Is it possible to be baptised into Christianity without PROFESSING belief?

[nathanielfirst]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

Unitarian Universalist? Quaker?

 

[Qyöt27]

Unitarian Universalist? Quaker?

More than likely. Trinitarianism is a make-or-break issue with a lot of denominations, with it being front and center in their baptism rites.

For a second, I thought this was going to be an infant baptism thread.

 

[DRK]

Wow that's a good question. Call up churches and see what their requirements are. You may actually find a church that fits better with your beliefs by doing so.

 

[Tangible]

For a second, I thought this was going to be an infant baptism thread.

Me too.

 

[Jazer]

is there anywheres you can just go get baptized

Their are two beliefs on Water Baptism: Adult and Child Baptisms. The Child Baptism is really more of a dedication then an actual Baptism. It is though water and fire we are saved and the Bible talks about a Baptism in the Holy Spirit. So it may all be progressive. John the Baptist was the greatest man who ever lived. Yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater then him.

"I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)

 

[heleadstheway]

Part of it would depend on your reasons for wanting to be baptized I would suspect. Is it a salvation issue, an outward sign issue, or .........

 

[dark-in-the-whale]

I would imagine most atheists were once Baptized but have rebelled against that sacrament along with others.

That said, I'm not sure of your question.

 

[looking4answers89]

More than likely. Trinitarianism is a make-or-break issue with a lot of denominations, with it being front and center in their baptism rites.

For a second, I thought this was going to be an infant baptism thread.

me too! i was baptized as a baby. what is the significance of that? is it just for the parents?

 

[dusky_tresses]

I believe that it's possible to be baptized without professing belief. There are many people out there who can't speak for themselves-- literally-- or are developmentally disabled and would not be able to profess a belief to show that they understand. What should we do, deny them baptism?

 

[Qyöt27]

me too! i was baptized as a baby. what is the significance of that? is it just for the parents?

It varies. There's no one answer to that question because the traditions that follow it don't always agree with each other over what it means. If you asked what the Catholic stance on the issue was and then compared it to the Methodist position, you'd see that there are very different ways of seeing the same sacrament (there are, of course, more than just those two who do it - Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians all generally hold to the practice, amongst other smaller churches/denoms).

The most generic answer, though, is that those who practice infant baptism believe it has spiritual merit to the infant, and that it's an initiation into the Christian community (a common analogy is often made with the way Judaism treats circumcision in that regard). Often, because babies cannot give their assent, the process started with their baptism is fulfilled when they go through Confirmation, which is what gives them the ability to give their own profession of faith.

 

[Tangible]

me too! i was baptized as a baby. what is the significance of that? is it just for the parents?

Here is a great article on infant baptism. I highly recommend it.

InfantFaith - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO

 

[synger]

I know people like Lutherans, Catholics insist on a lot of doctrinal instruction, answering questions, believing a catechism, is there anywheres you can just go get baptized, what you believe is between you and God, no questioning? I'm knowledgeable about the Bible, but my conclusions are a bit unorthodox, not terribly. It has to do with the nature of the trinity among other things, so I do not want to answer lots of questions, 'Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?' etc., I am not anything close to unitarian, I do believe in the definite importance of the Bible as a holy book. My problem is a desire to be baptized without lying to someone about what I think. Who does this some type of revivalist or baptist?

Most denominational churches I know of do indeed have "new member" classes that include instruction in Christian history and doctrine, especially of that denomination. That can include a catechism (question and answer format for learning doctrine), but I've found that catechisms are usually used more for youth instruction than adult instruction.

Because when you ask to be baptized, they believe you are asking to be baptized into the Church as a whole, they will probably want you to make sure you understand what that means. So you're right, most traditional denominational churches probably won't just baptize you and leave you alone with your own doctrine (which may be correct or incorrect, but they'd never know if they didn't ask).

There may be nondenominational churches or Baptist churches that are more focused on baptism as your act of obedient acceptance of God's calling (rather than as a way God makes you part of His Church). They might baptize you without examining your beliefs. But even most Baptist churches I've looked at online have "new member" classes, to ensure that you know basic Christian doctrine before you take the plunge (as it were).

I would not suggest you try to find someone to baptize you no-questions-asked, because I don't think it's a wise thing to do. I would rather see you find a church, and a pastor, where you can ask questions, share your conclusions, and learn more fully what you believe.

 

[synger]

Just realized this person hasn't been back on CF since last November. /sigh I do pray that he found a place to ask his questions.

Lord, have mercy.

 

[kql314]

This is complicated.
People like Rc's have infant baptisms so obviously the baby is not professing anything. Their parents are professing for them- sort of.
That said, RCs then have 1st communion and also confirmation which completes the baptism- after the child/person is of the age of reason.

Other than that, there are minimum requirements of belief that you have to verbally profess before any pastor will baptize you. If not, it is not a real baptism.
It does no good to cheat the Lord. You can cheat your parents, and even a minister, but God knows what you really believe.
I'm not suggesting that the post starter is cheating anything....
Best,
Ken

 

[hedrick]

The PCUSA asks only that you acccept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Some sessions might reject some non-Trinitarian beliefs as not accepting Christ as Lord I guess. Church officers are asked to be guided by the Confessions. I don't think I'd want an officer who didn't accept the Trinity or Incarnation.