Baptism Question

[progressivegal]

I have a question regarding Lutherans (ELCA) and baptism.
There is a possibility that someday my husband and I might decide to "convert" or "officially become Lutheran" (Right now we just go to an ELCA church).
I was baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic Church so I know (at least I'm pretty sure) that I wouldn't have o be baptized "again".
My husband was baptized when he was a kid (I think around 12-14 maybe?) but it was by his father in a lake. I'm pretty sure there is no official record of this. Would he need to be baptized again?

 

[RegularGuy]

Lutherans do not rebaptize. Adult or infant baptism, done in the Triune name, is acceptable, regardless of the denomination in which the Baptism was performed.

It is very unlikely that your husband would have to be re-baptized, especially if he had a clear memory of the event. Luther said that even believing yourself to be baptized is equivalent to being baptized.

 

[progressivegal]

Lutherans do not rebaptize. Adult or infant baptism, done in the Triune name, is acceptable, regardless of the denomination in which the Baptism was performed.

It is very unlikely that your husband would have to be re-baptized, especially if he had a clear memory of the event. Luther said that even believing yourself to be baptized is equivalent to being baptized.

That's good to know Thank you.

 

[RayJGentry]

The ELCA believes that baptism is more about what God does for us than something we do for God or anything like that. So if a child (or anyone) is baptized, regardless of who performed it, when, or what denomination, as long as it's in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the ELCA considers it a baptism. And since it's God's work in us, we have no right to "redo" it.

 

[Edial]

I have a question regarding Lutherans (ELCA) and baptism.
There is a possibility that someday my husband and I might decide to "convert" or "officially become Lutheran" (Right now we just go to an ELCA church).
I was baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic Church so I know (at least I'm pretty sure) that I wouldn't have o be baptized "again".
My husband was baptized when he was a kid (I think around 12-14 maybe?) but it was by his father in a lake. I'm pretty sure there is no official record of this. Would he need to be baptized again?

I was baptized in a Baptist church.
Then I joined the Lutheran church.

I was accepted based on my confession of faith and did not need to be re-baptized.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[nowsthetime]

I have a question concerning baptism here too... like... I just wanted to like tell my story and see what you all think if I should be..."rebaptized" or baptized.

I currently go to an ELCA church and that isn't necessarily a denomination I'm ready to join, but I really enjoy it and I've learned so much. Anyway. I used to go to a non-denominational church (which was really pentecostal..even though its irrelevant) and I was going to be baptized at around the age of..oh 5 or so.. I remember my father was baptized on this day as well.

I didn't actually go through the baptism... sort of... Like, that was my intent, where we did it at (it was winter) the water was too cold and I was too young. So i never actually did the whole water thing. I realize this probably isn't a big deal but it's something I've been thinking about. Should I actually go through a proper baptism? Is it absolutely necessary? I'm willing to do that if it is, but I just wanted someone else's point of view...

 

[KagomeShuko]

Well, it says that he who does not believe - but when we have faith, we are led to baptism. Lutherans don't baptize by immersion, so no worries about "the water thing." You get splashed with water or a cross of water on your forehead. Since you were not truly baptized, it's not a rebaptism, but a baptism. It would be your first.

 

[RegularGuy]

Hey, Nowsthetime:

What Kagome Shuko said is pretty much the straight dope. You weren't baptized. If you desire baptism, you should be baptized.

I'll make a small, humble, respectful correction to Kagome's post, however. To be perfectly correct about it, Lutherans do not usually baptize by immersion. The common practice is to pour water over the head of the baptisand three times. However, Lutherans can, and sometimes do, immerse.

I'd also add, that you should have a talk with the pastor of the church you are attending to discuss baptism.

God bless.

 

[nowsthetime]

thanks.
before like i really didn't think it was a big deal... but I've always thought about it for the past few years.
the church I go to doesn't immerse people in water either...that just do the water thing. i was so young i don't exactly remember what happened. but i will talk to the chaplain about this and see what he thinks. thanks for the responses.