Expert: Edward Bode - 3/9/2009

Question
My 2 1/2 year old son is being baptized against my will.  I'm an atheist and my
wife was raised Catholic, but is now more agnostic.  Both our Mom's have taken
it upon themselves to get our son baptized despite my protest and my wife's
indecision.  I am so angered at this, I can hardly sleep nights and have even
thought of divorce.  Why do Catholics feel they need to push there religion on
others.  Especially my innocent son, who has know idea what any of this means.  
If he wants to be a Catholic when he grows up, I have no problem with that, but
taking him at such a young age against my will is unacceptable.  

Answer
I am a theologian.  So, allow me to explain the theoligical importance of Baptism.
For fifteen-hundred years, the Catholic Church has emphasized the necessity of baptism for infants as a step toward the eternal, pefect happiness of heaven.
The grace of baptism is important for the religious development of a person, even a child.  Baptism imparts special graces [helps]for the spiritual development of the recipient.
You are caring for the physical health of your child -- not asking for his/her consent/opinion about what you are doing.  Similarly, parents can provide for the spiritual care of children without waiting for their approval or decision.
Baptism also involves a sponsor [God-parent] who is to be interested in the religious development of the baptized -- another potential aid.
Usually, the priest asks the parents of the child to a conference to explore the meaning and the importance of baptism.  Such a meeting will also examine the minds and the intentions of the spouses.
So, I urge you and your wife to make an appointment with your local Catholic pastor.  He would deal with the immediate question of the baptism and the further issue of the strain being placed on your marriage.
I pray for the baptism of your child and for the resolution of the family issues.  
If you would like further thoughts from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes to you and your family.