(Baptist) Because baptism is a public profession of faith, after one accepts Christ as savior. An infant/young child is not accountable for sins they can’t possibly understand, nor are they accountable for accepting Christ which is beyond their comprehension.
In my view it is purely symbolic, and harmless. As said, a tradition. To believe God would send a child to hell because it wasn’t baptised...? Not gonna happen.
I agree. I never understood that. I was baptized at 12, after taking classes and being able to accept Christ as my Savior.
I also was taught that I could speak with God on my own without going through a third party. Never understood confession to a human being. But, I don’t fault them for their traditions.
The Bible uses the strongest language to say baptism is essential for salvation. But you dismiss it as mere tradition, just a symbol. Based on what, feelings? The strength if scripture should at least give you pause about your belief that baptism is somehow just a “symbol”. If it was why did Jesus insist on it.