We had a great celebration on Sunday, January 16, as we focused on baptism and splashed water on our faces with the words, "You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ FOREVER!"
The Sunday also brought with it many questions.
One that has lingered with me longer than most was, "What if you know a baby whose parents don't have a great interest in Christianity or in baptism. Should you deny that child the gift of baptism because of the parents' lack of interest or should you secretly dunk the kid and get 'er done?"
I'll open that up on the blog for conversation. What do you think?
As you consider your response, think of extreme cases on all sides. First, you don't want to reduce baptism to a magical incantation that you secretly perform over the child when the parents aren't looking. Second, you don't want to reduce baptism to something that only works IF the parents agree in faith to it. Third, you don't want to reduce baptism to a meaningless, man-made rite that really doesn't matter whether the child is baptized or not.
Go ahead. Give your answer. I'll respond to each comment.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
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I know this is a toughie, but I also know that too many people are going through that very scenario right now: I know, because I am! My two grandchildren are not baptized and it grieves me so much. I have thought about doing it secretly but I don't think that is what God wants. I pray instead for my daughter and her husband to change their hearts and do what they were both raised to do. It really bothers me because my daughter would not marry her previous boyfriend specifically because he was not baptized and didn't want to be! I admit that I haven't spoken to her lately about this, and I intend to do so next month when I will visit them. Unfortunately, I have had the same intention before and have chickened out every time.
ReplyDeleteI have also thought about what I would do or think if something were to happen to the babies. I do believe that God is all-merciful, and certainly knows what is going on, so I will not worry about what will happen to those children. I am just sorry that my daughter and her family are missing out on so much right now, when they could be active, participating members of a church. And the kids would benefit from Sunday School and nursery exposure.
No, I don't want to reduce Baptism to anything that we humans are able to do. I prefer to let God by God and believe that he will take care of those children whose parents are unwilling. Besides, God will surely work through us as well, won't he? So, I am convicted and know for sure that I must talk to my daughter this time!
Thanks, Scott. As always, you hit the nail...
Donna, I would encourage you to have that conversation with your daughter. One of two things will happen. She says YES and this just might be the nudge she needs to get reconnected herself. She says NO and you can respond that as far as taking spiritual responsibility for their faith, you would be happy to do so. That would be an added burden on you to bring them to worship, etc. but again I can only imagine that seeing her children benefit from the Christian community would only prompt her to get more involved.
ReplyDeleteLet me know how it goes. Don't chicken out! This is for your grandkids.
Scott