Why baptize children at young age of 8?

Mormon Times ^ | Sept. 21, 2009 | Kristine Frederickson

[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.

[1rudeboy]

I responded, as others did, to your post #1. I don’t have to ask your permission to be “referee” any more than you ask to be whatever it is that you are. Jeepers, do you ever get out into the real forum?

[Marysecretary]

Yes, God decides and knows, but what I’m concerned about is that some believe infant baptism saves them and then they may not look to God later on in life for the salvation experience. There’s more to it than the baptism experience.

[Colofornian]

I responded, as others did, to your post #1. I don’t have to ask your permission to be “referee”

OK 1RudeRef

[Colofornian]

The thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptised.

Well, Mark 16:16 makes your point better than the thief on the cross. Otherwise, it's what I call "electric chair theology." (Basing your theology on whatever a guy tied up in the electric chair can or can't do :) )

[1rudeboy]

I had a funny thought over coffee this morning: when a boy in the backseat of a car says “my brother hit me first,” he’s not disputing the accuracy of his parent’s observation that he hit back.

[greyfoxx39]

Jesus Himself showed us the way.

In order to become a "worthy mormon" Jesus would need to be re-baptized so that he could enter the "celestial kingdom" and sit at the right hand of God".

He needs to be:

• Confirmed a member in the LDS church
• Ordained to the priesthood (by a mormon who holds the "keys" given to Joseph Smith)
• Washed with water
• Blessed to have the washing sealed
• Anointed with oil
• Clothed in holy garments
• Given a "new" name
• Married for eternity
• Most important of all, take the Oath to obey the "Law of Consecration:
• You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do accept the law of consecration as contained in this, the book of Doctrine and Covenants [he displays the book], in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

“The thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized.”

***Well, Mark 16:16 makes your point better than the thief on the cross. Otherwise, it's what I call “electric chair theology.” (Basing your theology on whatever a guy tied up in the electric chair can or can't do :) )****

There are several verses that should be factored in. We used to have fun debating the Cambellites oh these forums about baptism.

1Cr 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1Cr 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

1Cr 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

1Cr 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

1Cr 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

And then Cornelius..who received the Holy Spirit BEFORE he was baptized..Look at the chronology of the verses and exactly when the Holy Spirit fell on them.

Act 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Act 10:34 ¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

***

Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Act 10:44 ¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

It should be noted in Mark 16:16 that the Holy Spirit was to follow salvation.

And then, Peter got called on the carpet back in Jerusalem for this.
Act 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Act 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Act 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

Act 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

Act 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Act 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Act 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

It should be noted in Mark 16:16 that the Holy Spirit was to follow salvation.

THIS SHOULD READ...

It should be noted in Mark 16:16 that the SIGN GIFTS were to follow BAPTISM.

[Elsie]

Say what? Can you say "cult" when people can't see a living contradiction right of front of them?

 

 

     

• Single charismatic leader.
• People always seeming constantly happy and enthusiastic. Especially if you discover that they have been told to act that way for the potential new recruits.
• Instant friends.
• If you are told who you can or cannot talk to or associate with.
• They hide what they teach.
• Say they are the only true group, or the best so why go anywhere else.
• Hyped meetings, get you to meetings rather than share with you.
• Experiential rather than logical.
• Asking for money for the next level.
• Some cults travel door to door during times when women are home alone. They think that women are easier to recruit and once they have the woman then it will be easier to snare the husband or partner.
• Saying that they have to make people pay for it because otherwise they will not appreciate it. This is of course a very silly reason, plenty of people are able to appreciate things which they did not pay for.

[Elsie]

You don’t have much else to do, do you?

HAve you and invincibly ignorant met?

[Elsie]

 

Mind your own business and keep your nose out of mine.

 

I know EXACTLY how you feel!

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/17#17

  17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
  18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
  19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
  20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, “Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off.” I then said to my mother,

“I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true.”

[Elsie]

Do Mormon's kill children that have been baptized in the faith like Islam kills those that have been born into the faith if they chose to abandon that religion for another?

Not PHYSICALLY, but spiritually a LOT of ex-MORMONs are 'dead'.

---

If you ain't a Temple Worthy® Mormon, you cannot even see your own children (who are) be married in a MORMON 'temple'. Is THAT 'dead' or what?

[Elsie]

I find it really interesting all of the reasons folks give for baptism and at what age or not - yet JESUS declared that HE needed to be baptised.

I wonder which reason HE gave for it?

[Maverick68]

I’m not a fan of infant baptism.
Any God that would punish a child for eternity because he/she didn’t get water sprinkled on them isn’t worth two spits.
My God doesn’t do that...

[Elsie]

 

He entered heaven for accepting Christ as his savior. Not for being baptized, which is good because he wasn’t baptized.

 

 John 6:27-29

 27.  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."
 28.  Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"
 29.  Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

[wardaddy]

I was baptized at 9 after a Robeson revival.

[Elsie]

 

Believer’s baptism, after salvation, certainly is a command from God.

 

 

Oh?

 

 

NIV Acts 15:1-32

 1.  Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."  (sounds like this thread!)
 2.  This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
 3.  The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.
 4.  When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
 5.  Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."
 6.  The apostles and elders met to consider this question.
 7.  After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
 8.  God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
 9.  He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
 10.  Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
 11.  No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
 12.  The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
 13.  When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me.
 14.  Simon  has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself.
 15.  The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
 16.  "`After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
 17.  that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'
 18.  that have been known for ages.
 19.  "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
 20.  Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
 21.  For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
 22.  Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.
 23.  With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.
 24.  We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.
 25.  So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul--
 26.  men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 27.  Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.
 28.  It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:
 29.  You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
 30.  The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter.
 31.  The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.

 

 

[SeaHawkFan]

I am certainly no fan of Mormonism and I disagree with the concept that personal responsibility begins at any specific age; but in some states, children under the age of eight cannot be prosecuted for a crime because by statute, they are unable to form criminal intent in their minds. In these same states, it is presumed that children under 12 cannot form criminal intent, but the state can attempt to overcome that presumption.

I think this all goes back to Jewish law a very long time bago, but I am not sure.

[Elsie]

I have honestly tried, Ive had study sessions with Jehovah’s witnesses’? read the bible and have tried my best to follow HIS words ...

Ah... JW's, like MORMONs, want to make SURE you are an obedient little believer: DOING all the things necessary to have GOD accept you.

The sad truth is that you can NEVER do enough for GOD to accept you.

The best you can hope for is for you to accept GOD - and the plan that HE set in motion...

[Elsie]

I think it's cool that Mormons believe in full body dunking to make sure you are completely covered.

Too bad that MORMONs do NOT believe in following what they call GOD's word.

Specifically D&C 132.