baptism is a symbol of purification (immersed in water) + of resurrection (rise from water)
many Churches practice infant baptism: Catholic, Anglican, Methodist
some Churches practice believers' baptism only: Baptists, Pentecostal
some groups reject baptism altogether: Quakers, Salvation Army
they believe being Christian is all about leading a Christian lifestyle
arguments for infant baptism:
sacrament that is entirely a gift of God's grace, so even babies can receive it
it is a sacred mystery: it cannot be understood by humans
removes original sin + gives the gift of eternal life, so it should be available to babies
the story of Jesus welcoming children supports the idea of infant baptism
when the New Testament refers to whole households being baptised, this would've included children
arguments against infant baptism:
baptism is just a symbol of the believer's desire to start a new life as a member of the Christian community: only teenagers + adults are able to understand what they are committing to
Baptists reject the doctrine of original sin: faith, not baptism, is the start of the Christian life
