Posted on 09/25/2009 6:53:41 PM PDT by Colofornian
A friend of my daughter recently said she could not understand why Mormons baptize children at such a young age, 8 years old. This got me thinking.
...We do not baptize infants or little children because, as taught in section 29 of the Doctrine and Covenants, "little children are redeemed" through Christ and "cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children until they begin to become accountable before me."
But why do we baptize at the young and tender age of 8? Why not wait until they are older and, as some would argue, more competent to make such a momentous decision.
SNIP
In the home, in church meetings and functions, this is what we are to do. Then, after being thus prepared, "their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of hands."
SNIP
We baptize children at age 8 because it is the age of accountability. We baptize at age 8 because the Lord wants children to have the blessings, in this and the next life, that come through covenant relationships. We baptize at age 8 because in doing so we give children access to the power of righteousness and the power of God in their lives.
(Excerpt) Read more at mormontimes.com ...
You know what -- this is a doctrine of some groups but I dare you to find me ONE SINGLE BIBLE passage that uses this phrasing or vocabulary or language.
(You've bought into a tradition minus the foundation's that supposed to hold it up).
The important factor is not what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside.
Listen. Jesus was resurrected to new life, right? Well, the New Testament says that the Father resurrected Him. The Holy Spirit resurrected Him. And Jesus resurrected Himself. Question: Did the life of the Father that resurrected Him come ONLY from the inside?
Therefore please leave the dust in your neighbor’s eyes for now.
(I assume then, that the first comment above is "dust" you discovered in my eyes?)
Tis funny to hear folks sometimes. For example, they'll read the Bible account about the Pharisee concluding he's glad he wasn't like the inward finger-pointing he was doing of another person in his scenario...and then we'll conclude, "Boy, I'm glad I'm glad I'm not like that Pharisee doing the inward finger-pointing."
Just from reading a few your posts, it doesn’t sound to me like you really know much about what Christianity is all about. I don’t know how you can come to the conclusion that you are an athiest if you really know so little about what Christianity is. My suggestion is that you search to discover the truth about Christianity, and somebody may need to give you some help. You certainly don’t learn much about it by listening to pop culture’s view of what Christianity is, whose view point is bleeding through your comments.
WHERE does scripture (Bible scripture, that is) say anything about baptizing kids at 8 years of age? Not in my Bible...
No, it has no salvific qualities.
I’d probably disagree with you baptizing my children at any age. nothing personal
“’Don’t forget that one of Jesus’ earliest believers, that is, one of the criminals who was crucified alongside Him, professed his own faith in Jesus, and Jesus assured him that he would enter heaven.”
He entered heaven for accepting Christ as his savior. Not for being baptized, which is good because he wasn’t baptized.
Accepting Christ as your savior is what saves you. aka being reborn through faith.
Again, I ask you if you're consistent? Lds "scripture" labels all other Christian sects to be apostates...100% putrid creed-wise...100% "corrupt" professing believers.
Now if you can show me ANY post where you've ever critiqued ANY Mormon for disparaging us, then I'll say, "Hey, RB is sometimes consistent. He doesn't like what he perceives as 'disparaging' comments. He calls all sides on the carpet when he sees it. He exercises his standard consistently."
Otherwise, if you can't, then may I suggest you consider desisting exporting your lopsidedly applied standard? (At least until you could apply it more evenly?)
At 13 at Church camp. I finally realized what all the screaming and shouting was about.
Our church believes in believer’s baptism and the dedication of infants and toddlers. The church then is held responsible, along with parents, to see that the children are brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Leading by example, I guess.)
Well, relax about it. If you weren’t in agreement with your mother’s decision, it was nothing more than a glorified bath. All she did was get you wet.
Baptism is outward obedience to inward conversion — “the answer of a good conscience toward God,” as scripture says. Nobody can do it for you, but you might want to seek answers for yourself.
Don’t give up lmarie. He’s there. I know sometimes it’s hard to hear Him or believe He is working in your life, but He is. Keep pressing in.
You know, 8-day old baby Jews were considered part of the covenant people upon circumcision.
Indeed, Christ saves you...Peter links baptism to Christ's resurrection (1 Pet 3) -- and Paul links baptism to Christ's death & resurrection (Romans 6:1-4).
So what do you do with all the verses that describe God's working, God's power, etc. with baptism? (You make it 100% an act of mere mortals)
Colo is a former Mormon. He’s not pitching hay out of an empty wagon, rudeboy.
I saw a dead squirrel once.
Our congregation is also charged with the responsibility to help bring up these baptized infants in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The responsibility lies not only with the parents, but also with the community of believers in Christ. You are not much different from us.
‘No, it has no salvific qualities.”
Isn’t that what i said?
I suppose I'd have to ping you the next time I make one. The only problem is that I don't care to remember your name.
There are no useless prayers; if nothing else, they focus the mind.
Another thing the nuns taught me - focus on a goal, pray for it, and work for it.
YMMV.
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