Opus 2011-56, Infant Baptism

Dietrich Bonhoeffer had some comments on infant baptism that I found interesting.  He comes from a tradition that practices this as a sacrament.

“The New Testament lays down no law about infant baptism, and it is in fact a gift of grace that has been granted to the Church.  Hence it can be a striking testimony of faith for the parish.  But to force oneself to proceed with it without feeling the compulsion of faith is certainly not biblical.  Regarded purely as a demonstration, infant baptism cannot be justified.”  Letters and Papers from Prison, p. 150.

I come from a tradition that tends to dedicate infants rather than baptize.  It is more of a statement of the parents commitment than a sacrament bestowed on the child.  This statement helped me see into the hearts and minds of others.  I welcome the concession that it is not demanded by the Bible.  I can see it as a testimony to the parish, but then so is a dedication.

This is one of those areas I am willing to disagree without getting hot under the collar.

homo unius libri