Editing Infant baptism (section)

=== Fifth century ===
[[File:Durand-ont01s.jpg|thumb|Medieval era [[Miniature (illuminated manuscript)|miniature]] of an infant being baptized in a [[Baptismal font]]]]
By the late fifth century, theological debates increasingly emphasized original sin as the primary justification for infant baptism. The growing influence of [[Augustinianism|Augustinian theology]] in [[Western Christianity]] found formal expression when the [[Councils of Carthage|Council of Carthage]] (418 AD) affirmed that infants, while personally guiltless, bore the taint of Adam's original sin and consequently needed baptism for spiritual purification. This doctrinal development marked a significant shift in [[Sacrament|sacramental theology]], transforming infant baptism from a discretionary practice to a theological necessity in Western Christian thought.<ref name=":43" />

By the early sixth century, a growing emphasis on the doctrine of [[Sacrament of Penance|repeatable penance]] further heightened fears that unbaptized infants would suffer eternal [[Damnation#Christianity|damnation]]. This period saw a shift in practice: parents began engaging in formal baptismal preparation activities on behalf of their children. Over time, these preparations gave way to a consolidated ceremony, where newborn infants were [[Baptism|baptised]], [[Anointing|anointed]] ([[confirmation]]), and received [[Communion under both kinds|communion]] all at once to ensure that even the youngest members of the community were promptly incorporated into the [[Salvation#Christianity|salvific rite]].<ref name=":43" /> Writings from such as [[John the Deacon (Venetian chronicler)|John the Deacon]]’s letter (c. 500 AD) highlight that the Church’s teaching and practice had firmly established infant baptism as essential for salvation in response to [[original sin]].<ref name=":43" /> Large fonts from this period indicate that adult baptism continued alongside infant baptism well into the sixth and seventh centuries.<ref name="Jensen Material and documentary evidence" /> In the sixth century, 526 AD, [[List of Byzantine emperors|eastern Roman emperor]], [[Justinian I]] made infant baptism compulsory.<ref name="Jensen Material and documentary evidence" />