Infant baptism
Christian practice of baptizing infants and young children.
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Infant baptism, also called christening or paedobaptism, is a Christian sacrament in which infants and young children are baptized. This practice is followed by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, many Protestant denominations, and other Christian groups. It initiates children of believing parents into the Christian faith. Those who support it point to New Testament accounts of entire households being baptized and to Jesus’ teachings about welcoming children as justification.
A contrasting view is believer’s baptism, or credobaptism, which holds that baptism should only be given to people who can personally declare their faith. Advocates argue that baptism is a conscious act of commitment requiring understanding of its meaning, so only those able to articulate belief should receive it. This position is common among Anabaptists, Baptists, Pentecostals, and other evangelical groups. They note that the New Testament contains no clear references to infant baptism and emphasize baptism as a personal decision.
The age at which infants are baptized varies by denomination. Most perform the rite within the first few weeks after birth, though some do it immediately if death is imminent, while others wait several months. In Roman Catholicism, baptism is recommended within the first few weeks, or without delay if the infant is in danger of death, as stated in the Code of Canon Law (867 §1-§2); parents are responsible for arranging it. The Eastern Orthodox Church baptizes infants soon after birth and allows them full sacramental participation, including Communion, to affirm their spiritual dignity and incorporation into the church. Lutheran churches view baptism as a sacrament of grace that forgives original sin, citing God’s initiative and rejecting an “age of accountability”; they typically perform it without delay. In the Anglican tradition, baptism (or christening) has no age restriction and signifies inclusion in the covenant community, with parents pledging to raise the child in faith until personal confirmation. The Reformed tradition, based on covenant theology where baptism replaces circumcision, usually administers the sacrament within the first week, as noted in the Westminster Confession.
- Field
- Christian sacramental practice
- Known for
- Baptizing infants and young children as initiation into the Christian faith
- Practiced by
- Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and various Protestant denominations
Lore & Background
Infant baptism practices vary across Christian denominations, typically occurring within the first few weeks after birth, though some traditions perform it immediately in cases of imminent death or delay it by several months. In the Roman Catholic tradition, baptism is recommended within the first few weeks, or without delay if the infant is in danger of death. The Eastern Orthodox Church baptizes infants soon after birth, granting full sacramental participation including Communion. Lutheran churches view baptism as a sacrament of grace that forgives original sin, typically performing it without delay. The Anglican tradition has no age restriction, while the Reformed tradition usually administers the sacrament within the first week. Methodists practice baptism at any age.
Reader's Guide
The ceremony of infant baptism varies among denominations but generally includes reception of candidates, prayers and anointings, blessing of water, and baptism using the Trinitarian formula. Post-baptismal rituals symbolize the candidate's new identity, such as anointing with chrism, clothing in a white garment, and presentation of a lighted candle. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, baptism, chrismation, and first communion are typically administered together, even to infants. The historical development of infant baptism is debated: first-century Christian baptism primarily involved adult believers, with no definitive New Testament evidence for infant baptism. Scholarly consensus holds that infant baptism emerged gradually from the late 2nd century, became widespread by the 3rd century, and was universal by the 4th-5th centuries. Some theologians argue for early presence, citing household baptisms in Acts of the Apostles, while others note the New Testament's silence on the practice.
Did You Know?
- Infant baptism is also known as christening or paedobaptism.
- Some theologians argue that infant baptism originated in the Apostolic Age, citing household baptisms in Acts of the Apostles.
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