I find it interesting that no specific age was specified; do you?silentreader wrote: ↑Thu Feb 29, 2024 12:46 pmMatthew 28:18-20 (NCB)MaxPC wrote: ↑Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:35 amAgreed and amen. As the RCC interprets it, there are no explicit instructions against infant baptism either. Matthew 28:18-20 states that Jesus commanded His apostles to baptise all people in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Orthodox likewise interprets it similarly.Ernie wrote: ↑Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:50 am
And another similarity is that both rely on there being no explicit prohibition on either. The New Testament instructs us what to do in these matters and God didn't see a need to get an explicit prohibition on record.
I think this tells us a bit about God.
God gives enough clear evidence for us to know that He exists and that He created the world, if we want to believe. But he does not force himself on us, and He has hidden himself sufficiently, that we could find reason to dis-believe if we wish. Someday every knee will bow, but not right now.
I think the same is true with matters like infant baptism, going to war, and self-defense.
Jesus gave clear enough instructions and an example for us that anyone who wants to follow him and chooses to follow him can know how He wants us to live. But He does not force Himself upon anyone who is looking for loopholes to justify disobedience to His clear teaching and example.
The RCC definition of baptism is a sacrament that imparts God's grace upon the recipient. While the infant is too young to make a decision regarding faith, the parents extend their faith in God on the child's behalf just as Jesus healed the centurion's servant because of the faith of the centurion (Mark 2:3-5); Jesus exorcised a child's unclean spirit because of the father's faith that his child could be healed (Mark 9:22-25).
I am old enough to realise that sparring with Bible verses is not truly productive for anyone except those who are sparring. It does send one back to the Bible to explore the context and verses and in my perspective, that is always a good thing, even if the interpretation of one differs from another. Prayer and time provides the insight.
Matthew 28:18-20
New Catholic Bible
18 Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.”
Personally and for my own usage, I prefer the RSV-CE (Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition). But then as long as the Bible is read, I am comfortable with the translation preferences of others.