Baptism and Child Abuse

[Wisdom's Child]

I have most reciently been challenged with a perplexing Social Issue.

Hypothetical Scenario:

A non-Custodial Father who is Athiest, has made the statement to his ex-wife that he objects to her allowing the upcoming Baptism of their child on the basis that "forcefully holding a child underwater, even if it is only for a few seconds constitutes Child Abuse".

It was my recomendation that under the current situation, that the Mother and Child postpone Baptism till the child is of legal age to decide for themselves.

Any thoughts on this anyone?
Was my guidance proper? Or should have the Baptism been performed regardless?

 

[waterbear]

I have most reciently been challenged with a perplexing Social Issue.

Hypothetical Scenario:

A non-Custodial Father who is Athiest, has made the statement to his ex-wife that he objects to her allowing the upcoming Baptism of their child on the basis that "forcefully holding a child underwater, even if it is only for a few seconds constitutes Child Abuse".

It was my recomendation that under the current situation, that the Mother and Child postpone Baptism till the child is of legal age to decide for themselves.

Any thoughts on this anyone?
Was my guidance proper? Or should have the Baptism been performed regardless?

I agree with your guidance, it is best to let the child chose Baptism (I would add, regardless). For it is thro acts of choice, free-will, that good things happen.

 

[Wisdom's Child]

The problem is that the child desires to be Baptised, and understands what Baptism means, yet is not of Legal Age to decide for themselves without Parental Approval.

 

[cabbitgrrrl]

I have most reciently been challenged with a perplexing Social Issue.

Hypothetical Scenario:

A non-Custodial Father who is Athiest, has made the statement to his ex-wife that he objects to her allowing the upcoming Baptism of their child on the basis that "forcefully holding a child underwater, even if it is only for a few seconds constitutes Child Abuse".

It was my recomendation that under the current situation, that the Mother and Child postpone Baptism till the child is of legal age to decide for themselves.

Any thoughts on this anyone?
Was my guidance proper? Or should have the Baptism been performed regardless?

you know, now that I think of it I wish my parents had never baptised me lol, because I do not follow that god anymore and it sort of disturbs me to think of how kids can get thrown into a certain religion against their will. fortunately i was too young to have remembered it lol

 

[12volt_man]

I have most reciently been challenged with a perplexing Social Issue.

Hypothetical Scenario:

A non-Custodial Father who is Athiest, has made the statement to his ex-wife that he objects to her allowing the upcoming Baptism of their child on the basis that "forcefully holding a child underwater, even if it is only for a few seconds constitutes Child Abuse".

I've assisted in a lot of baptisms and I've never seen anyone "forcefully held under water".

Typically, the preacher will have one hand on the person's back for them to lean against and one hand will hold their arms, which are crossed against their chest, to steady them so that they don't fall.

No one is held down and they can get up at any time they feel uncomfortable.

Repeat to yourself, "crucified with Christ and raised to new life in Him". That's how long you're under water.

We had one girl who was terrified of going under water. The preacher told her that if she got scared in the three seconds she was under to stomo on his foot and he would let her up immediately. Of course, by the time she did this, she would be up, anyway, but it made her feel better.

In all of the dozens of baptisms I've helped with, the only problem we've ever had was with girls who didn't know it's not a good idea for a girl to wear a white shirt.

It was my recomendation that under the current situation, that the Mother and Child postpone Baptism till the child is of legal age to decide for themselves.

Any thoughts on this anyone?
Was my guidance proper? Or should have the Baptism been performed regardless?

I would have left it up to them because she's the custodial parent and has the right to make that decision.