"...is it true that Lutherans baptize infants and thus consider them saved from that point on?"
Yes, we do have infant baptism, but we baptize older children, too. However, we also have a "Confirmation" of our Faith that happens when the kids are in Middle School, about age 12 to 14, when they take classes to learn about "the whole shebang" and what they're really getting into. It's another ceremony when we re-commit ourselves to our faith because, as you said, a baby can hardly be aware of faith as an infant.
It's similar to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the Jewish faith without the lox and bagels. ;)
In all seriousness, I think it's too young to have it, because what hormonal pre-teen takes religion seriously? But that's the way it's set up. *SHRUG*
And, if that's NOT confusing enough...we have two "synods" (chapters, sectors, etc.) in the Lutheran faith. 'Wisconsin Synod' and 'Missouri Synod.' I was raised in the Missouri synod, which is much more strict and by-the-book than the Wisconsin Synod...of which now I am a member, but only because I'm still shopping around for a church that meets my needs. I'm a hard-liner (Missouri) at heart, but a congregation of that sort is hard to find in this part of the country these days. :(
My Mother is a Methodist. I go to church with her from time to time, but they're too lax for me, LOL! I've never seen so much "goofing around" in church! Too much fellowship and community event announcements and "Passing the Peace" and not enough Fire & Brimstone preachin' for me. :)
You said -- "In all seriousness, I think it's too young to have it, because what hormonal pre-teen takes religion seriously? But that's the way it's set up. *SHRUG*"
Well, perhaps even earlier would be good. I say that, having come from being saved (my own choice) at 7 years old. I remember it and it was something I understood and it was something that was a legitimate choice since it's still with me all these years (over 50 years...). It was an old-fashioned tent revival meeting with those sawdust floors and chairs set out in rows and so on.
And you said -- "And, if that's NOT confusing enough...we have two "synods" (chapters, sectors, etc.) in the Lutheran faith. 'Wisconsin Synod' and 'Missouri Synod.' I was raised in the Missouri synod, which is much more strict and by-the-book than the Wisconsin Synod...of which now I am a member, but only because I'm still shopping around for a church that meets my needs. I'm a hard-liner (Missouri) at heart, but a congregation of that sort is hard to find in this part of the country these days. :( "
I remember reading about the Missouri Synod in a book "Battle for the Bible" -- which is on the issue of Biblical Inerrancy. That issue seemed to be a heated issue back then (somewhere in the 70s and 80s). I came to understand that the Lutherans, Missouri Synod, was the more conservative and Biblically-based group, back then.
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Bible-Harold-Lindsell/dp/0310276810
Since then, the Evangelicals came out with a position (a modern day "Council" if you will, signed by many prominent theologians) on the Inerrancy of the Bible and that seems to be a settled issue, within that group of Christians (although not settled across the broad spectrum of the church).
Regards,
Star Traveler
I went through confirmation in the Episcopal church but left soon after to join the local Methodist church because most of my close friends went there. I was married and had my family when I was a Methodist but later got saved in a Baptist church. Then I was introduced to the Holy Spirit filled churches. So I consider myself an episcomethabapticostal. It's been quite a trip but God taught me something through each denomination.