Why Catholics Baptize Infants

Baptism is a necessary part of Catholicism

In the Catholic Church, baptism is an important rite that is believed to cleanse a person of all sin, unite one with Christ and give the gift of the Holy Spirit. Infant baptism has been part of Catholicism since the beginning of the faith.

Rites

Catholics believe that the New Testament tells Christians to view baptism as the replacement of the Old Testament rite of circumcision. This belief is based on Colossians 2:11-12, which refers to baptism as "the circumcision of Christ" and "the circumcision made without hands." As circumcision was required in the Old Testament, baptism is viewed as a requirement for Catholics.

A Gift

Baptism is a gift in the Catholic faith, as it is the spiritual act of uniting one with Christ. Because of the great spiritual value of this gift, Catholics view baptism as something God requires them to accept in order to be saved.

Original Sin

Catholics believe that the first humans, Adam and Eve, sinned against God in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, all of their descendants are born with the stain of this original sin, even though infants have never sinned. Baptism is believed to remove this stain.

References

• Catholics United for the Faith: Why the Church Baptizes Babies
• Catholic Answers: Infant Baptism
• New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: Baptism
• The Vatican: Catechism of the Catholic Church

Resources

• Ask a Catholic: Why Does the Roman Catholic Church Baptize Babies?
• Catholic Answers: Early Teachings on Infant Baptism
• American Catholic: The Sacrament of Baptism: Celebrating the Embrace of God