Do Anabaptists still object to infant baptism?

[mike]

Many churches, including Catholics base their belief in infant baptism from verses such as those out of Mark 2, where after Jesus saw the faith of the friends of the sick man left down though roof, he healed the sick man.

Other examples would be where the faith of a leader or another key person of a household led to whole families hearing and accepting the gospel and being baptized. Examples would be Cornelius, the Philippian jailer, Lydia, and Crispus. Those that believe in infant baptism claim these verses for their belief in infant baptism, saying the faith of others is very important in salvation of an individual.

Of course, we believe infants and children are saved until the age of accountability, and there is no need for infant baptism. But I would never go as far to say their belief which is based on a different interpretation of the Bible, that the faith of others is a factor in an infant's life, is an abomination.

It is quite understandable why the Anabaptists who wrote the Schleitheim confession called infant baptism "greatest and first abomination of the pope." The Catholic church was literally burning them at the stake and drowning them for refusing to baptize their babies. We might use similar language if in their situation.

[Grace]

Many churches, including Catholics base their belief in infant baptism from verses such as those out of Mark 2, where after Jesus saw the faith of the friends of the sick man left down though roof, he healed the sick man.

Other examples would be where the faith of a leader or another key person of a household led to whole families hearing and accepting the gospel and being baptized. Examples would be Cornelius, the Philippian jailer, Lydia, and Crispus. Those that believe in infant baptism claim these verses for their belief in infant baptism, saying the faith of others is very important in salvation of an individual.

Of course, we believe infants and children are saved until the age of accountability, and there is no need for infant baptism. But I would never go as far to say their belief which is based on a different interpretation of the Bible, that the faith of others is a factor in an infant's life, is an abomination.

It is quite understandable why the Anabaptists who wrote the Schleitheim confession called infant baptism "greatest and first abomination of the pope." The Catholic church was literally burning them at the stake and drowning them for refusing to baptize their babies. We might use similar language if in their situation.

Thanks for that clarification, and yes you have a valid point. Persecuting Anabaptist in such a violent manner, who didn't baptize their babies was an abomination. I guess I was referring to the present day, when the Catholic Church is not persecuting those who do not baptize their babies. And just for clarification, I in no way condone infant baptism.

[mike]

So, what if a 13-year-old has sincerely believed on the Lord Jesus and desires to walk in the ways of the Lord and also has a deep desire to be baptized? Should they be refused?

I don't know that they should be refused. I just would not encourage it.

At what age would you be in a similar position?

I think it would depend on the spiritual maturity and understanding of the child. And it is why I think everyone, no matter their age goes through an extensive Discipleship class, before being baptized or even becomes a member of a church. Our church uses the book "Beginning the Christian Life", from Herald Press.

Our daughter who is twelve just decided to become a Christian. I feel like Ernie does that this is quite young, and we pressed her pretty hard to find out how deep her desire was. She was very insistent and sincere, and we were happy to help her through the process. But I feel part of the reason for this is how our church pressures people to decisions during revival meeting times, and a child who is sensitive to God and perceptive of spiritual issues will respond more quickly than they otherwise would.

[mike]

In some evangelical circles it is not uncommon for a child to be 'saved' and baptized as young as five years of age, thus practicing their own version of 'infant baptism.'

[JohnH]

So far, 75% of respondents won’t share communion with someone who infant baptizes. It appears 25% would.

I didn't reply to the poll because of conflating the two issues. I wouldn't take communion in an infant-baptizing church, but that's because of their view of communion, rather than their view of baptism.

Even in (for example) a Wesleyan Methodist type of church?

[JohnH]

I don't believe in adult baptism. I believe in believer's baptism.

I think forced infant baptism or pressuring parents to baptize their infants to be an abomination.

I would encourage anyone under the age of 10 to be rebaptized.

I would not encourage anyone to be baptized before they are 15.

So, what if a 13-year-old has sincerely believed on the Lord Jesus and desires to walk in the ways of the Lord and also has a deep desire to be baptized? Should they be refused?

A thought is to simply encourage them to remain steadfast and wait a year or two, similar to what seekers are asked to do.

[JimFoxvog]

Actually, there might be a fair chance I am the on,y real Anabaptist here come to think of it.
I was baptized as an infant, and rebaptized (anabaptist).

I was baptized as an infant (Lutheran Church) and as a believer during grad school (church of Christ/Christian Church). Does anyone here think I should be baptized again as a Mennonite?

[mike]

Actually, there might be a fair chance I am the on,y real Anabaptist here come to think of it.
I was baptized as an infant, and rebaptized (anabaptist).

I was baptized as an infant (Lutheran Church) and as a believer during grad school (church of Christ/Christian Church). Does anyone here think I should be baptized again as a Mennonite?

I was baptized twice as an adult, so that makes at least three Anabaptists in this thread.

[Ernie]

So, what if a 13-year-old has sincerely believed on the Lord Jesus and desires to walk in the ways of the Lord and also has a deep desire to be baptized? Should they be refused?

I think it is possible for a child, an adolescent, or young teen to be a follower of Jesus, a Christian, and a believer without being baptized.

In fact, I believe the same thing about adults.

Recently we started studying the Bible with a couple. It appeared that the wife never heard of angels, Israel, Jesus, or Abraham. The husband knew a bit about these things from a college course he took on Hebrew religion. His grandmother was a believer so he has a bit of knowledge.
Within a few weeks the wife went from not believing in anything she could not see, to testifying this week that she now believes in God who is everywhere around her. Our first Bible studies have been from the first chapters of Genesis. We've been teaching her how to pray. Yesterday she asked, "When will we learn about Jesus?" I expect that within a few weeks from now, she will believe in Jesus also.
Some people would likely baptize her at that point. I will encourage her to keep growing and learning. If she needed to return to her home country in a few weeks from now, and made a commitment to Jesus, I would be open to baptizing her before she left. (like Philip did with the Ethiopian eunuch). But if we have more time to disciple her, I will not encourage baptism until she has more understanding. With more understanding, it is more likely that her commitment will be stronger, and she will be less likely to lose her faith.

Its the same way with children, only with children we have undeveloped brains and very limited ability to understand spiritual warfare, etc. Many children who get baptized too young, and then go through major mental and physical development, experience a lot of confusion as to their standing with God. "Why am I experiencing these thoughts and emotions if I am 'in Christ'?"

To me, the age for baptism or the timing for baptism with adults is all about wisdom, not a particular age. The ages I list above are arbitrary based on observation and experience. I may encourage people over 10 to be rebaptized, and I may not encourage some teens to get baptized until they are 18 or so.

Now, if an adult is resisting getting baptized because they don't want to make a commitment, yet they have sufficient understanding, that is a completely different matter. I would not consider them a follower of Jesus nor a Christian.

[JohnH]

Actually, there might be a fair chance I am the on,y real Anabaptist here come to think of it.
I was baptized as an infant, and rebaptized (anabaptist).

I was baptized as an infant (Lutheran Church) and as a believer during grad school (church of Christ/Christian Church). Does anyone here think I should be baptized again as a Mennonite?

Assuming your second time was sincere (which is generally left up to the supplicant to discern for themselves), nearly all Anabaptist groups would say no. A handful always recbaptize new members.

Some people think you need rebaptized if you had a “Jesus name only” baptism. I am not one of these people. The Catholic Church claims such baptisms are invalid.