Do Anabaptists still object to infant baptism?

[barnhart]

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.'

I wouldn't encourage this but at the same time if a child sincerely asks for baptism, without social pressure, I would have a hard time saying no.

[JohnH]

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.'

I wouldn't encourage this but at the same time if a child sincerely asks for baptism, without social pressure, I would have a hard time saying no.

My 3 or 4 year old said he wanted to, after we read some Bible stories about it and attended a baptism service. I would not feel confident saying yes to that.

[JohnL]

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.'

I wouldn't encourage this but at the same time if a child sincerely asks for baptism, without social pressure, I would have a hard time saying no.

Me too. We've had children who wanted baptism and I don't we've ever said no to them. "But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

[barnhart]

Ernie, I think your approach sounds wise. I'm not as concerned about the age as I am desire, free from social pressure and an determination to faithfulness.

[JohnH]

Ernie, I think your approach sounds wise. I'm not as concerned about the age as I am desire, free from social pressure and an determination to faithfulness.

So would age 3 be OK?

[JayP]

I am always amazed at the “creep” in Protestant positions on topics like baptism. I can fully understand the Anabaptist position that baptism requires adult “knowledge and recognition” as a basis for baptism.

It’s the groups that then begin to “slide” or want the “partyL aspect (I do not get this naming or presentation thing Prods want to do).

Is not infant baptism easier to believe in than 5 year olds getting baptized?

[ohio jones]

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?

My understanding is that they have a sacramental view of Real Presence.

[HondurasKeiser]

Some of the biblical support for infant baptism comes from the conviction that baptism is new covenant version of circumcision. I think this is compelling if your concept of the people of God is cultural or national, then children enter the group at birth.

Or a patriarchal/familial concept? I.e. the father as the head of the household determines the family's faith; children share the faith of their parents.

That's another angle.

That I think is the part of the Reformed argument.

[barnhart]

Or a patriarchal/familial concept? I.e. the father as the head of the household determines the family's faith; children share the faith of their parents.

That's another angle.

That I think is the part of the Reformed argument.

Which?

[JohnH]

Or a patriarchal/familial concept? I.e. the father as the head of the household determines the family's faith; children share the faith of their parents.

That's another angle.

That I think is the part of the Reformed argument.

I would actually feel far more uncomfortable with this than with the Catholic view of infant baptism.