Do the baptism. If you're a non-believer, what's the difference?

I agree with PPs who think you can't / shouldn't just show up at a church for baptism and then never go back. Most churches require at least a meeting with the priest, and I think that would be very awkward if you did not attend.

My DH is an atheist raised by Catholics; I am Protestant but don't currently attend church. I actually would like to baptize our child but I don't see how I could so until we are active members of a church community again. That's what baptism is about.

My mom is disappointed because she sews and wanted to make a fancy baptism gown.

My MIL is disappointed because she is devout. But -- and this is mean and unfair -- I kind of blame her for DH's atheism and that makes me less accommodating of her on church-going issues.

I don't think a parish would even let you, b/c you have to be members of a parish (who contribute their "time, talent, and treasure") for something like at least 6 months.

Plus, yes, the Godparents have to be practicing Catholics, and ours had to get a letter from their parish testifying that they were Catholics in good standing who were eligible to be a Godparent or a Confirmation sponsor.

We have a big issue coming up with this b/c of DH's two siblings, the sister is not practicing at all, and therefore wouldn't be able to supply this sheet of paper. Yet the expected thing would be to ask her to be the Godmother of our 2nd child, who is coming next January. His sister who is nonpracticing and his mother who is not Catholic at all are not going to understand this in the least. I have no idea how we are going to handle this. I cringe everytime I think about it. I guess maybe we'll just say, "Ok, you have to provide this sheet of paper, " and then she'll realize she cannot do it, so. . . ??

My daughter was the first grandchild, niece, you name it, in my entire family generation. I agreed to the baptism. I wish I hadn't, but it meant so much to them.

By the time my sons came along, I was more confident and flatly refused. There was some talk - my family is VERY religious, but they got over it.

For your own view of your role in the family, you should not do it if you don't believe in it. Might as well start out the way you mean to continue with them. It will be better for you.

It's your choice, so make it. I'd never not baptize my child. I am catholic, my husband is christian...we are both very open for all religions and don't plan on giving any religion to our children - however we will raise them to be good people. Baptizing to me is more about giving the child their name and formally welcoming it into the world. What you do after ward, honestly, is your thing. Nobody will come to your house once a week to check if you are really raising your child Catholic/Protestant/whatever.

PP here, FWIW I am a Christian, but wouldn't baptize my infant. I believe baptism is for people who have confessed faith in Christ, which infants aren't capable of doing.

This is your kid, and if DH has your back then don't let the kid get baptized.

If MIL's feelings are hurt, this is a good opportunity for her to learn that she doesn't control your child or your family's decisions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist and was raised Catholic. I wouldn't do it. The parents and godparents promises to raise the child as a Catholic and promise to "renounce Satan" during baptism. Unless you mean it when you say it, don't do it.

Yes, they might change their minds later and decide they want to embrace Satan?

That particular oath includes the renunciation of "his inventions and all things that are under him." That includes atheism, other religions, and birth control. Don't promise stuff that you don't believe or intend to follow through on. It's dishonest.