**Disagreements with Paedobaptists** **Matthew 28:19** > “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the > name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew > 28:19 ESV [http://bible.com/59/mat.28.19.esv][1] [The Biblical Basis For Infant Baptism][2] I have spoke to an Abouna from the [St Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church ][3] on this, (I go to a Modern Baptist Church, my wife is Coptic); and the Abouna’s contention was that the Copts Baptize babies because you as the parent are taking responsibility for their salvation. You are saying that you will bring them up in the church. They are ultra-concerned with the possibility that a baby might die, and not get the blessings which come from Baptism & the sacraments which come along with it. **Acts** 1. Acts 2:37-38 2. Acts 8:12 3. Acts 18:8 This is one of the major issues I have with the Coptic Orthodox practice & have vocalized it with the Abouna & my wife, and have not had a serious theological response. It is my understanding that the whole point of Baptism is understanding that you are in need of salvation and thereby accepting Jesus Christ (the Son of Man / The Word Become Flesh) as your personal Lord & Savior. > The Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy and the Assyrian > Church of the East also insist on the need to have infants baptised as > soon as is practicable after birth. Similar to the Roman Catholic > Church, they teach that baptism is not merely a symbol but actually > conveys grace. - [Wikipedia][4] The Copts believe that the center of the faith, the focal point is the Eucharist, where you “remember Jesus” by reliving this moment - actually reliving it, and communing with God after you have been purified through the process leading up to the Eucharist. [![Orthodox Baptism][5]][5] [Is Infant Baptism Biblical?][6] > For Protestants the Bible is the preeminent source of theology. This > arises from the doctrine of sola scriptura (Scripture alone). But > what does one do when Scripture is silent or the biblical text is not > clear? Protestants respond to this ambiguity in several ways: (1) > some will argue that this makes the practice unbiblical and thus > prohibited; (2) some will argue that this is a matter of liberty > subject to personal opinion or conscience, and (3) some will attempt > to rely on historical precedents to guide them. This accounts for the > wide array, even contradictory, positions Protestants hold on baptism, > including infant baptism. Orthodoxy base its doctrines and practice on > Tradition (with a capital ‘T’), a combination of oral tradition and > written tradition (II Thessalonians 2:15). Orthodoxy also relies on > Christ’s promise that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church into all > truth (John 16:13). Thus, with respect to the Orthodox approach to > infant baptism we find an ancient practice widely accepted that in > time was formally acknowledged by the Ecumenical Councils. My wife & I are expecting a child. We are in disagreement in this particular subject, as well as weather or not we will raise this child within the setting of the American Coptic Orthodox Church traditions or the Baptist Church traditions. As a Baptist I believe that Baptism should occur in cognitive individuals who understand the decision they are making. > Baptism is an outward representation of an inner transformation, a > physical expression of devotion with deep spiritual significance - [Rock Harbor Costa Mesa][7] I am interested in this topic and would like to see this how this thread develops. If I am incorrect, please correct me. [1]: http://bible.com/59/mat.28.19.esv [2]: http://www.opc.org/new_horizons/NH00/0007c.html [3]: http://www.stpauloc.org/ [4]: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism [5]: https://i.sstatic.net/giwd8.jpg [6]: https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/is-infant-baptism-biblical/ [7]: https://rockharbor.org/get-support/baptism/