Infant baptism: A possible issue between Marlin and Sewell

 Infant baptism is the practice of baptizing infants or young children. It is a sacrament in many Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church.

There is no explicit command for infant baptism in the Bible, but there are several passages that are interpreted as supporting it. For example, in Acts 2:39, Peter says that the promise of salvation is for "you and for your children." This is often interpreted to mean that infants can be baptized because they are included in the promise of salvation.

Another passage that is often cited in support of infant baptism is Romans 6:3-4, which says that "we were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." This passage is interpreted to mean that baptism is a symbolic death and resurrection, and that infants can be baptized because they are born with a sinful nature and need to be "born again."

There are also several arguments against infant baptism. One argument is that infants cannot understand the meaning of baptism, so it is meaningless to baptize them. Another argument is that baptism is a sign of faith, and infants cannot have faith.

The debate over infant baptism has been going on for centuries, and there is no easy answer. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to baptize an infant is a personal one that should be made by the parents after careful consideration.

Here are some of the arguments in favor of infant baptism:

• Infants are born with a sinful nature and need to be saved.
• Baptism is a sign of God's grace and love.
• Baptism is a way to incorporate infants into the Christian community.

Here are some of the arguments against infant baptism:

• Infants cannot understand the meaning of baptism.
• Baptism is a sign of faith, and infants cannot have faith.
• Infant baptism is not biblically supported.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to baptize an infant is a personal one that should be made by the parents after careful consideration.