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<br>{{Christianity}}'''Infant [[baptism]]''' is the practice of baptizing infants or young children. In [[Theology|theological]] discussions, the practice is sometimes referred to as paedobaptism, or pedobaptism, from the Greek prefix '''παιδ'''- ''paid-'', as in the word '''παιδίον''' ''paidion'', meaning, "child".<ref>See [http://biblehub.com/greek/3813.htm '''παιδίον''' ''paidion'' "childling"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3808.htm '''παιδάριον''' ''paidarion'' "little boy"]; <br> [http://biblehub.com/greek/3809.htm '''παιδεία''' ''paideia'' "tutorage, education, training"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3810.htm '''παιδευτές''' ''paideutes'' "trainer, teacher, discipliner"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3811.htm '''παιδεύω''' ''paideuo'' "train, educate, discipline"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3812.htm '''παιδιόθεν''' ''paidiothen'' "from source, from infancy"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3814.htm '''παιδίσκη''' ''paidion'' "girl, female-slave, servant"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3807.htm '''παιδαγωγός''' ''paidagogos'' "boy-leader, tutor, pædagogue"].</ref> This is in contrast to what is called "believer's baptism", or credobaptism (from the Latin word ''[[Creed|credo]]'' meaning "I&nbsp;believe"), which is the [[Religion|religious]] practice of baptizing only individuals who personally confess faith in [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]], therefore excluding underage children.  

<br>{{Christianity}}'''Infant [[baptism]]''' is the practice of baptizing infants or young children. In [[Theology|theological]] discussions, the practice is sometimes referred to as paedobaptism, or pedobaptism, from the Greek prefix '''παιδ'''- ''paid-'', as in the word '''παιδίον''' ''paidion'', meaning, "child".<ref>See [http://biblehub.com/greek/3813.htm '''παιδίον''' ''paidion'' "childling"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3808.htm '''παιδάριον''' ''paidarion'' "little boy"]; <br> [http://biblehub.com/greek/3809.htm '''παιδεία''' ''paideia'' "tutorage, education, training"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3810.htm '''παιδευτές''' ''paideutes'' "trainer, teacher, discipliner"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3811.htm '''παιδεύω''' ''paideuo'' "train, educate, discipline"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3812.htm '''παιδιόθεν''' ''paidiothen'' "from source, from infancy"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3814.htm '''παιδίσκη''' ''paidion'' "girl, female-slave, servant"]; <br>[http://biblehub.com/greek/3807.htm '''παιδαγωγός''' ''paidagogos'' "boy-leader, tutor, pædagogue"].</ref> This is in contrast to what is called "believer's baptism", or credobaptism (from the Latin word ''[[Creed|credo]]'' meaning "I&nbsp;believe"), which is the [[Religion|religious]] practice of baptizing only individuals who personally confess faith in [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]], therefore excluding children (or some adults) lacking the ability to understand and believe. It is also referred to as "John's baptism" with water, in contrast to "Jesus's baptism" of the [[Holy Spirit]].

According to Romans 10:9-10, baptism has no influence on a person's [[salvation]].  Baptism is regarded by many bible believers as merely a ritual formality with no baring on a person's eternal destiny. Dissident sects believe baptism qualifies a person for admission into God's family, yet salvation is still dependent upon a gospel of works, and not faith in God's word or accepting God's grace.  

According to Romans 10:9-10, baptism is not necessary for [[salvation]].

Statistically, a large majority of Christians believe in infant baptism in agreement with [[institution]]al Christian church doctrinal teachings in support of this practice, based on scripture and tradition.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_menbers List of Christian denominations by number of members.]</ref> <ref>The '''Catholic Church''' is the world's largest [[Christianity|Christian]] body comprised of several distinct [https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/catholic_rites_and_churches.htm "Rites"]. The [[Catholic Church|Catholic Church (Latin Rite)]] is the largest religious body in the United States, with over 60 million adherents (4 times as large as the second largest church, the Orthodox).<br/>[http://www.pewforum.org/2013/02/13/the-global-catholic-population/ “The Global Catholic Population,” © 2011, Pew Research Center.]<br/>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_romcath.html The Largest Catholic Communities]<br/>

On the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] fundamental principle of ''[[sola scriptura]]'', [[Baptist]]s, [[Anabaptists]], [[Evangelical Christians|evangelicals]] and [[Non-denominational church|nondenominational groups]] reject infant baptism as not supported by the [[Bible]]. In addition, some [[Methodism|Methodists]] and most [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] denominations also reject infant baptism as not being supported by the Bible. The American Reformed Baptist pastor and author John Piper <ref>[https://www.desiringgod.org/our-founder Our Founder: John Piper (desiringgod.org)]</ref> states that there are no instances of infant baptism in the Bible.<ref name="desiringgod.org">{{Cite web|url=https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/infant-baptism-and-the-new-covenant-community|title=Infant Baptism and the New Covenant Community|date=1993-02-14|website=Desiring God|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref> The American German Reformed Church Presbyterian theologian and church historian Philip Schaff <ref>Philip Schaff, American theologian - Britannica Encyclopedia]<br>[https://www.ccel.org/schaff Philip Schaff, German-American theologian and church historian - Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org)]<br>Philip Schaff </ref> says the apostolic fathers make no mention of it because they hardly touch upon baptism at all, but that at the same time it seems an almost certain fact that, with the baptism of converts, the optional baptism of the children of Christian parents in established congregations, comes down from the apostolic age. Schaff says the only opponent of infant baptism among [[Ante-Nicene Fathers|the fathers]] is the eccentric and schismatic [[Tertullian]], of North Africa, and that the very manner of Tertullian’s opposition proves as much in favor of infant baptism as against it because he meets it not as an innovation, but as a prevalent custom.<ref name=Schaff>'''History of the Christian Church''', Philip Schaff. § 73. Infant Baptism. [https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Philip_Schaff Philip Schaff - Wikiquote]<br>[https://www.amazon.com/History-Christian-Church-8-vols/dp/156563196X History of the Christian Church, 8 vols. (amazon.com)]<br>[https://ccel.org/s/schaff/history/About.htm History of the Christian Church, 8 vols. 1889 (ccel.org)]<br>[http://www.bible.ca/history/philip-schaff/ ''History of the Christian Church'' Philip Schaff (bible.ca)]</ref> [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]], writer, and speaker Douglas Beaumont <ref>[https://douglasbeaumont.com/ Douglas Beaumont - Theology Philosophy Apologetics (douglasbeaumont.com)]</ref> cites the ancient Church fathers, Medieval theologians, and Protestant Reformation leaders who all asserted that water baptism is spiritually ''regenerative'' and that infant baptism is a doctrine from the apostles of the Lord consistent with the will of God.<ref name=Douglas.Beaumont>[https://douglasbeaumont.com/2017/03/10/the-church-fathers-medieval-theologians-and-protestant-leaders-on-baptism/ '''The Church Fathers, Medieval Theologians, and Protestant Leaders on Baptism''', Douglas Beaumont - Baptism's Purpose (Removal of sin / Regeneration), Baptism's Mode (Water), Baptism's Recipients (Infants) (douglasbeaumont.com)]</ref>

The '''Eastern Orthodox Church''', officially called the '''Orthodox Catholic Church''', and also referred to as the '''[[Orthodox Church]]''' and '''Orthodoxy''', is the second largest [[Christianity|Christian church]] in the world, with an estimated 225–300 million adherents, most of whom live in [[Eastern Europe]], the [[Middle East]], and [[Russia]].<br/>{{cite web |last1=Calivas |first1=Rev. Alciviadis C. |title=The Greek (Eastern) Orthodox Church |publisher=Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of America |year=1983 |url=http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7061 |accessdate=7 May 2014 |ref=none }}<br/>{{cite web |last1=Fairchild |first1=Mary |title=Christianity:Basics:Eastern Orthodox Church Denomination |publisher=about.com |url=http://christianity.about.com/od/easternorthodoxy/p/orthodoxprofile.htm |accessdate=22 May 2014 |ref=none }}<br/>{{cite web |title=Christianity |work=Major Branches of Religions Ranked by Number of Adherents |publisher=adherents.com |url=http://www.adherents.com/adh_branches.html#Christianity |accessdate=22 May 2014 |ref=none }}</ref> <ref name=Prot>See [http://www.888c.com/worldChristianDenominations.htm Percentage of Christians in Protestant Denominations (29.5%)].</ref>

On the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] fundamental principle of ''[[sola scriptura]]'', [[Baptist]]s, [[Anabaptists]], [[Evangelical Christians|evangelicals]] and [[Non-denominational church|nondenominational groups]] reject infant baptism as not supported by the [[Bible]]. In addition, some [[Methodism|Methodists]] and most [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] denominations also reject infant baptism as not being supported by the Bible. The American Reformed Baptist pastor and author John Piper <ref>[https://www.desiringgod.org/our-founder Our Founder: John Piper (desiringgod.org)]</ref> states that there are no instances of infant baptism in the Bible.<ref name="desiringgod.org">{{Cite web|url=https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/infant-baptism-and-the-new-covenant-community|title=Infant Baptism and the New Covenant Community|date=1993-02-14|website=Desiring God|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref> The American German Reformed Church Presbyterian theologian and church historian Philip Schaff <ref>Philip Schaff, American theologian - Britannica Encyclopedia]<br>[https://www.ccel.org/schaff Philip Schaff, German-American theologian and church historian - Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Schaff Philip Schaff - Wikipedia]</ref> says the apostolic fathers make no mention of it because they hardly touch upon baptism at all, but that at the same time it seems an almost certain fact that, with the baptism of converts, the optional baptism of the children of Christian parents in established congregations, comes down from the apostolic age. Schaff says the only opponent of infant baptism among [[Ante-Nicene Fathers|the fathers]] is the eccentric and schismatic [[Tertullian]], of North Africa, and that the very manner of Tertullian’s opposition proves as much in favor of infant baptism as against it because he meets it not as an innovation, but as a prevalent custom.<ref name=Schaff>'''History of the Christian Church''', Philip Schaff. § 73. Infant Baptism. [https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Philip_Schaff Philip Schaff - Wikiquote]<br>[https://www.amazon.com/History-Christian-Church-8-vols/dp/156563196X History of the Christian Church, 8 vols. (amazon.com)]<br>[https://ccel.org/s/schaff/history/About.htm History of the Christian Church, 8 vols. 1889 (ccel.org)]<br>[http://www.bible.ca/history/philip-schaff/ ''History of the Christian Church'' Philip Schaff (bible.ca)]</ref> [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]], writer, and speaker Douglas Beaumont <ref>[https://douglasbeaumont.com/ Douglas Beaumont - Theology Philosophy Apologetics (douglasbeaumont.com)]</ref> cites the ancient Church fathers, Medieval theologians, and Protestant Reformation leaders who all asserted that water baptism is spiritually ''regenerative'' and that infant baptism is a doctrine from the apostles of the Lord consistent with the will of God.<ref name=Douglas.Beaumont>[https://douglasbeaumont.com/2017/03/10/the-church-fathers-medieval-theologians-and-protestant-leaders-on-baptism/ '''The Church Fathers, Medieval Theologians, and Protestant Leaders on Baptism''', Douglas Beaumont - Baptism's Purpose (Removal of sin / Regeneration), Baptism's Mode (Water), Baptism's Recipients (Infants) (douglasbeaumont.com)]</ref>

Colossians 2:11-12 has been cited as connecting infant circumcision and infant baptism (see discussion below). Paul sees infant circumcision into the Abrahamic covenant with God (Genesis 17:9-14) as the Old Testament ''[[Typology|type]]'' foreshadowing its fulfillment in the New Testament covenant with God in Christ Jesus with its ''antitype'' of infant baptism unto salvation in the blood of Christ.  On the other hand, Jesus condemned those who claimed kinship with the Father on the basis of a ceremony performed over them at birth as children of the [[devil]].<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A41-45&version=KJV John 8:41-45].</ref>

Colossians 2:11-12 has been cited as connecting infant circumcision and infant baptism. Paul sees infant circumcision into the Abrahamic covenant with God (Genesis 17:9-14) as the Old Testament ''[[Typology|type]]'' foreshadowing its fulfillment in the New Testament covenant with God in Christ Jesus with its ''antitype'' of infant baptism unto salvation in the blood of Christ.

It should be noted that the [[Bible]] does not explicitly ''command'', nor does it explicitly ''forbid'', the practice of infant baptism.

 

The [[Bible]] does not explicitly ''command'' the practice of infant baptism.

 

The Bible does not explicitly ''forbid'' the practice of infant baptism.

 

There is not a single example of infant baptism in either the Old or New Testaments within the bible.

==Denominations that practice infant baptism==

==Denominations that practice infant baptism==

===Melanchthon (1497–1560)===

===Melanchthon (1497–1560)===

[[Philip Melanchthon]] <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Melancthon Philip Melancthon - Wikipedia]</ref> (16 February 1497 – 19 April 1560) was a German Lutheran reformer and collaborator with Martin Luther, and the first systematic theologian of the Protestant Reformation, the foremost intellectual leader of the Lutheran Reformation, and an influential designer of [[education]]al systems. He stands next to Luther and John Calvin as a reformer, theologian, and molder of Protestantism . He was a primary contributor to the formulation of the Protestant ''Confession of Faith'' (1530)

[[Philip Melanchthon]] (16 February 1497 – 19 April 1560) was a German Lutheran reformer and collaborator with Martin Luther, and the first systematic theologian of the Protestant Reformation, the foremost intellectual leader of the Lutheran Reformation, and an influential designer of [[education]]al systems. He stands next to Luther and John Calvin as a reformer, theologian, and molder of Protestantism . He was a primary contributor to the formulation of the Protestant ''Confession of Faith'' (1530)

[https://www.stpls.com/uploads/4/4/8/0/44802893/augsburg-confession.pdf '''Article IX of ''The Confession of Faith:'' Which Was Submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V. at the Diet of Augsburg in the Year 1530''']{{quotation|“Of Baptism they teach that it is necessary to salvation, and that through Baptism is offered the grace of God, and that children are to be baptized who, being offered to God through Baptism are received into God’s grace. They condemn the Anabaptists, who reject the baptism of children.” (Article IX of The Confession of Faith: Which Was Submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V. at the Diet of Augsburg in the Year 1530) <ref name=Douglas.Beaumont/>}}

[https://www.stpls.com/uploads/4/4/8/0/44802893/augsburg-confession.pdf '''Article IX of ''The Confession of Faith:'' Which Was Submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V. at the Diet of Augsburg in the Year 1530''']{{quotation|“Of Baptism they teach that it is necessary to salvation, and that through Baptism is offered the grace of God, and that children are to be baptized who, being offered to God through Baptism are received into God’s grace. They condemn the Anabaptists, who reject the baptism of children.” (Article IX of The Confession of Faith: Which Was Submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V. at the Diet of Augsburg in the Year 1530) <ref name=Douglas.Beaumont/>}}

[https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/matthew/28.htm '''Matthew Poole's Commentary''' (Mt 28:20)]{{quotation|Go ye therefore, and teach all nations; the Greek is mayhteusate, make disciples all nations; but that must be first by preaching and instructing them in the principles of the Christian faith, and Mark expounds it, telling us our Saviour said, ''Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, that is, to every reasonable creature capable of hearing and receiving it.'' I cannot be of their mind, who think that persons may be baptized before they are taught; we want precedents of any such baptism in Scripture, though indeed we find precedents of persons baptized who had but a small degree of the knowledge of the gospel; but it should seem that they were all first taught that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and were not baptized till they professed such belief, '''Acts 8:37''', and John baptized them in Jordan, ''confessing their sins'', '''Matthew 3:6'''. But it doth not therefore follow, that children of such professors are not to be baptized, for the apostles were commanded to baptize ''all nations:'' children are a great part of any nation, if not the greatest part, and although amongst the Jews those that were converted to the Jewish religion were first instructed in the law of God before they were circumcised, yet the fathers being once admitted, the children were circumcised at eight days old; nor were they under any covenant different from us, though we be under a more clear manifestation of the same covenant of grace, of which circumcision was a sign and seal to them, as baptism is to us. Infants are capable of the obligations of baptism, for the obligation ariseth from the equity of the thing, not from the understanding and capacity of the person; they are also capable of the same privileges, ''for of such is the kingdom of God'', as our Saviour hath taught us. (<small>''italics and boldface emphasis in original''</small>}}

[https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/matthew/28.htm '''Matthew Poole's Commentary''' (Mt 28:20)]{{quotation|Go ye therefore, and teach all nations; the Greek is mayhteusate, make disciples all nations; but that must be first by preaching and instructing them in the principles of the Christian faith, and Mark expounds it, telling us our Saviour said, ''Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, that is, to every reasonable creature capable of hearing and receiving it.'' I cannot be of their mind, who think that persons may be baptized before they are taught; we want precedents of any such baptism in Scripture, though indeed we find precedents of persons baptized who had but a small degree of the knowledge of the gospel; but it should seem that they were all first taught that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and were not baptized till they professed such belief, '''Acts 8:37''', and John baptized them in Jordan, ''confessing their sins'', '''Matthew 3:6'''. But it doth not therefore follow, that children of such professors are not to be baptized, for the apostles were commanded to baptize ''all nations:'' children are a great part of any nation, if not the greatest part, and although amongst the Jews those that were converted to the Jewish religion were first instructed in the law of God before they were circumcised, yet the fathers being once admitted, the children were circumcised at eight days old; nor were they under any covenant different from us, though we be under a more clear manifestation of the same covenant of grace, of which circumcision was a sign and seal to them, as baptism is to us. Infants are capable of the obligations of baptism, for the obligation ariseth from the equity of the thing, not from the understanding and capacity of the person; they are also capable of the same privileges, ''for of such is the kingdom of God'', as our Saviour hath taught us. (<small>''italics and boldface emphasis in original''</small>}}

===Matthew Henry (1662–1714)===

===[[Matthew Henry]] (1662–1714)===

Matthew Henry (October 18, 1662–June 22, 1714) was non-conformist pastor of a Presbyterian congregation at Chester. He remained in this position for 25 years. After declining several times offers from London congregations, he finally accepted a call to Hackney, London, and began his ministry there May 18, 1712, shortly before his death. Henry's reputation rests upon his renowned commentary, An Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708-10, known also as Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible). He lived to complete it only as far as to the end of the Acts, but after his death other like-minded authors prepared the remainder from Henry's manuscripts. It was initially published in 1896. There is also a smaller devotional commentary on the Bible from Henry known as Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary.  

Matthew Henry (October 18, 1662–June 22, 1714) was non-conformist pastor of a Presbyterian congregation at Chester. He remained in this position for 25 years. After declining several times offers from London congregations, he finally accepted a call to Hackney, London, and began his ministry there May 18, 1712, shortly before his death. Henry's reputation rests upon his renowned commentary, An Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708-10, known also as Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible or Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary). He lived to complete it only as far as to the end of the Acts, but after his death other like-minded authors prepared the remainder from Henry's manuscripts. It was initially published in 1896. There is also a smaller devotional commentary on the Bible from Henry known as Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary.  

[https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/matthew/28.htm '''Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible''' (Mt 28:16, Verses 18-20)]{{quotation|[3.] Their instructions for executing this commission.<br>First, They must admit disciples by the sacred rite of baptism; "Go into all nations, preach the gospel to them, work miracles among them, and persuade them to come in themselves, and bring their children with them, into the church of Christ, and then admit them and theirs into the church, by washing them with water;" either dipping them in the water, or pouring or sprinkling water upon them, which seems the more proper, because the thing is most frequently expressed so, as Isa. 44:3, I will pour my Spirit on thy seed. And, Tit. 3:5, 6, Which he shed on us abundantly. And, Eze. 36:25, I will sprinkle clean water upon you. And, Isa. 52:15, So shall he sprinkle many nations; which seems a prophecy of this commission to baptize the nations.}}

[https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/matthew/28.htm '''Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible''' (Mt 28:16, Verses 18-20)]{{quotation|[3.] Their instructions for executing this commission.<br>First, They must admit disciples by the sacred rite of baptism; "Go into all nations, preach the gospel to them, work miracles among them, and persuade them to come in themselves, and bring their children with them, into the church of Christ, and then admit them and theirs into the church, by washing them with water;" either dipping them in the water, or pouring or sprinkling water upon them, which seems the more proper, because the thing is most frequently expressed so, as Isa. 44:3, I will pour my Spirit on thy seed. And, Tit. 3:5, 6, Which he shed on us abundantly. And, Eze. 36:25, I will sprinkle clean water upon you. And, Isa. 52:15, So shall he sprinkle many nations; which seems a prophecy of this commission to baptize the nations.}}

===R. C. Sproul (1939–2017)===

===R. C. Sproul (1939–2017)===

Robert Charles Sproul (February 13, 1939 – December 14, 2017) was an American theologian and ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._C._Sproul R.C. Sproul - Wikipedia]</ref> He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and could be heard daily on the ''Renewing Your Mind'' radio broadcast in the United States and internationally. Under Sproul's direction, Ligonier Ministries produced the Ligonier Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, and helped draft the ''Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy''. He was a critic of Roman Catholic theology and objected to the document ''Evangelicals and Catholics Together'', which downplayed the key differences, such as justification by faith alone, between evangelicals and Catholics.

Robert Charles Sproul (February 13, 1939 – December 14, 2017) was an American theologian and ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America. He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and could be heard daily on the ''Renewing Your Mind'' radio broadcast in the United States and internationally. Under Sproul's direction, Ligonier Ministries produced the Ligonier Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, and helped draft the ''Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy''. He was a critic of Roman Catholic theology and objected to the document ''Evangelicals and Catholics Together'', which downplayed the key differences, such as justification by faith alone, between evangelicals and Catholics.

[https://heidelblog.net/2014/07/r-c-sproul-on-infant-baptism-sin-and-patience '''R. C. Sproul On Infant Baptism, Sin, And Patience''' (2014/07)]{{quotation|I think it’s a sin—you can quote me—not to baptize your children. God was going to kill Moses for not circumcising his son. It was a very serious matter to administer the sign of the covenant to believers and to their infants. And nowhere is there in biblical content that principle of solidarity ever, ever abrogated. And so I think we’re making a huge mistake when we exclude the children of believers from the sign of the covenant. Alright? And so I think it’s a serious matter. Because I want to make sure with the administration of the sacraments that we’re doing what’s pleasing to God. So I think it’s pleasing to God to baptize infants of believers. My friends in the Baptist community think that it’s displeasing to God. Both sides want to do what is pleasing to God. What I do believe is that we should not break fellowship over that issue because there’s not an explicit teaching in the New Testament that says that ‘you must baptize children of believers.’ Nor is there an explicit prohibition in the New Testament that says, ‘No, you may not baptize the children of believers.’ And so you have to rest your case on inferences drawn from narratives and other texts of the Bible and any time a doctrine is left to development by inferences you’re open to all kinds of mistakes. }}

[https://heidelblog.net/2014/07/r-c-sproul-on-infant-baptism-sin-and-patience '''R. C. Sproul On Infant Baptism, Sin, And Patience''' (2014/07)]{{quotation|I think it’s a sin—you can quote me—not to baptize your children. God was going to kill Moses for not circumcising his son. It was a very serious matter to administer the sign of the covenant to believers and to their infants. And nowhere is there in biblical content that principle of solidarity ever, ever abrogated. And so I think we’re making a huge mistake when we exclude the children of believers from the sign of the covenant. Alright? And so I think it’s a serious matter. Because I want to make sure with the administration of the sacraments that we’re doing what’s pleasing to God. So I think it’s pleasing to God to baptize infants of believers. My friends in the Baptist community think that it’s displeasing to God. Both sides want to do what is pleasing to God. What I do believe is that we should not break fellowship over that issue because there’s not an explicit teaching in the New Testament that says that ‘you must baptize children of believers.’ Nor is there an explicit prohibition in the New Testament that says, ‘No, you may not baptize the children of believers.’ And so you have to rest your case on inferences drawn from narratives and other texts of the Bible and any time a doctrine is left to development by inferences you’re open to all kinds of mistakes. }}

===Tim Challies (1976—) from paedobaptist to credobaptist===

===Tim Challies (1976—) from paedobaptist to credobaptist===

Tim Challies (1976—) <ref>[https://www.challies.com/about About Tim Challies (challies.com)] <br> [https://en.wikipedia.org/wikiTim_Challies Tim Challies - Wikipedia]</ref> is a former Anglican Presbyterian Dutch Reformed church '''pædobaptist''' who converted to the '''credobaptist''' doctrine of "believer's baptism" only, based entirely on what he read in the Bible. He earned a degree in History from McMaster University <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMaster_University McMaster University - Wikipedia]</ref>, and became a Canadian author, blogger, book reviewer, Christian apologist, and pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario.<ref>[https://www.gfcto.com/about About Grace Fellowship Church (gfcto.com)]</ref> He is the editor of ''Discerning Reader'' (discerningreader.com) and co-founder of CruciformPress <ref>[https://cruciformpress.com Cruciform Press (cruciformpress.com)]</ref>, and has written several books including ''The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment and Sexual Detox.'' He writes daily at https://www.challies.com.

Tim Challies (1976—) <ref>[https://www.challies.com/about About Tim Challies (challies.com)] <br></ref> is a former Anglican Presbyterian Dutch Reformed church '''pædobaptist''' who converted to the '''credobaptist''' doctrine of "believer's baptism" only, based entirely on what he read in the Bible. He earned a degree in History from McMaster University, and became a Canadian author, blogger, book reviewer, Christian apologist, and pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario.<ref>[https://www.gfcto.com/about About Grace Fellowship Church (gfcto.com)]</ref> He is the editor of ''Discerning Reader'' (discerningreader.com) and co-founder of CruciformPress <ref>[https://cruciformpress.com Cruciform Press (cruciformpress.com)]</ref>, and has written several books including ''The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment and Sexual Detox.'' He writes daily at https://www.challies.com.

[https://www.challies.com/articles/why-i-am-not-paedobaptist/ '''Why I am not Paedobaptist''' (June 16, 2016) (challis.com)] {{quotation|For the past few weeks I have been taking a day a week to tell how I have arrived at my various theological convictions. I’ve done this by telling you why I am not what I am not: I am not atheist, Roman Catholic, liberal, or Arminian. Today I want to tell you why I am not paedobaptist. But first, of course, definitions are in order.  

[https://www.challies.com/articles/why-i-am-not-paedobaptist/ '''Why I am not Paedobaptist''' (June 16, 2016) (challis.com)] {{quotation|For the past few weeks I have been taking a day a week to tell how I have arrived at my various theological convictions. I’ve done this by telling you why I am not what I am not: I am not atheist, Roman Catholic, liberal, or Arminian. Today I want to tell you why I am not paedobaptist. But first, of course, definitions are in order.  

The necessity of [[baptism]] for [[salvation]] is seen by the majority of Christians <ref>Statistically, a majority of [[institution]]al Christian church doctrinal teachings supports and believes in infant baptism, based on scripture and tradition.

The necessity of [[baptism]] for [[salvation]] is seen by the majority of Christians <ref>Statistically, a majority of [[institution]]al Christian church doctrinal teachings supports and believes in infant baptism, based on scripture and tradition.

 

*The '''Catholic Church''' is the world's largest [[Christianity|Christian]] body comprised of several distinct [https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/catholic_rites_and_churches.htm "Rites"]. The [[Catholic Church|Catholic Church (Latin Rite)]] is the largest religious body in the United States, with over 60 million adherents (4 times as large as the second largest church, the Orthodox).

*The '''Catholic Church''' is the world's largest [[Christianity|Christian]] body comprised of several distinct [https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/catholic_rites_and_churches.htm "Rites"]. The [[Catholic Church|Catholic Church (Latin Rite)]] is the largest religious body in the United States, with over 60 million adherents (4 times as large as the second largest church, the Orthodox).

*[http://www.pewforum.org/2013/02/13/the-global-catholic-population/ “The Global Catholic Population,” © 2011, Pew Research Center.]<br/>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_romcath.html The Largest Catholic Communities]

*[http://www.pewforum.org/2013/02/13/the-global-catholic-population/ “The Global Catholic Population,” © 2011, Pew Research Center.]<br/>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_romcath.html The Largest Catholic Communities]

==="They" not "We"===

==="They" not "We"===

Those who deny that baptism on behalf of the dead was ever part of Christian doctrine and apostolic tradition point out that Paul says, "''they''", in reference to others who believe in the resurrection of the dead. He does not say, "Else what shall '''we''' do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are '''we''' then baptized for the dead?" He does not say this. If baptism for the dead had been Christian doctrine they reason that Paul would have included it as a practice that "we" Christians perform on behalf of the dead as a [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|work of mercy]]. There is no evidence from the first centuries of Christianity in the writings of the [[Apostolic Fathers]], the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]], and the first seven [[Ecumenical council]]s of any mention of the practice of being baptized for the dead as being part of Christian [[doctrine]] and [[dogma]]. According to the [[Orthodox Church]] and the [[Catholic Church]] this practice was never a part of [[Apostolic Tradition]]. No Protestant denomination practices baptism for the dead. It is unknown in the [[Church of Christ]]. For this reason the Mormon doctrine of baptizing for the dead is not Christian.

Those who deny that baptism on behalf of the dead was ever part of Christian doctrine and apostolic tradition point out that Paul says, "''they''", in reference to others who believe in the resurrection of the dead. He does not say, "Else what shall '''we''' do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are '''we''' then baptized for the dead?" He does not say this. If baptism for the dead had been Christian doctrine they reason that Paul would have included it as a practice that "we" Christians perform on behalf of the dead as a [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|work of mercy]]. There is no evidence from the first centuries of Christianity in the writings of the [[Apostolic Fathers]], the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]], and the first seven [[Ecumenical council]]s of any mention of the practice of being baptized for the dead as being part of Christian [[doctrine]] and [[dogma]]. According to the [[Orthodox Church]] and the [[Catholic Church]] this practice was never a part of [[Apostolic Tradition]]. No Protestant denomination practices baptism for the dead. It is unknown in the [[Church of Christ]]. For this reason the Mormon doctrine of baptizing for the dead is seen by many as not Christian.

==Universalists==

==Universalists==

*[https://www.wayoflife.org/database/fireoutofhell.html Taking the Fire Out of Hell, David Cloud, Way of Life Literature (wayoflife.org)]

*[https://www.wayoflife.org/database/fireoutofhell.html Taking the Fire Out of Hell, David Cloud, Way of Life Literature (wayoflife.org)]

*[https://www.christianity.com/theology/other-religions-beliefs/what-is-universalism-and-is-it-compatible-with-christian-faith.html What Is Universalism? Is it Biblical and Should Christians Believe Universalist Philosophy? Universalism is the belief that ultimately everybody will be saved. There are several different stripes of Universalists. Russell Moore -Moore to the Point (christianity.com)]</ref> Among congregations of Unitarian Universalists,<ref>See

*[https://www.christianity.com/theology/other-religions-beliefs/what-is-universalism-and-is-it-compatible-with-christian-faith.html What Is Universalism? Is it Biblical and Should Christians Believe Universalist Philosophy? Universalism is the belief that ultimately everybody will be saved. There are several different stripes of Universalists. Russell Moore -Moore to the Point (christianity.com)]</ref> Among congregations of Unitarian Universalists,<ref>See

*[https://www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/history/faith Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith, A pamphlet by Mark W. Harris (uua.org)]

*[https://www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/history/faith Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith, A pamphlet by Mark W. Harris (uua.org)].</ref> most (not all) have child dedication ceremonies for infants and children.<ref>[https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-do/celebrations/births Baptism / Child Dedication in Unitarian Universalism - Unitarian Universalist Association (uua.org)]</ref> According to Universalist teaching, neither baptism nor avoidance of sin is ultimately regarded in any way as absolutely necessary, since all will eventually be blessed. The individual is completely free to do whatever he or she decides to do.<ref>Compare [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A20-28&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 15:20-28]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A9-11&version=KJV Philippians 2:9-11].</ref> The wicked learn to their sorrow that they were in serious [[error]], but they also discover to their joy that what seems to be their punishment in full accordance with divine justice and mercy is a [[Criminal rehabilitation|rehabilitation]] of corrective purification of love, to finally make them fit and clean and fully worthy of perfect communion with God.  

*[https://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Unitarian_Universalism Unitarian Universalism - Wikipedia].</ref> most (not all) have child dedication ceremonies for infants and children.<ref>[https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-do/celebrations/births Baptism / Child Dedication in Unitarian Universalism - Unitarian Universalist Association (uua.org)]</ref> According to Universalist teaching, neither baptism nor avoidance of sin is ultimately regarded in any way as absolutely necessary, since all will eventually be blessed. The individual is completely free to do whatever he or she decides to do.<ref>Compare [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A20-28&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 15:20-28]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A9-11&version=KJV Philippians 2:9-11].</ref> The wicked learn to their sorrow that they were in serious [[error]], but they also discover to their joy that what seems to be their punishment in full accordance with divine justice and mercy is a [[Criminal rehabilitation|rehabilitation]] of corrective purification of love, to finally make them fit and clean and fully worthy of perfect communion with God.  

According to this teaching, at the moment of death, the character of the unbaptized soul of a dead infant is not irreformably forever fixed and permanent, destined to an eternity in hell, but is ultimately by the divine will of God infallibly and irrevocably destined finally to eternal life with God. The whole of this doctrine has much in common with the teaching of [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Monism]] and [[Cosmic Humanism]].  

According to this teaching, at the moment of death, the character of the unbaptized soul of a dead infant is not irreformably forever fixed and permanent, destined to an eternity in hell, but is ultimately by the divine will of God infallibly and irrevocably destined finally to eternal life with God. The whole of this doctrine has much in common with the teaching of [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Monism]] and [[Cosmic Humanism]].  

==[[Religious Society of Friends]] (Quakers)==

==[[Religious Society of Friends]] (Quakers)==

[[Quaker]] belief teaches that the goal of all life is to experience God's indwelling presence. Participation by any of their members in sacramental activities with others is not forbidden, but it is not a part of their spiritual discipline or ''praxis''. Baptism is most often referred to by Friends as sensing the presence of God's Spirit, and experiencing an inner change as the result. This can be quite profound. Sometimes the term "illumination" is used, and "inner light" or simply having "the light".<ref>See the following:

[[Quaker]] belief teaches that the goal of all life is to experience God's indwelling presence. Participation by any of their members in sacramental activities with others is not forbidden, but it is not a part of their spiritual discipline or ''[[praxis]]''. Baptism is most often referred to by Friends as sensing the presence of God's Spirit, and experiencing an inner change as the result. This can be quite profound. Sometimes the term "illumination" is used, and "inner light" or simply having "the light".<ref>See the following:

*[https://classroom.synonym.com/the-quaker-view-on-baptism-12085718.html The Quaker View on Baptism, By Dell Markey (classroom.synonym.com)]

*[https://classroom.synonym.com/the-quaker-view-on-baptism-12085718.html The Quaker View on Baptism, By Dell Markey (classroom.synonym.com)]

*[http://goinsidetogreetthelight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Helen-Meads-Quaker-meaning-of-Light-_-JT-work_.pdf The Quaker Meaning of Light (and James Turrell's work), by Helen Meads goinsidetogreetthelight] pdf. —''The meaning of going inside to greet the Light.''

*[http://goinsidetogreetthelight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Helen-Meads-Quaker-meaning-of-Light-_-JT-work_.pdf The Quaker Meaning of Light (and James Turrell's work), by Helen Meads goinsidetogreetthelight] pdf. —''The meaning of going inside to greet the Light.''

[[Bogomil: Bogomilism]]

[[Bogomil: Bogomilism]]

[[Protestant Reformation]]

[[Protestant Reformation]]

[https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxyandheterodoxy/2015/02/17/born-experience-baptismal-regeneration/ '''“Born Again” Experience or Baptismal Regeneration?''', Robert Arakaki - Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy (ancientfaith.com)]

[https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxyandheterodoxy/2015/02/17/born-experience-baptismal-regeneration/ '''“Born Again” Experience or Baptismal Regeneration?''', Robert Arakaki - Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy (ancientfaith.com)]

[http://www.bible.ca/history/philip-schaff/7_ch07.htm '''History of the Christian Church. Chapter VII. The Sacramentarian Controversies''' (bible.ca)] —"''All the Reformers retained the custom of infant-baptism, and opposed rebaptism (''Weiderfaufe'') as a heresy. So far they agreed with the Catholics against the Anabaptists, or Catabaptists as they are called, although they rejected the name, because in their view the baptism of infants was no baptism at all.''" §''102 The Anabaptist Controversy. Luther and Huebmaier''.

[http://www.bible.ca/history/philip-schaff/7_ch07.htm '''History of the Christian Church. Chapter VII. The Sacramentarian Controversies''' (bible.ca)] —"''All the Reformers retained the custom of infant-baptism, and opposed rebaptism (''Weiderfaufe'') as a heresy. So far they agreed with the Catholics against the Anabaptists, or Catabaptists as they are called, although they rejected the name, because in their view the baptism of infants was no baptism at all.''" §''102 The Anabaptist Controversy. Luther and Huebmaier''.