The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) does not teach or practice infant baptism, basing its disapproval of the practice upon the foundation of modern day revelation, as well as, doctrine taught in the Bible and the Book of Mormon; as an aside, the evidence for the LDS position as found in the Book of Mormon, is always supported by the Bible and I have included those validating Biblical references. Moroni 8:10-11 states:

“Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach-repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.”(1) (Emphasis added)

As the prophet Moroni states, baptism is required of those seeking repentance from sin, and the Latter-day Saints maintain that children are born into the world without sin and are not to be held accountable until the age of eight (the age at which most LDS children are baptized), on two accounts. The first is a paramount doctrine of the church, so much so that it was included as the second of thirteen articles of LDS faith:

“We believe that men will be punished [held accountable] for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”(2)

In other words, Latter-day Saints abjure the doctrines of original sin and original guilt, and approach the concept of infant baptism within that context. A citation of LDS scripture that invalidates the afore mentioned doctrines, can be found in Moses 6:54 which teaches:

“Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children, for they are whole from the foundation of the world.” (Emphasis added)

In support of this scripture are the words of the Apostle Paul to the Romans:

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [The Lord] shall many be made righteous.”(3)

Secondly, the church teaches that it is crucial that someone be cognoscente of the commandments, have a general understanding of right and wrong, and be- at the very least- teachable about the concept of accountability for one’s actions, prior to baptism; all of which are traits not typically associated with younger children, especially infants. Support for this position comes to us from the words of Paul to the Romans, once again:

“For where no law is, there is no transgression.”(4)

It goes without saying, that newborn children are neither aware of the law nor do they possess the cognitive ability to a choose sin over righteousness, and according to Paul, are therefore without “transgression”. Another aspect to this argument is that the Lord petitioned his apostles and prospective members of the early church, to “believe and be baptized”(5). An infant cannot express a belief in anything, let alone faith in a Savior who atoned for sins they haven’t even committed yet.

So, in conclusion, based on the evidences shown above, the LDS Church has determined that infants are not born into this world guilty of Adam’s or anyone’s sin, and that their inability to comprehend the laws and commandments of the Gospel, leave them without need of a baptism “unto a remission of sins”(6) until they are age eight or older.

– Alex C.

(1) Moroni 8:10-11, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
(2) Articles of Faith, article 2
(3) Romans 5:19
(4) Romans 4:15, (Ibid.)
(5) Mark 16:15-16, Romans 10:14
(6) Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3

Personal Response by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

Latter-day Saints, Mormons, like many other religious people, wear special clothing with religious meaning. Often Christian ministers and priests wear special robes or collars to identify themselves. In secular society, police officers, basketball players, or nurses wears special clothing to identify themselves with a particular group. Such clothing provides a sense of belonging and a personal reminder of what membership in that group entails.

When we see Protestant clergy or Buddhist priests, we automatically recognize a deep sense of religious commitment on their part. When we see a Catholic nun wearing the traditional black and white habit, we may identify her with people like Mother Teresa, who helped the poor and needy.

Jews wear a special garment called a Tallit Qatan (small Tallit), a four-cornered cloth with fringes. Based on biblical instructions (see Numbers 15:37-41), many Orthodox men wear this garment. It looks like a small poncho with four fringes attached (Tsitsit), and is worn beneath their outer clothing reminding them that the Lord has called them to be “a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Additional significance of this particular garment is debated among Jewish scholars. However, it is worn by Jews who believe the Lord has asked them to do so.

Like some Orthodox Jews, Latter-day Saints wear religious clothing to remind them of their commitment to the Lord. The Latter-day Saint (Mormon) underclothing is called the holy garment, or more formally, “the garment of the holy priesthood.” In an age of political correctness and concern about respecting others’ religious beliefs, it is important to note that members of the Mormon Church do not use the term “Mormon underwear.” They prefer the term “holy garment” because for them the garment is more than underwear; it is a physical reminder to be faithful to the Lord. Much as a couple wears rings to remind them of promises made to each other, the garment reminds Latter-day Saints of their promises made to the Lord.

Because the garment has religious significance, Latter-day Saints consider them sacred and are careful about their use and care. They do not purposely display them publicly but attempt to be circumspect in removing them in public places such as gyms or locker rooms. Garments are white, symbolic of purity, and composed of two pieces that can easily be worn under modest clothing. Basically, the holy garment is worn night and day, except when a particular activity requires its removal, such as bathing, swimming, and certain other physical activities. Latter-day Saint (Mormon) soldiers wear a special holy garment that has been dyed so it will not draw attention in battle. There is nothing special about the material or the garment itself once it has worn out.

Hate groups who know the Latter-day Saint sensibilities and practice often display garments publicly in a mocking fashion or refer to them as Mormon underwear. They do so to marginalize Latter-day Saints by making them appear strange, but they wound the feelings of those who wear the holy garment as a reminder of their faith. Such hate groups dehumanize others by making a mockery of their beliefs. In this age of religious pluralism, we would never think of mocking a Jew for wearing a Tallit Qatan or display the garment in a mocking way, referring to it in inappropriate or offensive ways. Latter-day Saints ask for the same religious sensibilities to apply to them as with all religious groups.