Is 8 old enough to make the decision to be baptized?

[scottie]

Revelation aside, do you personally think age 8 is old enough for making the binding decision of baptism?

[TripletDaddy]

8 year olds are not wise nor mature enough to make baptismal commitments, but the D&C has declared 8 to be the age, so good enough for me.

However, 8 is definitely old enough to start receiving the benefits of the Gift of the Holy Ghost...which would not be available without baptism. It is through that gift that these kids grow to understand their covenants.

But from a strict "mourn with those that mourn" and "bear each others' burdens" interpretation....of course not. These are the same kids that then go home and have to be reminded to brush their teeth and take a bath.

[creekster]

Personally, I always prefer my sympathetic mourners to be well-groomed.



When the average life expectancy was around 40 an 8 year old was already about 25% done. They had to do stuff alittle faster then, I guess. Now it seems not so much. OTOH, isn't the real issue accountability? Most 20 year olds probabyl dont truly appreciate the nature of thos convenats and a lot of 40 year olds still ahvent got it yet either. I am almost 50 (!) and I am not sure if I get it.

[woot]

8 year olds are not wise nor mature enough to make baptismal commitments, but the D&C has declared 8 to be the age, so good enough for me.

However, 8 is definitely old enough to start receiving the benefits of the Gift of the Holy Ghost...which would not be available without baptism. It is through that gift that these kids grow to understand their covenants.

But from a strict "mourn with those that mourn" and "bear each others' burdens" interpretation....of course not. These are the same kids that then go home and have to be reminded to brush their teeth and take a bath.

This response seems wise. At some point, they have to do it, even understanding that the issues involved will remain incomprehensible for years (and probably decades) to come.

Still, I wonder how big the difference really is between this and infant baptism.

[SeattleUte]

You don't have a who cares option so I can't swing. I'll take my base. This is one of your rare off starts.

[DU Ute]

I'm taking my 8 year old daughter for her baptismal interview right now.

[SuperGabers]

8 year olds are not wise nor mature enough to make baptismal commitments, but the D&C has declared 8 to be the age, so good enough for me.

However, 8 is definitely old enough to start receiving the benefits of the Gift of the Holy Ghost...which would not be available without baptism. It is through that gift that these kids grow to understand their covenants.

But from a strict "mourn with those that mourn" and "bear each others' burdens" interpretation....of course not. These are the same kids that then go home and have to be reminded to brush their teeth and take a bath.

Well said DDD. This is something I have thought about just recently. I was baptized at 8, but I don't think I actually "converted" until I was in my late teens/early twenties.

I honestly did not know what baptism was about at 8. If my parents had sat me down and explained it to me, then I probably would have had a better sense for what I was about to do. But in my family and the culture I grew up in, it is "just what kids my age" did.

[LA Ute]

8 year olds are not wise nor mature enough to make baptismal commitments, but the D&C has declared 8 to be the age, so good enough for me.

However, 8 is definitely old enough to start receiving the benefits of the Gift of the Holy Ghost...which would not be available without baptism. It is through that gift that these kids grow to understand their covenants.

But from a strict "mourn with those that mourn" and "bear each others' burdens" interpretation....of course not. These are the same kids that then go home and have to be reminded to brush their teeth and take a bath.

FWIW, I remember having an experience with the HG when I was 8 or 9. I've never forgotten it.

[CardiacCoug]

Eight is definitely not old enough to be held responsible for the covenant of baptism. But I don't think there is any harm in letting kids get baptized at that age -- it's really just giving the kids the option of staying in the Church later on in their lives.

I have some relatives who decided to have their 5 kids wait until they were at least 18 to get baptized. Of course the kids ended up hating Church during their teenage years -- the boys couldn't participate in any of the Priesthood stuff and the kids never really felt like they belonged.

I'm not bothered by the fact that LDS kids go ahead and get baptized without really understanding all the implications. They can always leave the Church later if they decide it's not for them.

To me, it's worse to pretend that adults are given an option of "opting out" of the Temple covenants at the beginning of the Endowment before they even hear what those covenants will be.

[DU Ute]

FWIW, I remember having an experience with the HG when I was 8 or 9. I've never forgotten it.

Our Bishop let me sit in last night while he interviewed my daughter. She was nervous but she did great. I shed a couple of tears as the bishop lovingly talked to her about the importance of repentance and Christ's teachings about loving our Heavenly Father and our fellowman. We have a fantastic bishop. Of course you can argue that she's not really ready, but I felt a strong witness that she was doing the right thing and that her Father in Heaven loves her and is pleased with her.

[grapevine]

The lord said that specifically. In the D and C and in the JST it mentions 8. Of course you grow up but you begin to be accountable at around 8. Missionaries can't baptize someone under 18 without parents consent. Those people that made there kids wait until there 18 are they smarter than the Lord?

I think making peole make covenants before they know what they are makes it easier to keep them. Remember my ways are not thy ways says the lord.

[SuperGabers]

Our Bishop let me sit in last night while he interviewed my daughter. She was nervous but she did great. I shed a couple of tears as the bishop lovingly talked to her about the importance of repentance and Christ's teachings about loving our Heavenly Father and our fellowman. We have a fantastic bishop. Of course you can argue that she's not really ready, but I felt a strong witness that she was doing the right thing and that her Father in Heaven loves her and is pleased with her.

An awesome bish and involved parents can make all the difference.