I don't know what to do about this situation

[erinnl123]

Hi there, I have this problem thats really bugging me and I wanted to ask some fellow Christians their opinions.

My sister is pregnant (which is great) however her and her husband are discussing baptism. The baptism itself isn't the issue, in fact I'd love to see the child grow up Christian. The problem is that both my sister and her husband are non practicing and my brother in law is borderline atheist. When I first heard they were planning to have their kid baptised, I thought that maybe they decided to start growing in faith along with their child however this wasn't the case. They have no interest what so ever raising their kid in the church (any church) and are only doing it to please my brother-in-laws family.
I guess the scenario annoys me because the baptism, which is suppose to be an important time for a young Christian, is going to be empty and a massive lie. I personally don't want to go to the baptism, not because I have anything against them, but because I don't feel right supporting such a lie. In the end it's not just the priest and everyone else they are lying to, they are also lying to God. I'd like to think the Godparents would be the faithful present in the kids life but I know they won't. I also think my sister and her husband would reject if I tried to be that faithful present since they seem very opposed when my dad talks about taking their kid to church.
I honestly don't know if I should go to the baptism. It'll look bad if I don't and for the reason I don't want to go but on the other hand, it leaves a terrible taste in my mouth about it.

Can anyone give me advice please?

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[visionary]

So explain again why they are doing this? Surely it isn't just because of "Christian family pressure" as if "baptism" will quench the issue. Who is this family member who is pressuring them. Surely they are the ones who need talking too. Do you associate with that side of the family? Can you talk to them about the unreasonable pressure? You have explained so eloquently why you do not feel this is right, surely you can explain it too them that the act without the conviction is a mockery to the covenant with God.

 

[psalms 91]

On top of that it will also break a promise to God to raise this child with christian values and in a christian way. I pray that they will come to Christ

 

[Lamb]

Baptism and teaching go hand in hand according to scripture (Matthew 28:19). Some pastors will not even perform the baptism if they know the parents won't allow the child to be taught.

It sounds as if your sister is going to go through with the baptism whether or not you are present, so if it were me, I'd probably go. Why? Because I'd want to be there for my niece or nephew. I'd probably also talk to my sister and explain to her what baptism means and all the benefits of it. Baptism is God's work in us and it's not just a ceremony but has importance.

Maybe you could be that family member who brings the child to church with you and sends children's bible books as gifts. Stuff like that to keep the child fed on God's Word?

 

[visionary]

In a sense they asked for Godly people input, prayer, and guidance... they need to know that going in for the baptism.

 

[Ruth]

I think you should stay out of their business. It is their preference what they do and you can only pray for them. You would really seem rude if you told them your thoughts imho.

 

[king of the unknown]

Take the idea of circumcision. Circumcision is a sign of a covenant between Abraham and God. Yet today most men are circumcised. Paul deals with this issue say that many Jew have uncircumcised hearts. Many people have been baptized but haven't been baptized in their hearts.

If you are wondering if they will be corrupt what is holy let me remind you don't call anything impure that God has made clean. Let us remember Paul who went out to kill those who believed in God, yet God showed him mercy. Nebuchadnezzar after seeing a vision from God then turned and created a statue for all to worship yet God still showed him the truth.

This isn't a moment of dishonor but an opening for prophesy. That a boy baptized may one day do the baptizing. This is God's way for you to pray. That you will speak his destiny through your prayer. Never stop praying for one day the child may do the praying over you.