Paedobaptism
Paedobaptism, or Infant Baptism, is the practice of baptizing infants. Despite no explicit command or detailed description in Scripture, it is affirmed by many Christian denominations, including the Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Eastern, Oriental and Assyrian Orthodox branches. It finds justification in covenant theology, household baptisms in the New Testament, and the continuity of the covenant sign from circumcision to baptism. Proponents argue that, just as infants in Israel received the sign of the covenant (circumcision), so too should children of believers receive baptism as a sign of inclusion in the covenant community.
Critics of paedobaptism, particularly those from Baptist or credobaptist traditions, contend that baptism should be reserved for those who personally profess faith in Christ, as the Bible commands.
