Paedobaptism and Infant Baptism in Christian Theology
The practice of infant baptism, or paedobaptism, is a significant point of theological divergence among Christian traditions, primarily concerning its biblical basis, its efficacy, and the proper recipients of the sacrament.
One prominent position, held by traditions such as the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Reformed churches, affirms the practice of infant baptism. These traditions often view baptism as the New Testament counterpart to Old Testament circumcision, marking entrance into the covenant community [5]. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that "God had foreseen something better for us": the grace of believing in his Son Jesus, and that Mary "most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith" [6]. Anglican theology, as expressed in the Thirty-Nine Articles, states that "The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ" [5]. It is seen not only as a sign of profession but also as a "sign of Regeneration or new Birth," grafting individuals into the Church and sealing promises of forgiveness and adoption [5]. Martin Luther's Small Catechism also includes instruction for children, reflecting the expectation of their inclusion in the faith community from a young age [4]. Commentaries on passages like Mark 10:16, where Jesus blesses children, are often cited to support the idea that children are capable of receiving Christ's blessing and should therefore be dedicated to God through baptism [7]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 2 Timothy 3:15 notes that "from an infant" is the literal reading, suggesting that lasting impressions of faith can be made at a tender age [3].
Conversely, many Baptist and other evangelical traditions practice "believer's baptism," arguing that baptism should only be administered to those who can consciously profess faith in Christ. They emphasize that baptism is a public profession of faith and discipleship [1], and that regeneration is the inward and spiritual grace of baptism, as seen in passages like John 3:3, 5-6 and Romans 6:3-4, 11 [2]. Therefore, they contend that infants, being unable to articulate such a profession, are not proper candidates for baptism. This perspective often highlights the sequence in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands disciples to "make disciples... baptizing them... teaching them" (Matthew 28:19-20), implying that teaching and discipleship precede baptism.
Despite these differences, nearly all Christian traditions agree on the significance of baptism as an ordinance instituted by Christ, to be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, using water as the outward sign [2]. The divergence often stems from differing interpretations of covenant theology, the nature of original sin, and the role of human agency in salvation.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Baptism — It is well known that ablution or bathing was common in most ancient nations as a preparation for prayers and sacrifice or as expiatory of sin. In warm countries this connection is probably even closer than in colder climates; and hence the frequency of ablution in the religious rites throughout the East. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is the rite or ordinance by which persons are admitted into the Church of Christ. It is the public profession of faith and discipleship. Baptism signifies-- + A confession of faith in Christ; + A cleansi”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Baptism — As administered by John -- Mt 3:5-12; Joh 3:23; Ac 13:24; 19:4. Sanctioned by Christ's submission to it -- Mt 3:13-15; Lu 3:21. Adopted by Christ -- Joh 3:22; 4:1,2. Appointed an ordinance of the Christian church -- Mt 28:19,20; Mr 16:15,16. To be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Mt 28:19. Water, the outward and visible sign in -- Ac 8:36; 10:47. Regeneration, the inward and spiritual grace of -- Joh 3:3,5,6; Ro 6:3,4,11. Remission of sins, signified by -- Ac 2:38; 22:16. Unity of the Church effected by -- 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27,2”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:15: from a child--literally, "from an infant." The tender age of the first dawn of reason is that wherein the most lasting impressions of faith may be made. holy scriptures--The Old Testament taught by his Jewish mother. An undesigned coincidence with Ti2 1:5; Act 16:1-3. able--in themselves: though through men's own fault they often do not in fact make men savingly alive. wise unto salvation--that is, wise unto the attainment of salvation. Contrast "folly" (Ti2 3:9). Wise also in extending it to others. through faith--as the instrument of this ”
- Luther's Small Catechism (Lutheran) “Luther's Small Catechism (Lutheran, 1529), Children,: Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Eph. 6:1-3.”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), Section 269: Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of Regeneration or new Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God. The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be reta”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, CHAPTER THREE (part 2): "received divine approval".10 Yet "God had foreseen something better for us": the grace of believing in his Son Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of our faith".11 Mary - "Blessed is she who believed" 148 The Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith. By faith Mary welcomes the tidings and promise brought by the angel Gabriel, believing that "with God nothing will be impossible" and so giving her assent: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word."12 Elizabeth greeted her: "Bless”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 10:16: And he took them up in his arms - One of the Itala reads in sinu suo - "in his bosom." Jesus Christ loves little children; and they are objects of his most peculiar care. Who can account for their continual preservation and support, while exposed to so many dangers, but on the ground of a peculiar and extraordinary providence? And blessed them - Then, though little children, they were capable of receiving Christ's blessing. If Christ embraced them, why should not his Church embrace them? Why not dedicate them to God by baptism? - whether that be performed by sprinkli”