Jeff vankirk Supporter

It is my Biblical belief that any person that accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has the privilege and should be baptized. I would explain to anyone who wants to be baptized the scriptures related to water baptism. If they have an understanding of those scriptures and agree with what the Bible says, I would then baptize that person regardless of age.

August 25 2020 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Scott Broberg Supporter Fig Tree Ministries

The Bible does not dictate any one-way that baptism is to be conducted. Additionally, there is no mention of an age at which someone could or should be baptized. Generally speaking, these details have been decided by different Christian communities. 

For example, within Christianity, there are denominations that practice infant baptism, such as the Catholic church. Additionally, there are those who insist on only adult baptism - such as many within the Anabaptist movement. 

Even within Protestant denominations, there is disagreement. Lutherans practice infant baptism while many Baptist churches (as well as others) only allow baptism as an adult. 

All that said, many people have very strong opinions on how strict someone ought to be when taking an individual through the sacrament of baptism. 

My own opinion is that since the Bible does not specifically mandate a method or an age that we should seek to be as inclusive as possible. 

There would not be a violation of any biblical mandate if a pastor were to baptize an eight-year-old. That said, if the pastor's specific denomination has a generally agreed upon rule then the pastor would be encouraged to follow the community.

In my own faith community, we encourage adult baptism - but if a child desires to be baptized we allow it. In our view, Jesus does not, as a matter of principle, want barriers to the kingdom of God to keep people feeling as though they would not be accepted.

August 27 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report