AIBU to not want to baptise my babies?

@mitogoshigg I suspect most of those people would not describe themselves as atheist, just not active church goers. And of course there is societal pressure to "do the right thing" at funerals so people will include religious aspects like prayers rather than face disapproval.

When I pop my clogs I don't give a monkeys whether there are prayers etc at my funeral. It's not something I would choose because it's a load of codswallop but if it brings comfort to others they can fill their boots. I'll be gone so it matters not to me. If prayers are said it won't make me any less of an atheist.

@MrJeremyFisher

Perhaps not everyone but many people do turn to prayer in difficult situations. It's also surprising how many people who haven't been near a church in many years want a religious funeral, or at least to include prayer

But the bible is the main text for Christianity?

I’m not trying to be argumentative- just genuinely interested. When was it decided that a ceremony for children ensures entry to heaven. I thought God decided that so I’m just wanting to understand how it works.

The concept of being baptised to was away sins from 1000s of years ago Is stupid anyway.

Don't be silly, I said RC doctrine, nothing to do with the Bible.

I imagine they would get priority if their older (baptised) sibling goes to the school already but would double check.

Please can you tell me where in the bible it says about children having to have a ceremony to ensure entry to heaven?

I am not sure why you are laughing. RC teaching is about baptism removing original sin. Look it up. Incorporates exorcism.

So, no, I don't worship a God who won't allow unbaptised children into heaven

Personally, I agree. I’d be giving that God an enormous swerve, thinking ‘what an absolute cunt’.

@whyalltheusernames

Everybody prays in their time of need.

This simply isn't true.

So, no, I don't worship a God who won't allow unbaptised children into heaven.

... and my original question (the post you quoted of mine and got annoyed about) wasn't directed at you, but specifically at the PP who implied that children who weren't baptised wouldn't be allowed in. That's why I tagged them in it.

I'm not sure why you picked on my comment tbh. It wasn't a question I directed at you and other people said similar to me.

Im glad to hear you don't worship a god who would condemn children, unbaptised or other. Not because I believe in god, but because I find it depressing there are people who do worship an entity they believe would be so cruel. I think it's utterly bizarre to simultaneously believe a god is loving but also believe he (she or they) would be so cruel.

Again, not directed at you because you don't share that belief.

Have a good day.

Married to an atheist, we have had (many) times of need, I pray he doesn’t. How ridiculous why would someone who doesn’t have faith pray?

Everybody prays in their time of need.

No, they really don't. It's never crossed mind to pray at times of need. Would rather put my mind to something more practical, or reaching out to someone who could actually help.

Get them done in a batch. If you or they don't believe, then 'nothing' has happened -- but they'll fit in with family occasions more if they want to or when that's relevant. They'll have something to rebel against and question. And maybe an entire 'church family' spread around the world if they do decide it's for them to continue actively.

Some people believe that heaven is for people of faith.
Do you know what I believe as a Catholic? that we are all going to heaven as God is great and heaven is real. Regardless of whether you say you believe in Him or not. Everybody prays in their time of need.
So, no, I don't worship a God who won't allow unbaptised children into heaven.

What does annoy me is people openly putting down the faith, but then joining because the schools are good, or they can have a party, or relatives want them to have children baptised. Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I can understand your very justified anger with the Catholic Church (I’m Church of England not Catholic, but it’s not blameless with Child Sexual Abuse either).

The confirmation is an important stage for Catholics as, as a baby baptism happens to you and done with the parents blessing, which is why confirmation is when you have agency or choice to confirm your faith.

You haven’t and have rejected it. I’m sorry the church had been dark presence in your life, it shouldn’t have happened.

Fair enough - only the poster can confirm the spirit in which it was intended, it just didn't seem obvious to me it was supposed to be nasty

I believe that when we die that is the end of our life. That other people, our loved ones and those we met along the way, will remember us and hopefully share stories of us but that's it.

I'm not 'annoyed' that others believe differently at all.

I completely understand that people do believe in the afterlife and take great comfort from it. Many members of my family do and I think that's lovely.

My question was to try to understand how someone who does believe in god and heaven could worship a god that they believe wouldn't let unbaptised children into heaven.

Well I hate anything to do with the Catholic church. In one way or another they have destroyed parts of my family. They are a hateful organisation that have spent hundreds of years covering up vile acts. I hate think I was in anyway touched by a priest.
Particularly against my parents wishes.
I want nothing to do with the church.

@whathaveiforgotten you've stated you don't believe in God or heaven. So where do you believe you go when you are dead?

Why are you annoyed that people believe in a God and of a heaven, and that they need to be baptised to go to said heaven, and if you aren't baptised, you don't go?

Some faiths believe in reincarnation. I don't believe I will be reincarnated when I die. It's not my faith.

Are there other posts from that poster to suggest that is not what the poster intended, and/or is Catholic and making an in-joke to offer the OP solidarity? If so I didn't see them, forgive me, and without that context it looks a lot like a lazy anti-Catholic dig.

I interpreted it as lack of birth control rather than being with legs in the air.

It isn't funny the church's stance on condoms which has helped spread STI across developing nations.

I am a cultural catholic but haven't had my DC baptised because I could not stand up in front of my close family and congregation, in a place of worship, to say things and make promises with which I didn't agree or believe.
You should get them baptised if you wish them to be part of the church and its community for yourselves and your DC.Not having enough time is not a real reason. It only takes an hour or so and they can all be done together .

You don't have to baptise them to please anyone. Far better not to baptise them and leave their choice of religion, or not, up to them when they are are older. I didn't get either of my children christened (though its slightly more complicated in my country, because if you christen them then you can't take them out of religious lessons at school, and they are liable to pay church tax when they start working, so even more reason not to christen them for me but even in the UK I wouldn't)

@whyalltheusernames

And those who ask if God doesn't let unbaptised children in heaven? You don't believe in God or heaven? So what are you on about?

I grew up Catholic and attended catholic school.

I don't believe in god or heaven, but am interested in the logistics of religion.

So I wondered why someone would worship a god who wouldn't allow children into heaven if they hadn't been baptised.

Hence I asked the PP if that's what they believe.

You can ask questions about people's beliefs if you don't share them, it's not an unusual thing to do.