Arguments Against Baptism

Baptism: Baptism has a long history in Jewish, Catholic, and Christian traditions. Baptism stems from the word “baptizo” which means to “immerse, dip, and submerge” (Jones, 1998). Some of the debates I have read concerning baptism include things such as: Its importance in salvation, should only believers be baptized, and should people be re-baptized if they leave one religion for another? My purpose in this paper is to give a brief history of the ritual of baptism, explain its symbolic meaning, and reflect on some of the issues or concerns that are brought up with baptism. Baptism in general is an initiation ceremony into faith. When one is baptized, they are ridding themselves of original sin. Baptism historically dates back with eventual

According to the Research Starters Database (2014), “the radical reformers (however) primarily the Anabaptists, insisted that a person must be sufficiently mature to make a profession of faith before receiving baptism”. Jones (1998) explains the debate and examines both sides of the argument in his writing. “Infant baptism is not mentioned in the Bible, the sole authority for Christians.” This statement is used widely to oppose infant baptism. The argument stems from infants not committing sin, and having nothing to repent. Also, this argument can be thought to imply that infants are not cognitive enough to be a believer. The opposing side says that in order to be baptized and to be recognized as being baptized, you must believe in Christ. As stated by Christ in Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Jones, 1998). This statement seems to qualify the idea of belief before baptism according to Jones. Though Mark 16:16 states this, there are also other passages in the Bible that may be considered contradictory. Such as Luke 18:16: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Both sides have evidence to believe that one may be truer than the other. In my eyes neither is really wrong. All religious believer

There is still gray area that has yet to be cleared up across religions and across people. The nice thing about it is the fact that it seems to live on with little criticism despite the conflicting views about when to administer it. The value of baptism is taken at face value and from my personal experience has enlightened me to be a more religious person. I feel as if this can be said for many people. I believe it to be the gateway to becoming devoted religiously as it is usually one of the first religious experiences a person encounters. This encounter sets them up for the rest of their religious encounters. It seems like a great way to begin believing. Someone who has a similar view is Alexander Campbell. Campbell believes that baptism is a gateway to devotion. He explains “I say, then, that in order to the union of Christians, we must have a definite and unmistakable term indicating one and the same conception to every mind. If, then, the Christian Church ever become really and visibly one, she must have one immersion, or one baptism” (Hicks, Weedmen, 2015). I interpret this statement as allowing baptism to be the gateway to a devoted faith. Baptism can bring the Christian faith to be one with fellow believers and provides a start. On that note, I view my baptism as a start to a good natured life with belief, and believe that it is beneficial to those who are ready to have a spiritual relationship with