Baptize or not baptize?

You can't be debaptised once it's done. I don't think anyone should be forced into any religion and I agree with the mother. What harm is there in letting the child decide later, once she has had a chance to learn about all the religions. That is much fairer than forcing her to be christian now.

In Catholicism, baptism does not "choose" for the child. It is a promise that the parents make to raise their child in the faith and has no commitment on the child's part. They choose the faith on their own when they are confirmed. Age of confirmation varies, but some do it in 8th grade, some in late high school. If it is a Christian denomination such as some baptists, presbyterian, etc, baptism is a sign of the "promise". God made a promise to us and or descendants it signifies that the new child is a part of the "promise" that God made to us. It does not mean the child must be whatever denomination. And it recognizes a baby cannot "make a choice." Baptism as an adult, means something different. It is more of a commitment. So, it depends on whether they are Catholic or Christian, but either way, maybe she doesn't understand the varying opinions and intentions of baptisms. It doesn't always mean that it obligates the child to be a certain denomination.

I wasn't baptised and it didn't do me any harm. I think the child should be allowed to choose when she is older. But if both parents feel the same way and both want the baptism then it is easier to make the decision. One important thing though is that in the UK if you want your child to go to a church school (and they are usually the best schools) it is best to have the child baptised when young as it makes it easier for them to be sure of a place.

She definitely should NOT be baptized. That immediately takes part of her free will away. She's immediately indoctrinated into a religious mindset. That's just horrible.

Well, I think unless one has decided to raise the child in ways of the teaching of the Church there is no point of getting baptised. Just being baptised does not take us anywhere... I think the primary point is how we raise the kids. People who would love Jesus and others or something else...

I personally do not believe baptism saves a person. When the child reaches the age of accountability she is going to have to choose whether to serve Christ or not. She won't even remember the baptism. So I say, what harm can it do? If it makes the dad feel better, why not go ahead with the baptism? The mother should realize that the child will not remember being baptized and will still have to choose when she is older. I have never heard of a debaptizm.

How is she going to be debaptized? I agree with the wife. The child should be taught good morals and values, about all religions, so that when she is old enough she can choose the correct religious path for herself.

I've never heard of de-babtizing. He's trying to push his daughter into his religion instead of giving her the choice as his wife asks. That's the harm. He's completely invalidating his wifes wishes by outright proclaiming the child is christian with this ceremony. Most denominations have a reaffirmation ceremony where children who have come of age decide to go through special training & are able to be babtized / rebabtized. Waiting till then would make it HER decision.

I can see where this could be a conflict when the parents don't share the same belief. My first instinct is to agree with him but I guess that depends on how strongly the mother feels about it. I do believe it's up to children to ultimately make their own decision on what religious faith, if any, to follow. Annie

I wouldn't. spirituality is an individual undertaking, and rather than raising people to beleive certain things, it's better to raise them in that framework but with room to explore their own spirituality. afer all, the child may not be the same religion as you.

It is the first time I've ever heard of someone being debaptized. I've heard of people changing religion and being baptized into that religion. I am a Catholic Christian so I would agree with the father to get her to be baptized as a Christian. When she gets older, she can decide what she may believe in. Being baptized is like being welcomed into a new life and incorporating a new family. But once you are batized, you will always be baptized. It is following through after baptism of the child in strengthening with her the growth as an individual.

Infant baptism is an important sacrament in the older, more liturgical branches of Christianity. Which causes me to wonder what faith tradition the husband is from. If he is Catholic, and was married in the Catholic church there is a stipulation, even in mixed marriages, that the child should be raised as a Catholic. In it's time this principle had it's place, and to some degree probably still does. And that "covenant" may be playing into his desire. The baptism according to sacrament theology, is an act requested by the parents and the church, and performed by God. In the future the child will get the chance to cognitively use freewill and choose or decline relationship with Christ. I see no harm in baptising the child.

How do you mean "she could be debaptized later"? I have to say I have not heard of this. Just wondering what you mean by that?

hahaha, i believe that the mother is over reacting.. i mean, baptism isn't that harmful...

I am not Christian so I wouldn't baptize my child. Since it is a symbol of being Christian, how can you debaptize a person? I feel the couple will be fighting over this for a while.I guess they should have discuss which religion the child would be brought up in.It would be different if they both decided that the children were to be Christian and now she is saying no.

This is a matter that they would both eventually have to agree on. My personal opinion is that it would not harm the baby and it is good to be with christ from the start. There is no harm in being baptized. But as a couple they have to respect each others decisions.

I do agree with her in one way because we should all have our own rights and beliefs. As humans we should be the only ones who are in control of our own lives based on those opinions on our rights and beliefs. But a child cannot make such a decision which is why the parents make the move for them. The parents/ guardians are the ones in control of the child/ new bborns life when they are born. therefore, they are to do whatever they feel is right for their loved one whether or not it is or will ever become benificial. I am not taking sides at all, i just wanted to make that clear. Because, I do also agre with him. It is always good to embrace with one or more forms of Christ from start especially if it is your faith. It is good to embrace in the wonderful activities involving God and by being baptist you are welcomeing him into your world as well as vise versa. iT would probably not be harmful to baptize her later on because as I discussed it may or may not be of personal choice. I will too be experiencing a similar situation.I am Catholic and was baptized a catholic church. My fiance is Greek Orthodox and was done in an Orthodox church. Although their beliefs are not as distant as others in comparison, it will still be a situation that I will have to go through and deal with when we decide to proceed with adding members to our family. I will too then have to figure out what is best for my future child. Hope I didn't ramble on too much, best of luck to your mother's friend.

I was raised as a christian/baptist. school/church and never felt like one of the group. Then I found out that my father was native american. I am now wiccan. My son is now 17yrs. and all his life I never pushed one religion or the other I always told him that it was up to him and brought him to chistian / baptist / catholic churches. it was always up to him. I believe to give your children all options and never to limit them. when they are old enough they will make the dission that is right for them. and until then all we can do as parents is to show them that there is a difference in religion and to explore it until we find what is right for us. Until then there is no my religion or your religion its how I feel, is right for me at the time. I dont feel that you should be stuck with one or the other.I think that you should make up your mind at tne time. If my son ever feels that he wants to be baptized then I will be there for him. It has nothing to do with me , Its all aout him. and I will support him in anything he does.

I agree with the father. The religion can benefit not only the girl but also the socity.

I'm with you I totally agree that she should embrace Christianity from the start and then later on should she choose other wise that would be her decision , right now if she raises her not to believe in god then she putting her belief off on an innocent child and at the rate things are going in this world today who to says she has time to change her mind later on down the line. Good luck I'll keep your friend in my prayers. God bless. Jacquelyn Smith