I grew up in the United Methodist Church! For those not familiar with our beliefs on baptism, I can sum it up: 1)infant baptism yes, 2)baptism at an older age yes, 3) we pour, sprinkle, and immerse! Kind a got the whole gambit covered! The baptism, for most, comes as an infant from having some water sprinkled on the head. If a person joins the UMC from another faith tradition, we accept the baptism as valid. Baptism is a "God act" of marking us as God's own.
In recent days, many of our churches are installing a baptistry (a king of small pool that can be used for full immersion baptism). Many of our youth are finding the experience meaningful. Why? Not as many children are being baptized in our churches as infants. Many of our faithful were not a regular part of church themselves as children and young adults!
All is good, hopefully. In this attempt to help a new generation find meaning in baptism, I hope we do not lose our emphasis on: 1) excepting as valid the baptisms of others; 2) offering all possibilities previously mentioned. It fits for me: open minds, open hearts, open doors! I invite you to respond.
Ray Province, The Celtic Ozarkian
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment