candidate, as they are called, are totally immersed in water. Baptists see baptism as an end to old ways and a new beginning. They are metaphorically buried and then, rise from their burial much like Jesus’ Death And Resurrection.