The History of Godparents
The history of godparents dates back to the second century especially during the baptism rites. This was because of the need for someone to confess faith in the Christian belief on behalf of an infant. Hence the individual, also known as the sponsor, had to be an adult with close relations to parents but not necessarily related by blood. This role was delegated to friends of the couple to act as sponsors of the infant and ensure that the child would be brought up in a Christian way. They were also involved in the baptism rite by holding the infant on behalf of the parents.
The adults chosen to act as sponsors of the infant were not a couple meaning the parents could pick a male and female friend who met the characteristics of this role. There were various restrictions imposed on the relationship between the child, sponsors and parents. For instance, marriage between sponsors and the godchildren was forbidden. However, this ban faded away with reforms that rocked the church. Another restriction that still guides parents when choosing sponsors was the need to find someone who was over 16 years, and a confirmed Christian of the particular church the parents are attending.
A child can have two sponsors, one from either gender, but not two from the same gender. But, it is also allowed to have one instead of two. Denominations such as the Catholic Church offer a guideline about the qualities of sponsor, selection process, and the role of the sponsor. This makes it easy for parents to find individuals who meet the criteria set by the church.
The History of Godparents-What is Their Role
A parent should find someone who loves the child and has shown interest in the infants well being. This ensures that the sponsor:
* Prays for the child, and is capable of bringing up the child the Christian way. This is the sole reason why these sponsors came to be in the first place.
* Has attained spiritual growth to heights that can help in raising the child. This is in terms of having been baptized and confirmed.
* Has an upright lifestyle that the child can follow. It would be wrong to expect a condemned person to guide an infant the right way.
* Works with the parents in bringing up the child. The parent-child relationship should be strengthened because family has always been the foundation for the church and the society.
Parents are required to choose sponsors they can relate with, and share the tribulations of parenting especially as far as Christianity is concerned. Therefore, the sponsor acts as an assistant to the parents, and is one of the most important people in a child's life. The life long bond established between a sponsor and a godchild is evident even in other occasions such as education and marriage because the child always knows that the sponsor can provide advice abut making the right decisions. This is because a Christian upbringing does not only mean teaching the word, but also ensuring it is followed in all aspects of life.
The adults chosen to act as sponsors of the infant were not a couple meaning the parents could pick a male and female friend who met the characteristics of this role. There were various restrictions imposed on the relationship between the child, sponsors and parents. For instance, marriage between sponsors and the godchildren was forbidden. However, this ban faded away with reforms that rocked the church. Another restriction that still guides parents when choosing sponsors was the need to find someone who was over 16 years, and a confirmed Christian of the particular church the parents are attending.
A child can have two sponsors, one from either gender, but not two from the same gender. But, it is also allowed to have one instead of two. Denominations such as the Catholic Church offer a guideline about the qualities of sponsor, selection process, and the role of the sponsor. This makes it easy for parents to find individuals who meet the criteria set by the church.
The History of Godparents-What is Their Role
A parent should find someone who loves the child and has shown interest in the infants well being. This ensures that the sponsor:
* Prays for the child, and is capable of bringing up the child the Christian way. This is the sole reason why these sponsors came to be in the first place.
* Has attained spiritual growth to heights that can help in raising the child. This is in terms of having been baptized and confirmed.
* Has an upright lifestyle that the child can follow. It would be wrong to expect a condemned person to guide an infant the right way.
* Works with the parents in bringing up the child. The parent-child relationship should be strengthened because family has always been the foundation for the church and the society.
Parents are required to choose sponsors they can relate with, and share the tribulations of parenting especially as far as Christianity is concerned. Therefore, the sponsor acts as an assistant to the parents, and is one of the most important people in a child's life. The life long bond established between a sponsor and a godchild is evident even in other occasions such as education and marriage because the child always knows that the sponsor can provide advice abut making the right decisions. This is because a Christian upbringing does not only mean teaching the word, but also ensuring it is followed in all aspects of life.
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