Why Christen?

**Seekrit** · 07-10-2005 18:12

This is a topic that came up when I was speaking to my friend - What is the benefit of having a baby Christened. And if I was to choose to not Christen my baby, what does that mean for them in the future? What choices will they have.

I'm not Christened and was bought up in a home where religion wasn't discussed, however we were told "you know where the local church is"
DH was bought up in a home where everyone went to church every Sunday. Since meeting me he hasn't seen the inside of a church, however I know he'll want to get our kids Christened - moreso to appease his mother than for any significant religious value.

I'm just weighing up the pros and cons.

**cosmic** · 07-10-2005 18:34

Hi Seekrit,

I have wondered the same thing myself. My DH and I were both christened and went to church schools though neither of us consider ourselves religious in any way at all! I know that as I went through school and we had our first communion and our confirmation, it was part of the deal that you had to be christened first.. so some kids who hadn't been, but wanted to go on and receive the other sacraments had to be christened. There were other kids who were not of the same religion but just attended our school, and from memory I think they just sat out of those ceremonies??

DH and I have discussed alternatives such as a naming ceremony but we don't really know anything about those things!

I would love to hear others' views on this because I really don't know what the options are or the repercussions later on... but it would be nice to have some kind of celebration to welcome the baby - not necessarily religious.

C.

**Seekrit** · 07-10-2005 18:40

I can see myself throwing a "HOORAY IT'S A BABY" party rather than a christening.

**Ffrenchknickers** · 07-10-2005 18:48

HI

As Christians, we havent gotten our children christened. We believe that baptism is something that is done when you are old enough to understand why you are doing it and what it means - promising to keep the laws of God and to follow his will in everything you do. Baptism is the washing away of sins and turning from your non Christian ways. I dont believe that babies have any sins to turn away from lol! This is why we got baptised and hopefully why our kids will too when they are old enough to understand. I dont think that baptism is something tht should be taken lightly - great that you are thinking about it

Our church does dedication ceremonies instead(like a special promise to the child to teach him/her the Word and the love of God.) So if you arent religious, I think a Naming ceremony would be perfect as you can put in exactly what you like and what is meaningful to you and then your kids can decide what they want to do when they are older.

**nemosmum** · 07-10-2005 19:56

I was raised strict catholic while DH was baptised Presbrytarien (I dont even know how to spell it LOL sorry) and even though he went to sunday school his home was basically not very religious in the formal sense. He was mostly exposed to indigenious spiritual dreaming beliefs instead. I have some problems with some of the catholic teachings but over all I believe in god and heaven etc so we had DS christened catholic, Dh and I both feel it was the right thing for us to do. Our son will be given the opportunity to learn about christianity (no particular faith) and also indigenious spirituality as this is apart of his heritage. Ultimately we would like to pass on the basic beliefs that all people are created equal, peace on earth and all that stuff......but its nothing were overly concerned about. As a child religion was forced onto me and as such I think I learnt to resent it, I wont be making that mistake with DS......Were good people with kind hearts and I think thats more important than anything else.

**WeThree** · 07-10-2005 21:26

Hi

I mentioned in another similiar thread that you have to make some very heavy promises when you are getting your child christened, so its best not to do it unless you really mean what you say, I agree with Katie, I want my children to stand up and profess their faith in God when they are old enough to do it themselves, besides Im not very keen about baptising them into a particular 'religion' (ie Anglican, Baptist etc) which is what a baptism does, cause it wont matter to me which church they go to, as long as the one they are going to makes them happy and teaches the true word of God

ps Naming ceremonies are great, its a chance to welcome your new bubs into the family in your own, unique way

**SMBT** · 09-10-2005 13:18

Hi,
I had both my children Baptised (Catholic name for Christening). I was brought up Catholic, had all the sacraments and my hubbie was Methodist (never even set foot in a church apart from special occasions).

The main reason that we chose to get our children Baptised is mainly due to the fact that when we married in the Catholic church we had to intend to bring up our children as Christians, but I haven't set foot in a church for about 4 years now, except on the two Baptism occasions. I also wanted them to be Catholics, because I wanted them to attend Catholic schools and it is easier to get them in, being a Catholic School teacher myself.

I guess it boils down to wanting my children to be brought up with the same beliefs and values that we have been brought up with, because whether consciously or not, we probably will inflict those views on them from an early age anyway. When they are older, they can choose to do whatever they wish.

**ThomasMum** · 11-10-2005 09:17

Hiya Joshua and I are both Anglican, and are both christened.

This is my simple understanding of Christening, that the purpose of a christening (or the more modern term, baptism) is providing a symbol that you want to bring your child up in the eyes of God, and will try to provide them with Christian beliefs to the best of your abilities. The water represents a fresh start after having been born into human sin. Usually, the parents must be members of the church where the baptism takes place, but in many churches it's not mandatory. Check with your houses of worship in your area if you are not an active member for their standards and baptism regulations.

You know though, just don�t be trapped in the commercial side of this culture. I hate when parents make the ceremony a huge issues, spent too much gifts and money for it, it just make the affair lost its wonderful meaning, but hey that�s just me.

**Briannabear** · 11-10-2005 09:25

Originally Posted by ThomasMum

You know though, just don�t be trapped in the commercial side of this culture. I hate when parents make the ceremony a huge issues, spent too much gifts and money for it, it just make the affair lost its wonderful meaning, but hey that�s just me.

I agree completely. When we got Brianna baptised we just had a barbeque with friends and family afterwards. Moreso just to catch up with people and give people a chance to meet Brianna.
I think that the baptising/christening etc is personal between the parents, child and God.

**razzle** · 11-10-2005 09:48

Originally Posted by ThomasMum

...the purpose of a christening (or the more modern term, baptism)...

Actually I think the more modern term is "christening"! Baptism dates back to like 100AD.

Christening = giving a name to someone/something (like christening a boat with breaking a bottle or a naming ceremony for a child), baptism = a religious ceremony. For Catholics (I don't know about other religions), a Christening ceremony used to be done at the Baptism, when you gave your child his/her Christian name.

We are both Catholic and grew up going to church every week. Eloise was baptised in a full ceremony with family and close friends when she was 3 months old.

But I totally agree with Briannabear - whatever you do, it's a personal choice between the parents, child and God.