"Baptism" - I could use some advice please

[LunaWitch]

Hi there! I haven't visited the forums since Samhain... so much to look at - it's almost overwhelming! :D I've been a member for a long time but not very vocal (kinda shy LOL)
I am so happy to see the Parenting section here as I am a new Mom (he's 6 weeks old) and this is all new to me.
Something weird came up the other day - my husband, who essentially is an agnostic at best, mentioned to me - what do we do about baptism?
I was quite shocked to even hear that word. I have been Pagan for over 10 years now (grew up Lutheran). It has not yet come up from my predominately Christian (non-church going) family. So it got me to thinking... is it horrible of me to straight up tell him - I don't believe in the Christian faith so why would I have him baptized? He is a very reasonable man and said - well we were both baptized by non-church going families...so shouldn't we?
He even offered to go to church for our son if it meant exposing him to "religion". His idea is to let our son make his own decisions in life about "God" but wants to give him some sort of direction.
I am not an active member of a Pagan community and I just don't think a naming ceremony or saining is going to fly with my family. - I've been to one in the past and it was a beautiful ceremony. However, I had decided (somewhat) in my mind to just not do anything about it until the boy is old enough to ask - "what is God?"
I really would love to hear your stories and/or advice on this. It's not a topic that is causing any strife - the hubby and I are very comfortable with our ideals on religion. A little background: I went to church as a kid for many years and was baptised, confirmed and married in a church. But about 15 years ago I just had enough of the nonsense (you all probably know or have been through a similar situation) and then a little over 10 years ago I found Wicca and was "practising" for many years - only the past couple of years have I been low-key but always mindful of Sabbats. I am openly Pagan with family and friends but like I said not involved in a coven or community locally.
Hubby was baptized but never went to church growing up until he met me and even then only funerals and weddings. So that's what ya have to work with LOL - oh and one more thing - we do not subscribe to the "I hate Christians" ideal. If it makes you a happy person...good on ya!
so...thoughts?
thanks so very much for reading and your time! :D

[Brightshores]

Congratulations on your new baby boy!!! :hugz:

I am in a similar situation as you.. I grew up very Lutheran (with a Church-going family) but my husband and I have no intention of baptizing our children when and if we should be blessed with them.

The way we look at it.. when you have a child baptized, you have to make solemn vows to raise the child in the Christian church. I don't like making vows I don't intend to keep, in front of gods I don't currently follow. Also, we don't intend to force that choice on our children before they are old enough to have any idea what's going on. If our kids decide to become Christian later on in their lives, they will of course be free to do so, with our complete support. Same goes if they choose Paganism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, or nothing at all, so long as whatever they choose they do so with knowledge and sincerity.

There are plenty of ways to teach children about different religions other than making them go to Sunday school.

[Ceres]

I agree with BrightShores. To be truly respectful to christian beliefs, it wouldnt be right to vow before the cChristian god to raise a child by that faith without really intending to commit to that vow.

What about having just a party to invite relatives to come and meet the new addition to the family and welcome him without involving any religion?

[RainInanna]

I agree with the posters above. This came up for us since my SO's family is Catholic. I'm not willing to do it since we have no intention of raising our son in the church. He will be welcome to participate when he's old enough, but for now I refuse to take part in a ritual promising something we know we won't do.

By the way, my boy is turning 6 weeks old on Saturday, just curious what date your son was born?

[aluokaloo]

well baptisms are indeed a way of commiting one to this belief that belief, that's very true, I don't believe in baby baptism because it is making a promise for somebody else, besides it's not as though your child can ONLY get baptised as a baby, you can baptised anytime you like, wait and see for yourself and congratulations on your new baby boy.

[LunaWitch]

Thank you for the responses! Very enlightening. At least I have an answer to say to family when the topic eventually comes up.
RainInanna - Congratulations! Our babies are almost the exact same age! He was born February 21st! :D
I'm putting a pic in my siggy :D
your baby is adorable!!