by Fr. John HainsworthAbout What Happens to the Child in BaptismIS BAPTISM JUST A SIGN?Everything I have said assumes that baptism is more than just an outward expression of an inward acceptance of Christ. Of course, baptism is an outward expression in that physical hands are laid on a physical … [Read more...]
Will Unbaptized Children Go To Hell if they Die?
by Fr. John HainsworthOften on the heart and mind - will unbaptized children go to hell?No. The Orthodox Church does not believe that children are born guilty of Adam’s sin and that unless freed of that guilt through baptism and communion they will die without God’s mercy. Such a notion is … [Read more...]
What if a Child Leaves or Rejects Christ Later in Life?
by Fr. John Hainsworth Another concern folks have about infant baptism in the Orthodox Church - what if a child rejects Christ later in life? This is a real concern, but not a reason to keep children from full membership in the New Covenant by denying them baptism and communion. We should rather … [Read more...]
