In ancient times, just as in modern times, there were disputes over whether or not infants need to be baptized. The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture used with the Bible by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this book, an ancient prophet named Mormon wrote a letter to his son Moroni, asking him to address this issue with his people. The letter gives valuable insights into why infant baptism must not be performed.
Mormons, the nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do not baptize children until they are eight years old. At this time they are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong and to evaluate their choices. Naturally, they are not perfect at this yet, but they are old enough to be held accountable for what they’ve been taught.
Mormon explained that the transgression of Adam does not impact children and they are not capable of sinning, having been born pure and whole. They are protected by the atonement of Jesus Christ. God does not send His creations into the world evil. What He creates is always perfect.
The purpose of baptism is to cleanse us of sin. Since children cannot sin, there is nothing to cleanse. Mormon spoke boldly on this subject:
12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!
13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism (Moroni 8).
These verses help Mormons to understand that God is fair and loving. They consider themselves literal children of God, because He created all spirits, and He loves all of us equally. Why would he punish a child forever because of something the child had no control over? An infant can’t choose to be baptized; to punish him for that would be cruel, and God is not cruel. Since He chooses the home a child is born into, it would be unfair and unkind to place a child into a home where it would not be baptized, and then to take it in death, knowing that meant eternal punishment. No loving Father would do such a thing.
Mormon beliefs in a kind, loving, and fair God leave no room for the partiality of infant baptism.
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