Forced Baptism Church Has to Pay
It reminded me of a story in my extended family. A few decades ago when my nephew was a little boy he was invited to another boy's birthday party. During the course of the party all the little boys underwent a full immersion baptism ritual. I don't know religion well enough the say what this accomplished. Is it that this nephew, whom I think is not a believer, will go to heaven in spite of his non belief? Maybe if I fill my bath tub and do full immersion can I go to heaven too. Do I need to do immersion with my clothes on? The Bible said Adam and Eve needed to cover up so I suppose that applies to me as well.
Literature about Christianity is full of intense disagreements about how and when to properly baptize. On the Wikipedia site are pages about baptism, its history and current practices. Each denomination has rules about when and how it is to be done.
The importance placed on this ritual by some believers is amusing when one realizes "nones", those who do not identify with any branch of Christianity have become a huge and growing demographic. Perhaps the majority of nones will answer "yes" if asked are you "Christian" or are you "spiritual?" I would guess nearly all, however, forgo the rituals demanded by branches of the faith, baptism and communion. When fewer and fewer people participate in these old rituals what will become of the intense debate about how and when it is done? Who will care?
And we have not mentioned sanitation. Eventually will it be OK baptist virtually, or maybe with an alcohol wipe?
In my mind, baptism is a little like the Mormon practice of converting the dead. The folly of the baptism ritual is lost on some who think they must take advantage of children or parents and baptize the children of others.
Religion can do strange things to the human mind.
Jon,
ReplyDeleteIt should be criminal for a church or an individual to “force” baptism in any manner on others. Furthermore they are using their God, their Christ, their Holy Spirit, as an instrument for what they perceive as good and righteous action. To me using a God or gods instrumentally, as justification, as authorization, for power over the lives of others is a damn good reason to steer clear of the whole s**t show.
I could be wrong but based on Luther’s margin note, “Born once - die twice; Born twice - die once", much of the born-again business and ritual sacraments, perhaps even the raison d'être for the Christian religion, is to avoid the dreaded “Second Death”, whether it’s the eternal dumpster fire of Hell or total annihilation of body and spirit.
Progressive Christian “Nones”, those without a church, the out of the “Body” spirit Christians, in some cases are considered functional atheists by more conservative disciplines of the faith. Then again the more conservative disciples of the faith may be vulnerable to a species of idolatry e.g. some MAGA evangelicals.
1st paragraph; Baptism is not conversion. Baptism follows conversion.
ReplyDelete2nd paragraph; re. "nonbelief" Is the operative word here. Baptism is of no effect if rejected.
3rd paragraph; Baptism is baptism, no matter how it is done. Dipping, dunking, sprinkling etc. Neither one is commanded, or forbidden. as long as the Trinitarian formula is used. (Not "Big daddy , the kid, and the spook)
4th paragraph; If you don't believe, don't do it. You needn't be concerned about sanitation either.
5th paragraph; alcohol wipes. Now you"re being silly.
6th paragraph. "converting the dead". (I asume you mean baptize the dead,( their term), Done in absentia. Not like Christian acceptance nor rejection of Baptism. No connection or similarity whatsoever.
One last thing; Is Baptism a guarantee? No. If you reject your baptism / faith, baptism does not save. Is baptism absolutely necessary? No. If you come to believe (faith) and have not yet been baptized, you are still saved. Consider the thief on the cross that repented, and the words of Jesus. On the other hand, if one does come to the faith, why would one reject it. It is the sacrament that strengthens the faith.
re. 2nd paragraph; Once upon a time, in a town far far away, there was born a non- Catholic boy in a Catholic hospital. Unknown, and without permission of the mother, upon birth, a nun took the little boy into a different room to make sure the baby was baptized into the Catholic Church. Bad dogmatics, as no specific church is mentioned. An overly enthusiastic old woman in a black caped crusader uniform wanted to save the sorry soul of a non-Catholic child. At the time, this was the common practice in the 30's and 40's in that particular hospital. Also at that time, the position of the RCC was; "No salvation outside the Catholic Church" See Trent. I wouldn't be surprised it was done in other RCC hospitals.
DeleteThis is most certainly true. A young non-Catholic nurse in attendance who knew my family told me years later.