The Problem with Infant Baptism

My wife, Stephanie, wrote this article--I think it is awesome! What do you think?

The Problem with Infant Baptism

Last week was an incredibly moving event. What a blessing it was to see and be a part of the baptisms of Rick, Martha, and Laura Holbrook. I hope that they will always remember the mystery and the sanctity of the moment.

For a lot of folks, this is the problem with infant baptism—that they won’t remember it and that those infants didn’t choose it. As far as choosing goes, I wish my parents would have made the choice for me. Perhaps the first 20 years would have been different. Besides, in the case of infant baptism, it isn't really complete until at a later point that person chooses to participate in the baptismal covenant (hopefully after confirmation). And as far as not remembering it goes, well, this is a problem with parents and church families. We too easily let our children forget that they are living the life of a baptized person. We let them forget that God is mysterious. We let them forget that in some incredible way they were claimed as babies. Parents, if your children were baptized as infants, do not let them forget. Sure, they may forget the actual moment, but don’t let them forget the significance, mystery, and honor that it brings. And don’t let them forget that the journey only began then and it goes on now.

After last week’s baptism, I was cleaning up and I used the baptismal water to make a sign of the cross on both Malachi and Zeke. (They are amazed by the symbol of water.) We talked how as little babies God swept down into the chaos of this life and claimed them in the water of baptism. Then we said a special prayer and poured the water into the grass. (Blessed water isn’t fit for a drain!) Folks, this is what it takes. We must be diligent and purposeful in the spiritual training of our children.

Be blessed.

Pastor Stephanie