Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
Episode: Ep 1213 | Infant Baptism vs. Believers' Baptism: What’s Biblical?
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Allie Beth Stuckey
Network: Blaze Podcast Network
Introduction to the Baptism Debate
In Episode 1213 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, Allie delves into the longstanding theological debate between Infant Baptism (Paedobaptism) and Believers' Baptism (Credobaptism). Emphasizing the importance of understanding both perspectives, Allie aims to present each side fairly to foster respectful and informed discussions within the Christian community.
Understanding Baptism: Definitions and Significance
Allie begins by defining baptism, highlighting its universal recognition across Christian denominations as a public profession of faith and an identification with Christ. She explains the three primary modes of baptism:
- Sprinkling: Practiced by Methodists, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, and Lutherans.
- Pouring (Effusion): Embraced by Mennonites and Amish.
- Immersion: Favored by Baptists and many non-denominational churches.
Notable Quote:
“All denominations agree that baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus's instructions.” (02:15)
Infant Baptism (Paedobaptism)
Definition and Practice:
Paedobaptism involves baptizing infants or young children, typically those born to believing parents. This practice is common not only within various Protestant traditions but also in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Theological Basis:
- Covenant Theology: Proponents liken infant baptism to Old Testament circumcision, viewing it as a sign of God's covenant.
- Historical Support: Many early church fathers, including Augustine, John Calvin, and Martin Luther, supported infant baptism, believing it cleanses original sin and incorporates the child into the Christian community.
Biblical References:
- Household Baptisms: Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, and 1 Corinthians 1:16 are cited to support the practice, suggesting entire households, potentially including children, were baptized.
Notable Quote:
“In Colossians 2:11-12, it says, 'having been buried with him in baptism,' suggesting a covenantal sign similar to circumcision.” (12:45)
Historical Context:
By the third century, infant baptism had become widespread, particularly as a response to high infant mortality rates, seen as a means of safeguarding infants' eternal destinies.
Roman Catholic Perspective on Infant Baptism
Sacramental Theology:
Catholics view baptism as a sacrament that conveys grace, spiritually renews the individual, and is essential for entry into the Christian faith. Infant baptism is believed to cleanse original sin and integrate the child into the Church.
Biblical Justifications:
- John 3:5, Titus 3:5, Mark 16:16: Emphasize the necessity of baptism for salvation.
- 1 Peter 3:21: Associates baptism with the resurrection of Jesus, reinforcing its salvific role.
Notable Quote:
“The Catholic Church teaches that 'even babies who are yet unable to commit any sin personally are truly baptized for the forgiveness of sins.'” (22:30)
Believers' Baptism (Credobaptism)
Definition and Practice:
Credobaptism involves baptizing individuals who have made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. This practice is predominant among Baptists, non-denominational churches, and other evangelical groups.
Theological Basis:
- Symbolic Act: Baptism is an external sign of an inward transformation, representing the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
- Scriptural Emphasis: Emphasizes passages like Romans 6:3-4 and Titus 3:5, highlighting baptism as an act of obedience following personal repentance and faith.
Biblical Arguments:
- Acts 2:38-41: While households are baptized, credobaptists argue that the focus is on those who personally received the message.
- Romans 6:3-4: Illustrates baptism as a personal identification with Christ's death and resurrection.
Historical Context:
The Anabaptist movement in the 16th century vehemently opposed infant baptism, advocating for adult baptism based on personal faith. This stance led to significant persecution but solidified credobaptism as a distinct practice.
Notable Quote:
“'Baptism is an appeal to God and a symbol of the decisive act of the Holy Spirit,'” emphasizes Allie's alignment with the credobaptist view. (35:20)
Comparative Analysis
Mode of Baptism:
While Catholics and paedobaptists may employ sprinkling or pouring, credobaptists advocate for immersion, seeing it as a more accurate representation of biblical descriptions.
Theological Implications:
- Paedobaptism: Viewed as incorporating the child into the covenant community, akin to circumcision.
- Credobaptism: Seen as a personal declaration of faith, following an individual’s conscious decision to follow Christ.
Historical Arguments:
Credobaptists challenge paedobaptism by arguing that the New Testament does not explicitly command infant baptism and that the practice was influenced by cultural factors like high infant mortality rates.
Notable Quote:
“Allie asserts, 'While there were early church fathers who believed in infant baptism, the New Testament does not explicitly command it, making it an assumption rather than a direct biblical mandate.'” (47:10)
Allie's Perspective and Conclusion
Allie identifies as a Credobaptist, advocating for believer’s baptism as the most biblical approach. She emphasizes that baptism should follow personal repentance and faith, aligning with Christ’s example and the New Testament teachings.
Key Points:
- Baptism as Obedience: Emphasizes Jesus’ instruction to baptize believers.
- Symbolism Over Sacrament: Views baptism as a symbolic act rather than a sacramental necessity for salvation.
- Call for Respectful Dialogue: Encourages open and respectful discussions on the topic without animosity.
Notable Quote:
“I believe that baptism for believers is a command for believers and not optional. It signifies our commitment and obedience to Jesus." (1:10:35)
Allie concludes by inviting listeners to engage thoughtfully with differing viewpoints, stressing the importance of understanding and mutual respect within the Christian community.
Encouragement for Listener Engagement
Allie encourages her audience to continue exploring theological topics, suggesting they reach out with respectful dialogue and to seek understanding through scripture and community conversations.
Closing Quote:
“'It is an important subject and we should be discussing it and asking our pastors about this and trying to understand it better. But it is no reason for vitriol and for hatred.'” (1:09:50)
This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the baptism debate, providing listeners with balanced insights into both infant and believers' baptism, grounded in historical and biblical contexts. Allie’s respectful and analytical approach facilitates a deeper understanding, fostering informed and compassionate discussions among Christians.