Sprinkle some wine on their forehead while reciting:
> You have a wonderful mind, use it in your life > Be guided by yourself and fear not change > Know your parents will always support you > Treasure your dreams as they are your true possession > Never stop yearning for knowledge > Be happy in life, you are a child of the universe > You are unique and will walk your own journey > Go forth striving for your own truths
I could go on, I do do civil baptisms too
rofl
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/29/2012 10:21AM by mindlight.
not make that decision for them while they are kids. The Mormon church will never leave them alone. I will say, though, that if they are vocally asking to be baptised I wouldn't make a huge deal out of fighting them over it because whatever a parent makes a big deal over the kids often push back the opposite direction-(I am not sure, even so about it. The more I think about it my answer would still be no, just don't make a big issue or fight about it. By the way, just wondering, are the Missionaries visiting you r family a lot? Often the missionaries visit the families of baptism-aged children whose family may or may not be members. That seems to be a big focus on Missionary activity these days.
8-year-olds aren't mature enough to make a decision that will effect the rest of their lives. If your child brings up the issue, ask him why he wants to be baptized. You might even try taking him to other, more attractive churches with fun programs for children. You could also tell any missionaries that if they set foot on your property and harass your children again, you'll have them arrested.
Your question is very vague. Infant Baptism is the choice of the parents. The child may choose to be re-baptized as an adult later in life. At about age 15 or 16 my church will baptize a young person based on their own desire to be baptized.
Age 8 is such an odd age to baptize someone. It sounds like the Mormon try at the 1st Communion tradition.
> Age 8 is such an odd age to baptize someone. It > sounds like the Mormon try at the 1st Communion > tradition.
Not so odd, really; kids are old enough to have an idea what's going on by the time they hit 8 or so, but not old enough to assert their own independence. Additionally, they're told that it's their choice when it's usually the parents making the choice for them; it's the first step of an ever-escalating commitment.
Baptize too early, and it's easy for people to back out later because they don't remember it. Baptize too late, and it's harder to sucker people into being baptized in the first place.
No. Let them wait until they are adults to make their own mine up.
I was baptized as an infant in the Anglican Church as is their custom, and I consider that valid enough...I do now belong to a Church that believes in splashing people in a big tank in front of a clapping congregation....not my style for sure....as it turns out the pastor's wife has not been immersed either.
If, BIG IF, I decide to have it done I want it done by a friend in a quiet river or lake, just me and him , no spectators.
NO, not as Morgs at least. If you want the kids to belong to something, have them join some organization less crazy in its teachings, like perhaps Al Quada.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2012 02:51AM by enoughenoch19.