Infant baptism

Lutheran, The, Dec 2003 by Weissenbuehler, Wayne

Should I have my daughter baptized?

I was baptized as a baby, grew up in a Lutheran congregation and have decided to return to church after a long absence. I'm torn as to whether I should have my 9-month-old daughter baptized. I don't see in Scripture that it's necessary to baptize infants. What does the church say?

Infant baptism isn't specifically commanded in the New Testament, although baptism is (Matthew 28:19). But infant baptism isn't forbidden either. Since baptism is incorporation into Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12) and "putting on Christ" (Galatians 3:27), why would we want to exclude anyone of any age?

We believe that in baptism God adopts us into Jesus Christ as his child for time and eternity through the word, water and Spirit. It incorporates us into Christ's body the church. So begins the life of faith. Certainly there is no evidence that Jesus wants to exclude infants from this (Mark 9:36-37, 10:13-16).

From the early days of the church we believe that infants, as well as older children and adults, were baptized. It's the perfect testimony to our deepest conviction that before we can do anything to save ourselves, God comes to us and claims us through Jesus. All we can offer God is our need and total dependence. Baptism is not our work but God's. There is plenty for us to do following baptism. I'm glad you're back. Give your daughter the wonderful gift of baptism.

My friend says she doesn't believe in God but regularly asks me to pray for her when she has a need. She says I have connections because I'm a person of faith. Fm uncomfortable with her treating prayer as a good-luck charm. What should I tell her?

Say to her, "I'm happy to pray for you because Jesus tells us to pray for anyone in need and it will make a difference. But why should I get all the benefit of a growing relationship with God, which is the primary gift of prayer? You obviously believe in God and in the power of prayer. Why don't you give it a try?"

You have an excellent opportunity to introduce your friend to the real meaning of prayer and the heart of Jesus. A wise teacher once said: "Take people where they are and then try to lead them to where they need to be." Faith really is about having connections, but they are connections that God initiates. The hope is that your friend can come to know Jesus as you do.

By: Wayne Weissenbuehler

Weissenbuehler is a pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, Englewood, Colo., and former bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod.