Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
Stephen calls infant baptism “the first and chief abomination of the Pope” and ties it to “pagans in the pew” because people assume “I’m a Christian already”; where do you see the same dynamic in churches that reject infant baptism but still produce “pagans in the pew,” and what would Schleithaim’s diagnosis be?
Another way to ask: They say infant baptism makes people assume they are already Christians, creating “pagans in the pew.” Where do you see that same problem in churches that don’t baptize infants, and what do you think Schleithaim would say is the cause?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript doesn’t directly analyze non–infant-baptizing churches producing “pagans in the pew,” but it gives a diagnosis you could reasonably apply: any system that treats Christianity as a label or ritual without repentance, real faith, and “walking in the resurrection” will fill churches with unconverted people.
- Stephen recounts Catholic bishops asking, “Why do we have so many pagans in the pew?” and answers, “It’s because you baptize babies… everybody thinks I’m a Christian already.”
- He stresses faith is required, “not an empty sacrament… not… ritual… automatically guarantees it.”
- The baptism article is read: baptism is for those who “have learned repentance,” “believe truly,” and “walk in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- Another speaker warns against salvation as “one-time entry into the club… you said the sinner’s prayer… you did whatever.”
- Their whole structure assumes continued accountability: people can “slip back,” requiring admonition and the ban.