Baptism is a beautiful ritual (I use that word in the loosest terms). It is a public confession of faith, and for some is important to mark their initial spiritual renewal.
I love how Hubmaier writes about the three baptisms: of the water, Spirit, and blood. He explains from scripture the significance of each and refutes infant baptism because the infant is not capable of making a vow to God or a confession to the public. I think that baby dedication is acceptable, because the principle is different.
Hubmaier goes on to explain the role of the church in brotherly correction which seems to be fairly cohesive to 1 Corinthians teaching. All in all, I think this guy has his head on mostly straight.
-Mr. Collingsworth
I like your point about there being a difference between baptism and baby dedication. One is a personal declaration of faith while the other is a blessing from the church in the hope that the child will one day make that important decision on their own. I think it does us good to remember that distinction.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree and this is actually the same thing I blogged on!
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