We are not against babies and we are not against parents. But we are against a practice for which there in no scriptural justification. There is simply no scriptural authority for such a practice. No New Testament church ever had such a service and when we have a "baby dedication" service we add something to the work and worship of the church which was never there. Does this passage of scripture mean anything to the people of God any more? Deut.4:2 "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." What about Rev 22: 18-19, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Even when there is no scriptural authorization and there is no example of any New Testament church ever practicing a "baby dedication" service, a number of churches of Christ are encouraging young couples to bring their babies down to the front of the church building during the worship service and the preacher will bless or have prayer for the baby and/or the parents. The preacher might even dedicate the baby to the service of God. Are we against praying for babies and parents--no! We are saying one cannot justify such a practice in public assembly by God's word.

If we attempt to justify this practice such justification must come from denominationalism and their unscriptural ceremonies of the christening of babies and infant baptism. Why do they have such a practice? They believe in the false doctrine of Calvinism which teaches babies are born sinners. They believe babies have Inherited the sin of Adam. Remember "Calvinism" is a false doctrine and babies are born pure and innocent and only become sinners like the rest of us when we reach the age of accountability.

But some have a desire to intensify their worship services. In an effort to do so, there is no appeal made to scripture, but to the world round about them to see if they can find anything new, different and exciting. In doing so they are guilty of violating Matt.15:8-9, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

In our generation there are those who have no respect for God's ways nor His will, nor His word. 1 Cor 4:6, "And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one-of you be puffed up for one against another." Prov 30:6, "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." When we have prayer we pray for everybody-- babies and parents included.