Tertullian against infant baptism. 200–258 AD) Strongly affirmed baptis...
Tertullian against infant baptism. 200–258 AD) Strongly affirmed baptismal regeneration and insisted on rebaptism for heretics, believing baptism was the gateway to the Spirit. In this era, the key difference you can make out is that Origin says infant baptism is the tradition handed down by the Aposltes, and Tertullian makes an argument for credo. The Apostolic Tradition, attributed to Hippolytus of Rome (d. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for Jan 1, 2001 · But the very manner of Tertullian’s opposition proves as much in favor of infant baptism as against it. For why is it necessary—if… Jan 1, 2001 · But the very manner of Tertullian’s opposition proves as much in favor of infant baptism as against it. Some, like Tertullian and Gregory of Nazianzus, argued against the baptism of children. Here Tertullian comments on his preference of delaying baptism in deference to the traditional practice of baptizing infants writes: "And so, according to the circumstances and disposition, and even age,of each individual, the delay of baptism is preferable; principally,however, in the case of little childrem. Jul 17, 2023 · This argument from Tertullian’s very early advocacy of the catechumen system against infant baptism is unquestionably the strongest historical argument in favor of the credo-baptist position. Here are examples of what early Christian writers had to say on the subject of baptismal regeneration. G. " But it must be admitted that the question, "What rules are to be observed with regard to heretics?" is worthy of being treated. AD 354), there seemed to be a movement against infant baptism at least in North Africa which may have started as early as from the period of Tertullian (Carthage, d. my point is, he likely believed in the very serious nature of post baptismal sin and thought it made sense to wait until after someone would sin What did the early Christians teach about baptising infants? Why does it matter? Here we offer a defense of this ancient Christian practice. Tertullian, a lone voice speaking against baptizing infants, wrote very early, however: Jul 10, 2023 · There would have been councils convened by credo-baptist bishops to challenge the rise of this (alleged) doctrinal novelty, treatises written in defense of believer’s baptism, and against infant, and other marks of intra-Christian controversy, which always attend the introduction of doctrinal novelties into the Church by heretics. Etymologically, the term means "being This study examines the baptismal practices of the early Christian community using Tertullian's ethical text on baptism in relation to his other writings to dialogue with the Roman Catholic understanding of baptism, original sin and grace. He declares that 'baptism' among heretics has nothing to do with Christian baptism, and is not valid for a Christian (ch. Apr 26, 2025 · Tertullian [N]o one can attain salvation without baptism, especially in view of the declaration of the Lord, who says, “Unless a man shall be born of water, he shall not have life" (On Baptism 12:1 [A. Hippolytus Tertullian’s Understanding of Baptism Abstract Baptism, which is known as entrance into the religion of Christianity, gained different extent with Jesus Christ by necessitating an acceptance and understanding of the trinity. . ): Advocated against infant baptism Hippolytus (3rd century): Disputed text (from the 11th century) Origen (3rd century): in his work “Commentary on Romans” Cyprian (3rd century) May 7, 2016 · Here, Tertullian either parenthetically states baptism is unnecessary for salvation or speaks of an unsaid opposition (who clearly are not the Cainites as they did not baptize) that states the same. Sep 14, 2013 · Expanding on these observations Hugh Thompson Kerr notes that “Tertullian argued against baptism not only of infants but of children, which is evidence that such baptism was the accepted practice of his day. They confess the faith themselves and act in ways that indicate their own volition rather than that of parents (Aland 1961, p. org) Filed under: Infant baptism -- Early works to 1800 Consequently, Tertullian‟s treatise on baptism was written as a defense against those who felt that baptism was unnecessary or ineffective. There is no argument against infant baptism in the Early Church although Tertullian himself favored believer's baptism. While Muntzer speaks of the illegitimacy of infant baptism, he nowhere speaks Baptismal regeneration is the name given to doctrines which maintain that salvation is intimately linked to the act of baptism, without necessarily holding that salvation is impossible apart from it. Current opinion favours the priority of the Apology. Dec 18, 2023 · Tertullian makes a fourfold recommendation regarding infant baptism here. , xviii) desired that the sacrament be not conferred upon them until they have attained the use of reason, on account of the danger of profaning their baptism as youths amid the allurements of pagan vice. Tertullian reminds us that hostility to the Episcopal authority The relationship between infant baptism and Jeremias noted, to be the reverse of that stated by of infant baptism was an argument for infant infant guilt being the basis for infant baptism (at sources). This article, after having outlined the historical course of baptism perception and water phenomena in the pre-Tertullian period, discusses Tertullian's general understanding of baptism, the basis of this perception, and in particular his attitude towards infant baptism. org) Tertullian's Treatises: Concerning Prayer, Concerning Baptism, by Tertullian, trans. 30, is shown to be abused]. What is the basis for baptism as the new circumcision (whether it be biblical/traditional)? Feb 10, 2006 · Paul wants us to believe that infant baptism is catholic, yet he can't cite any sources that advocate it in the earliest generations of church history, he ignores most of the data I cited against its early existence, he tries to dismiss Tertullian because Tertullian was "attracted" to Montanism, he dismisses everybody who agreed with Tertullian Jul 30, 2021 · While he believed that baptism removed a person’s sins, he was against infant baptism because he believed the person should make a conscious decision to have their sins removed. 18). I’ll show that the evidence from the first century or so of the church supports the view that believers’ baptism was the apostolic practice, but that the rest of church history could be fit into either view. [1] Kurt Aland, Did the Early Church Baptize Infants?, trans. May 16, 2024 · The arguments of the early church fathers, who advocate for infant Baptism are largely based in Scripture. "But immediately after Irenaeus, in the last years of the second century, Tertullian appears as a zealous opponent of infant baptism; a proof that the practice had not as yet come to be regarded as an apostolic institution; for otherwise, he would hardly have ventured to express himself so strongly against it. 155: And for [water baptism] we have learned from the apostles this Aug 6, 2025 · • Tertullian (c. 225) on baptism, and particularly baptismal regeneration: all consistent with Catholic teaching. Hahn mentions baptism as the new circumcision in relation to covenantal theology. 8732 Or, “whither they are coming. Aland nots that Jeremias assumes that Tertullian, in De Anima chapters 39-40 assumes and endorses infant baptism. Some of them deal with the sinfulness of children, and others deal with the faith of children. The argument of Augustine in this regard practice of baptizing infants was by his time general strongest points against the Pelagians. Unfortunately, such a statement reveals a reluctance to deal with Tertullian on his own terms, in his own context. Apr 8, 2025 · The practice of infant baptism developed slowly over time and it was opposed by Tertullian who argued that only mature believers should be baptized. These give weight to the theological basis of Infant Baptism inside the Roman Catholic Church which other Christian denominations target and criticize to have no any scriptural basis. Others, like Origen and St. I believe that Irenaeus was a credobaptist as Tertullian was because Tertullian likewise believed in the salvation of dying infants without the need for baptism: Jul 15, 2024 · Although he acknowledged that infant baptism was the norm in his church, Tertullian urged people to postpone baptism for everyone until they were not only grown but married. One argument in support of the baptism of infants comes from the fact that controversy over the practice is conspicuously absent from the history of the early church. Cyprian and the Council of Carthage in 253 A. This analysis and criticism of infant baptism by Tertullian is worthy of our attention. Tertullian suggests, that it was usually based on the invitation of Christ: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not. Mar 28, 2025 · Therefore, he must have believed that dying infants can be born again apart from baptism. 8734 Sæcularibus. May 4, 2021 · Although infant baptism was practiced in the early church prior to Augustine (b. in baptism. e. To be sure, Tertullian believed Tertullian's Homily on Baptism (in Latin and English, with notes), by Tertullian, trans. The Baptism Debate provides a fresh look at the Reformed perspective on infant baptism. Jul 25, 2024 · I present the principle passages from the Church father Tertullian (c. He advised against it. May 4, 2008 · There is to us one, and but one, baptism; as well according to the Lord’s gospel 11 as according to the apostle’s letters, 12 inasmuch as he says, “One God, and one baptism, and one church in the heavens. Oct 29, 2024 · Tertullian's work, De Baptismo, describes his opposition to baptizing infants and small children. Description John Gill addresses the controversy surrounding infant baptism, responding to Peter Clark's defense of its divine right. Mar 21, 2025 · In this post, I’ll discuss the early church evidence for and against infant baptism. Gill emphasizes the need for a return to the practices of the The pamphlet argues that infant baptism is not a divine institution and has no warrant in the Bible, and that renouncing it does not affect one's place in the covenant of grace. S UMMARY This work defends the Christian position against the rationalistic objections of a female gnostic preacher of the Cainite cult, labelled a 'poisonous viper'. [13][79][80] Nov 5, 2018 · For why would Tertullian inveigh so passionately against something that no one ever did? The North African Christians allowed the baptism of infants, and Tertullian argued that they should not. Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen all mention infants being baptized in the second century. While not denying the validity of infant baptism, Tertullian (De Bapt. took infant baptism for granted. Jan 4, 2022 · Tertullian was a key player in the transition of the church from a persecuted minority to a major influence in Roman society. Now, why was infant baptism introduced in the third century? May 6, 1997 · The earliest explicit mention of infant “baptism” in the history of the church is from the African church father Tertullian, who lived from about AD 160 to about 220. Even though Tertullian espoused a later baptism for children, he acknowledged that Infant Baptism was already the universal practice and does not try to avoid the interpretation of this verse’s reference to Infant Baptism. He was born in Carthage, studied in Rome for a legal career, and was converted to Christianity in about 195. He meets it not as an innovation, but as a prevalent custom; and he meets it not with exegetical nor historical arguments, but only with considerations of religious prudence. Proponents of infant baptism have argued that this quote shows Polycarp being baptized as an infant, the argument being that if Polycarp was a servant of Christ for 86 years, he would have been a servant of Christ from infancy, suggesting infant baptism. xix. The correct baptism has not been understood, therefore admission to the church has become a farce . Concretely, pastoral practice regarding infant Baptism must be governed by two great principles, the second of which is subordinate to the first. Most people know of Tertullian because he provides the first undisputed evidence that the early church practiced infant baptism during his time. We should note that other Christian writers, such as Irenaeus and Hippolytus, who lived at the same time as Tertullian, did not list infant baptism among the various “heresies” they sought to combat. William Wall used the same ploy in the 1840’s to support his case for infant baptism. ” 8733 i. Now, why was infant baptism introduced in the third century? Sep 5, 2023 · Jeremias’s work on in-fant baptism in the first four centuries highlights how the practice evolved, tracing its roots to Jewish proselyte baptism and incorporating Old Testament cultic language. 8731 Matt. Sep 8, 2025 · In this episode, Trent responds to Gavin Ortlund's recent video on infant baptism, providing a theological case for this discipline of the Church. IN BRIEF Christians must be baptised. He argues that infant baptism is an unscriptural practice rooted in tradition rather than biblical mandate, asserting that true baptism should be reserved for believers who can profess their faith. Baptismal regeneration is held by the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox traditions, among others, such as certain Anglicans. The Early Church typically mentioned people/beliefs they were arguing against, and a movement against infant baptism is missing from all of his (many) writings. • Cyprian of Carthage (c. The following is a list of various arguments that are leveled against infant baptism. Oct 29, 2024 · Aland does think Tertullian held baptism of adult or fairly mature converts as his basic standard. 4 [120-180 AD] "He [Jesus] came to save all through himself; all, I say, who through him are reborn in God: infants, and children, and youths, and old men. g. However, the striking feature of Tertullian’s objection to infant baptism is its striking resemblance to the rejection of the baptism of infants by the Baptists of today. Augustine, argued for the baptism of children. 6 Sep 23, 2014 · Second, Tertullian did speak out against the introduction of infant baptism, which we will discuss in a moment. 200) provides this evidence is ironic, since he cautioned against infant baptism, just as he urged the unmarried to delay baptism until they had developed habits of continence. Infant Baptism and the Early Church Consensus While Tertullian’s writings highlight a voice of caution, they were not representative of the broader Christian tradition. 160-220) who voiced skepticism about the practice of baptizing infants. Early in his ministry, he wrote his Apology, which defended the church against the persecutions of the state and explained the principle of religious liberty as an inalienable right of man. Jun 6, 2016 · What about infant baptism? Tertullian is the earliest to reference to the practice of infant baptism. Jan 28, 2025 · – On Baptism, Against the Donatists (Book 4, Chapter 24:31-31) (Augustine indeed wrote another book titled “On Merit and the Forgiveness of Sins, and the Baptism of Infants ” with a greater description on the theological perspective. 45 d from a misunderstood baptism. Jan 25, 2019 · In the 1,500 years from the time of Christ to the Protestant Reformation, the only notable church father who expressed opposition to infant Baptism was Tertullian (160-215 AD). 14; Luke xviii. Aug 27, 2025 · Tertullian (about 200 AD) actually argues against infant baptism, saying it is better to delay baptism until faith can be professed, he also argued that baptism should be delayed until after marriage. Tertullian, a lone voice speaking against baptizing infants, wrote very early, however: Jul 8, 2013 · Infant baptism Necessity of Baptism Saving Nature of Baptism Born Again Jesus Sanctified baptism with his Other Infant Baptism Irenaeus of Lyons Against Heresies book 2 ch 22. His main point was that if baptism is the new circumcision, then we should baptize infants. He critiques a pamphlet that defends infant baptism, asserting that it is a Dec 18, 2023 · In the earliest mention of infant baptism in all of Church history, caution is given that little children should not be baptized and the church should wait until after they have asked for salvation. Tertullian (c. Tertullian’s argument against it was based on the understanding that baptism should be delayed until those being baptized understood why they were coming to Christ. Tertullian held that in the case of “little children,” baptism ought to be delayed until they “know how to ask for salvation” (“On Baptism,” ch. D. He was the first Christian theologian to write in Latin and exerted significant influence through his apologetic Mar 19, 2023 · God’s approbation sends sure premonitory tokens before it; every “petition"4 may both deceive and be deceived. " Sep 23, 2014 · Second, Tertullian did speak out against the introduction of infant baptism, which we will discuss in a moment. , and Scriptural responses to them. While Tertullian himself taught that baptism should be deferred (as well as marriage), he recognized the practice of infant baptism as customary in his time. ” 1 He gives several reasons. [9] This is not the first time that Tertullian’s orthodoxy has been attacked in order to undermine his credibility as a witness to the beliefs and practises of the church of his day. There is to us one, and but one, baptism; as well according to the Lord's gospel as according to the apostle's letters, inasmuch as he says, "One God, and one baptism, and one church in the heavens. Much more could be said of Augustine’s defense of Infant Baptism. This quote is from approximately A. Aug 11, 2010 · Tertullian, in On Baptism (early 3rd century), argues against infant baptism: “ [T]he delay of baptism is preferable; principally, however, in the case of little children. Jun 20, 2025 · An unfinished tragi-comedy Written sometime in the early third century, Tertullian’s homily On Baptism provides the first undisputed evidence for infant baptism. This study examines the baptismal practices of the early Christian community using Tertullian's ethical text on baptism in relation to his other writings to dialogue with the Roman Catholic understanding of baptism, original sin and grace. There is archeological evidence as early as the 200s of baptized babies buried in the Catacombs. Cyprian of Carthage is one of the most notable Latin theologians of the first five centuries alongside Tertullian and Augustine. This implies a setting in which people would baptize the very young, and lays out an argument that baptismal candidates should come when they are older and understand more. After thoroughly explaining and examining the Reformed position on infant baptism, this book provides a genuine and thoughtful analysis of Reformed covenant theology and its implications for infant baptism. The Apostolic Tradition’s description of the ceremony of baptism shows that it was designed for those who were old enough to take an active part. 203]). I am sure that we are all familiar with a fundamental objection of the Baptists against the administration of the sacrament to the seed of the Church. Here is a compilation of what the Early Church Fathers wrote and instructed about the Baptism of Infants in the early period of the Church. He states that: The “little children” should have their baptism delayed. by Alexander Souter (HTML at tertullian. 16. 16 What motivates Tertullian here is the fear of post-baptismal sin. Tertullian appears as a zealous opponent of infant baptism; a proof that the practice had not as yet come to be regarded as an apostolical institution; for otherwise Tertullian hardly would have ventured to express himself so strongly against it (1850, 432). 15). 1) Baptism, which is necessary for salvation, is the sign and the means of God's prevenient love, which frees us from original sin and communicates to us a share in divine life. 155–240 AD) Called baptism the “seal of faith” and taught that sins are washed away in baptism; warned against delaying baptism unnecessarily. Tertullian on Baptism by Immersion Tertullian was a prolific Latin author of the early third century, and he produced the most extensive early writings on baptism that we have. 8730 Tertullian has already allowed (in c. In the book Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ, Steven A. Mar 25, 2022 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 173; emphasis mine). 21 In his book On Baptism, Chapter 18, "Of the Persons to Whom, and the Time When, Baptism is to Be Administered," Tertullian says According to the circumstances and disposition, and even age, of each individual, the delay of baptism is preferable; principally, however, in the case of little children. Jan 6, 2024 · Infant baptism was common and expected in his second-century world, but for whatever reason (e. May 7, 2016 · Here, Tertullian either parenthetically states baptism is unnecessary for salvation or speaks of an unsaid opposition (who clearly are not the Cainites as they did not baptize) that states the same. However, debates persisted, with Tertullian presenting arguments against infant bap-tism and emphasizing faith as the basis for baptism. It is a possibility that infant baptism was a later development given one early source does have a credobaptist position but it's still not really strong enough to come to a definitive conclusion. It is also important to note that there is no addressing of people who are against infant baptism in any of his passages. by Ernest Evans (HTML at tertullian. However, Justin Martyr does give a reason for baptism that absolutely precludes infant baptism, and he says that the church in Rome received it from the apostles. Bryan Holstrom, author of Infant 8730 Tertullian has already allowed (in c. , demographic proportions perhaps), he still chose to explain the practice as an essentially adult activity. 235), describes how to perform the ceremony of baptism, including a profession of faith; states that if children could not answer for Dec 2, 2024 · However, this delay reflected societal customs rather than a theological stance against infant baptism. As the following passages from the works of the Church Fathers illustrate, Christians have always believed in the necessity of baptism for salvation. John Gill examines and disproves the notion of the divine right of infant baptism, arguing that there is no scriptural basis for the practice. For why is it necessary—if… Jan 4, 2018 · No Beginning Known – Infant baptism has been the historic practice of the church. What did the early Christians teach about baptising infants? Why does it matter? Here we offer a defense of this ancient Christian practice. In fact Tertullian urges against hurrying children to baptism while they are in the age of innocence and need not hasten to the forgiveness of sins. Aug 31, 2020 · Cyprian actually rejected the accusation that he believed in rebaptism because he considered only the baptism within the church to be a valid or true baptism. Sep 15, 2023 · Short answer, no. Bryan Holstrom, author of Infant Feb 7, 2022 · In that interview, Dr. " The usage of sponsors, to which Tertullian himself bears witness, although he disapproves of it, and still more, the almost equally ancient abuse of infant communion, imply the existence of infant baptism. Jun 20, 2025 · According to this story-line, opponents of infant baptism such as Tertullian were aberrations, and the story is pure comedy. He responds to the paedobaptist use of Matthew 19:14 which they used to argue for the baptism of infants: Mar 19, 2023 · God’s approbation sends sure premonitory tokens before it; every “petition"4 may both deceive and be deceived. He does not refute the parenthetical statement in any case. 8735 See beginning of chapter, [where Luke vi. No one speaks clearly of infant baptism in the 2nd century, for or against. xvi) that baptism is not indispensably necessary to salvation. Some Protestants teach that baptism is only a sign. . 160 - c. Exorcism and deliverance prayers An infant being baptized in a Lutheran church In the minor exorcism used in the Christian sacrament of Baptism, the Catholic Roman Missal (1911), Lutheran Baptismal Booklet (1526) and Book of Common Prayer (1549) enjoin the sign of the cross to be traced on the forehead of the baptismal candidate. ” 13 But it must be admitted that the question, “What rules are to be observed with regard to heretics?” is worthy of being treated. While the treatise was written to defend baptism, it was simultaneously intended to teach and encourage those who were recently baptized and had not sufficiently examined the reasons for having done so. Tertullian was the subject of our study in terms of both the fact that the work that he wrote about baptism has survived among the early church fathers and that he The arguments against infant baptism generally fall into two categories. 200-220 AD Tertullian:On Baptism 18 Tertullian's unbaptist criticism of pedobaptism (that it's a real baptism but too effective) dates it a common practice by 2nd century at least. Tertullian (~200 A. 155–230) too, while advising postponement of baptism until after marriage, mentions that it was customary to baptize infants, with sponsors speaking on their behalf (On Baptism 18). 14; Mark x. 1 That Tertullian (c. Justin knew very well that many Christians were born to Christian parents. And so, according to the circumstances and disposition, and even age, of each individual, the delay of baptism is preferable; principally, however, in the case of little children [parvulos]. McKinion suggests that Tertullian’s De Baptismo was “written in response to the innovative practice of infant baptism” (p. The renowned Alexandrian theologian, Origen (185-254), admitted infant baptism to be part of the church tradition going back to the Apostles even as he struggled to articulate a clear rationale for the practice. Why should the sponsors be put into danger by the failure of the little child to fulfill the promises of the sponsors? Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life! A treatise on this matter will not be superfluous; instructing not only such as are just becoming formed (in the faith), but them who, content with having simply believed, without full examination of the grounds Jul 17, 2023 · The credo-baptists argue from this passage that Tertullian, whose antiquity lends to his voice great authority, and whose commitment to the apostolic faith still more, here rejects the baptism of infants in favor of delaying it until the baptizand has been sufficiently catechized. The similarity between his objections to the baptism of infants and the arguments of the Baptists today is indeed striking. Dec 30, 2012 · The earliest mention of infant baptism was by Tertullian (c. Mar 10, 2017 · TERTULLIAN (2ND-3rd CENTURY) “Baptism itself is a corporal act by which we are plunged into the water, while its effect is spiritual, in that we are freed from our sins” (140-230 AD) CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE (3RD CENTURY) “For he who has been sanctified, his sins being put away in baptism, and has been spiritually re-formed into a new man, has become fitted for receiving the Holy Spirit Dec 17, 2010 · The first specific mention of infant baptism (around 200AD) is a statement against it, which shows that that infant baptism was widely practiced in the early Christian church. 64). R Beasley-Murray (London: SCM Press, 1963), 74. uyyrzv vzob lxhty jkkqyw adb wfbk ztq yfqjtb ufh pfmhx
