Baptism has been a cornerstone ritual in many religions for centuries, but it also raises important questions about human rights and individual autonomy. As we know, the Raelian Movement offers a unique perspective, advocating for children’s right to choose their spiritual paths and challenging traditional practices like infant baptism. I believe that by exploring this viewpoint, we can better evaluate the ethical implications of imposing religious affiliations on those too young to consent.

Rael, the founder of the Raelian Movement, emphasizes the importance of personal choice in religious matters:

“No religion should be imposed on babies or even children! I remind everybody that to become Raelian you must be at least 15 years old and pass a short examination proving that it’s your choice and that it is not your parents forcing you. The Messages recommend teaching children all religions (including atheism) and letting them chose if they wish to embrace one when they reach the age of 15.”

This principle underscores the Raelian stance: children should not be subjected to rituals like baptism or circumcision without their informed consent. Instead, they should have the freedom to decide for themselves when they reach an age of understanding.

Critics of infant baptism also include Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland, who argued that the practice infringes on fundamental human rights:

“Infant baptism violates human rights. You can’t impose lifelong obligations on a two-week-old child, and you can’t say to them at seven or eight or 14 or 19 ‘here is what you contracted, here is what you signed up to’ because the truth is they didn’t. If your parents are Catholic and you are baptized in a Catholic Church, that baby becomes a member for life – according to the teaching of the church. We live now in times where we have the right to freedom of conscience, freedom of belief, freedom of opinion, freedom of religion and freedom to change religion, yet the Catholic Church has not fully embraced this thinking. Children should have the opportunity, as adults, to validate or repudiate their affiliation.” 

The Raelian Movement views baptism as a deeply personal act that must be entered into voluntarily. From our perspective, baptizing infants not only disregards their autonomy but also imposes lifelong affiliations they may not choose for themselves. The Raelian baptism ceremony, by contrast, is performed only for consenting individuals who fully understand its meaning. Rael explains that the ritual serves as a formal acknowledgment of the Elohim as our Creators, symbolizing an individual’s conscious choice and alignment with Raelian teachings.

The scientific aspect of our baptism ritual is described in Intelligent Design (p.334):

“The principle of baptism, the transmission of one’s cellular plan, is today understandable to us, and this ceremony is scientifically explained as follows: every individual has a cellular chromosomic plan, specific to him/her, which vibrates with its own electromagnetic spectral emission. A Guide, whose own frequency has been noted by the Elohim during his or her initiation, can act as a relay between the new Raelian and the Elohim’s satellite which records every human thought. Water is used between the new Raelian’s forehead and the Guide’s hands so as to establish a good electrical contact, and the Raelian baptism indicates to the Elohim that the Raelian has both understood the messages and lives by them. It is an act of recognition.”

It goes without saying that our perspective challenges institutions like the Catholic Church to reevaluate traditional practices such as infant baptism. Imposing religious obligations on children without their consent is flat out wrong as it restricts their future freedom of belief and expression, thus raising ethical concerns that merit serious reflection. 

Ultimately, the Raelian perspective emphasizes informed consent and respect for individual rights, advocating that spiritual practices should align with human rights principles. By encouraging children to explore various beliefs and decide for themselves as adults, this approach promotes genuine autonomy and psychological well-being. In a modern society that values human rights, it’s high time to reconsider whether such rituals honor the autonomy of individuals or perpetuate limitations on personal freedom.

Felix Clairvoyant

Photo: This is a cartoon depiction of the Raelian Baptism ceremony, which is usually performed on four specific dates each year, each holding special significance. The ceremony is typically conducted by a Raelian Priest or Bishop, regardless of gender, or by Rael himself. It serves as an official acknowledgment of the Elohim as our Creators by the individual who has chosen to undergo this initiation.