Reflections on Baptizing Your Children

One of my children was baptized recently. With my feelings toward Church in the last year, my enthusiasm for the whole thing was not as intense as I think it might have been. I let my wife do all the planning and simply acted as a Quality Control person to make sure we didn’t violate any rules that would raise eyebrows, and to make sure priesthood ordinance rules were followed.

During the preparation period for my son, I had flashbacks to some of the experiences I’ve had in the gospel, and whether I wanted to expose him to those things…..but of course, I didn’t act on any of those contrarion ideas.

After the experience was over, I did some reflection on the many positive benefits the meeting brought to him — none of which have to do with unqualified truthfulness of the gospel, etcetera.

First, I expected a handful of people to attend. Personally, I find most Church meetings unengaging. So, because we see the world as we are, I thought there might be 15 people or so since the meeting would be uninteresting. Well, just about every active family with young children showed up, as well as a few people who I have worked with in various callings. I was moved — it was standing room only. My son must have felt important and valued in our Ward community — a valuable sensation for anyone in any community.

Second, whether you believe baptism symbolizes entering in through the gate or not, it also symbolizes the “kick-off meeting” for a life of accountability for one’s actions, and a commitment to make positive choices. The timing of his baptism has roughly lined up with his developing ability to analyze life choices with thought for right and wrong, and to perform some deeper reasoning. So, I felt this was a good send-off on his life’s journey — much like the christening of a ship about to set out to sea.

Third, it bonded my family together. When we were about to go into the font, he hugged me and said “You’re goign to baptize me!!!!!” After the baptism was over, I gave him a hug and thanked him for what he is doing and agreeing to try to be like Christ. (And even if you don’t agree Christ existed, he certainly had many attributes that are worthy to emulate — by the way, I believe in Christ).

Fourth, the confirmation allowed me to give him advice and express love for him, which I think is positive for any child — to believe that you live in a world where the maker of hte universe, your parents and your friend love you. The baptism and the confirmation provided that forum.

There are times when I think we get too hung up on whether the whole thing is absolutely true. True or not, many of the structures and habits in our religion do much to encourage good character, particularly in children.