Baptism can be a divisive issue for many churches, and understanding what different groups believe can help believers understand what they believe about an issue. Paedobaptism refers to baptizing children or infants and has been the dominant form of baptism throughout most of church history.
Proponents of infant baptism point to Jesus saying to let the little children come to him and that by doing that, he opened the door for infants and children to receive him through baptism.
So, how do Christians determine whether they support paedobaptism?
When Did Paedobaptism Begin?
Baptism began as a practice in the second temple period of Judaism, between the old and new Testaments. It was viewed as a way of dedicating oneself in service to God and removing ritual uncleanness. Non-Jews were required to be immersed in the mikvah, a full-body tank. Baptism for the Jews was a repeatable practice. Meanwhile, for Christians, it is a once-for-all thing.
The first Christian writing on baptism outside the Bible comes from the Didache, a text from the late second century. It discusses baptizing a convert only after they have been instructed in the faith, which implies they are adults when being baptized.
The first alleged reference to infant baptism comes from Irenaeus, where he says, “He came to save all through means of Himself—all, I say, who through Him are born again to God — infants, and children, and boys, and youths, and old men.” (Against Heresies 2:22)
This points to the fact that Jesus was the one who truly and perfectly became all things to all people rather than advocating in favor of paedobaptism. Irenaeus argues that Jesus had to enter into every part of human life to sanctify it, as opposed to the gnostics, who placed a special importance upon the number thirty and alleged that Jesus was baptized and died within the same year, at age thirty.Paedobaptism was a common practice by the end of the fourth century when the church had more acceptance within the Roman empire. Infant baptism becomes the norm in environments where Christianity is more encouraged and openly practiced.
Paedobaptism takes many different forms, so let’s dive into how different denominations view paedobaptism.
What Is the Catholic View of Paedobaptism?
The Catholic view of paedobaptism asserts that children who are baptized are cleansed from original sin and all sins committed to that point. The baptized are given the character and ability to continue growing in their faith. Baptism is the entry point into the Catholic church. Baptism allows the believer to begin to grow in grace. Godparents also play a significant role in aiding the baptized to grow in their Christian life. They are the ones specifically charged with aiding the child s spiritual development.
Augustine makes the point that Catholics view baptism as the unity of all believers who desire to be baptized, but not everyone who desires to be baptized is actually saved. Baptism regenerates as long as a priest performs it under the right circumstances, but people can choose later to reject that baptism. People have the power to undo the sacrament because of their sins, which is why the eucharist is necessary every week to receive the grace and power to continue to live a life pleasing to God.