early church fathers against infant baptism

For on account of this rule of faith even infants, who in themselves thus far have not been able to commit any sin, are therefore truly baptized unto the remission of sins, so that that which they have contracted from generation may be cleansed in them by regeneration (Canon 3 [A.D. 416]). in 180 A.D. We are lepers in sin, we are made clean by means of the sacred water be a polemic against the normal, orthodox baptismal practice. a man be born again through water and the Spirit, he shall not enter 1 The term "paedobaptist" derives from the Greek pais, meaning child or infant. Therefore, just as it was reckoned as righteousness to Abraham that he had faith, so we too, if we have faith in Christ and every mystery of his, will be sons of Abraham, If you have any issues, please call the office at 385-246-1048 or email us at, Not all Church Fathers agree with the Catholic Churchs view of the Canon, Early Church Fathers on The Eucharist, Communion Supper. by several fathers of the church. The Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism even to infants. As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. //-->. Every soul that is born into flesh is soiled by the filth of wickedness and sin. Thank you for your interest in supporting CARM. Are we then to expect that this was the apostolic practice, observed Well enough, some will say, for those who ask for baptism, but what do you have to say about those who are still children, and aware neither of loss nor of grace? (Romans 4:9-11). Allow sin no opportunity; rather, let the infant be sanctified from childhood. Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. He said in Against Heresies In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. of the Old Covenant. Shall we baptize them too? Certainly [I respond], if there is any pressing danger. They said that baptism is necessary out of one side of their mouths, but on the other side, they said that works are not needed, but baptism is a work of man, and therefore they contradicted themselves. now saves you (1 Pet. Resting Not Vexing, Our Anchor in a Sea of Chaos and Consternation, Preachers Should Measure Twice and Cut Once, Life and Books and Everything: American History and the Historians Task with Wilfred McClay. on the grounds that, under the Mosaic economy of salvation, God's covenant mid 3rd century and in contradiction to the norm, the practice of baptizing be considered an "ordinance" or "sacrament" of the make provisions for infants. Infant Baptism and practices in the Christian church, baptism had to be dealt with by the early church fathers in order to stand against heretical perversion and misrepresentation. circumcision ought not be hindered and nobody is hindered from baptism What the universal Church holds, not as instituted [invented] by councils but as something always held, is most correctly believed to have been handed down by apostolic authority. individuals when they are infants. to the disposition, circumstances and even the age of each individual, Tertullian is the earliest to reference to the practice of infant baptism.