do 8 year olds "decide" to be baptized?

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Levin

I think Creekster nailed it on the head here, and I'm surprised it didn't end the discussion.

The decision to be baptized is about being informed of Christ, sin, repentance, and responsibility. It is not about "Islam v. Christianity" or "Baptist v. Mormon," as some of you have weirdly assumed. An 8-year-old child who understands what it means to do wrong, what it means to be forgiven, and it what it means that Christ sacrificed himself for us is ready to "choose" to be baptized.

It's interesting how you all are assuming a definition of "decision." A "decision," to Waters and the likeminded, is something that only follows the presentation of the available alternatives and a weighing of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Only in the ivory tower does such a definition apply. In reality, a "decision" is one where the moral implications are apprehended. As it relates to sin, repentance, forgiveness, and Christ, most 8-year olds are fully capable of apprehending the moral implications of baptism.

A 9 year old is required to be taught about the apostasy, tithing, chastity, etc. to be baptized.

An 8 year old is not.

That makes sense.

The bar that the church places in front of 8 year olds is a 10 minute interview with a Bishop. Whereas for a nine year old it is a series of missionary visits probably over weeks and a meeting with the Bishop.

Which kid has invested more, assuming the same education in the church over those 8 and 9 years, respectively?