I think that would depend on your definition of "useful".
Fulfilling a purpose?
For Christians, yes. It's their admission into to the church. To an atheist I imagine it's just a pointless ceremony.
I have no objection to Baptism per se, but isn't it a little presumptuous to perform the ceremony before the subject is cognizant of the ramifications? :smile:
Of course a lot of "Christians" think they know what is good for everyone else.
Baptism, circumcision, all that stuff.
None, nada zero zip zant doodly squat. It's 100% mutilation for sexual gratification.I suppose, although I think there is validity for circumcision if a doctors deems it beneficial to health.
Jesus Christ! Baptism is to wash away "original sin". None of you knew that?
Jesus Christ! Baptism is to wash away "original sin". None of you knew that?
JLM wanted the real reason so why make **** up or guess at things?
JLM wanted the real reason so why make **** up or guess at things?
I can't speak for the other Christian dwnominations except for Catholic. For Catholics it's more than just being baptized into the Catholic faith for the child. The parents and the Godparents have a very large role. The Parents promise to bring the child up in the Catholic faith and the Godparents, who are the child's representatives or advocates promise to help and ensure the child is brought up on the faith if something happens to the parents. I know of no member of the clergy that still advocates that it is to absolve the child of original sin as Jesus Christ died on the cross to absolve all of mankinds sins, including the original sin.
Indcotrination? How do you indoctrinate someone who can't speak or understand?