More Specific Baptism Question- Technicalities

soulsearching1 · Oct 27, 2006

I see that there is a general question about baptism here, but my question is a bit more specific.

I was baptized Catholic as a child- I know this isn't "real" baptism, because all it does is make the parents promise to raise the child in the tradition of the church. Which my parents did not. I was a non-believer my entire life, up until a few months ago. But I take issue with Catholicism for many reasons, and so don't choose to align myself with that specific branch of Christianity.

My question is, should I be rebaptized? I sort of feel like I should be- and I know I HAVE to be, in order to receive the communion wafer at church. I go to an Episcopalian church at the moment, which I like, given the state of that church at the moment, I don't know what to do (my church does do adult baptism, and you have to take a short class). I wish there was a way to be baptized "generally" as in without allegiance to any particular branch.

Anyway, I'm just unsure as to what is traditional, if you become a believer late in life, what's appropriate, etc. Also, the first time they gave out communion when I was there (they do it once a month at the service I go to), since I didn't know what was going on, having not been to church since I was 5, I ended up taking it. I know I'm not supposed and I haven't done it since, but God can overlook this minor infraction, right?

DIVA_for_Christ · Oct 27, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
I see that there is a general question about baptism here, but my question is a bit more specific.

I was baptized Catholic as a child- I know this isn't "real" baptism, because all it does is make the parents promise to raise the child in the tradition of the church. Which my parents did not. I was a non-believer my entire life, up until a few months ago. But I take issue with Catholicism for many reasons, and so don't choose to align myself with that specific branch of Christianity.

My question is, should I be rebaptized? I sort of feel like I should be- and I know I HAVE to be, in order to receive the communion wafer at church. I go to an Episcopalian church at the moment, which I like, given the state of that church at the moment, I don't know what to do (my church does do adult baptism, and you have to take a short class). I wish there was a way to be baptized "generally" as in without allegiance to any particular branch.

Anyway, I'm just unsure as to what is traditional, if you become a believer late in life, what's appropriate, etc. Also, the first time they gave out communion when I was there (they do it once a month at the service I go to), since I didn't know what was going on, having not been to church since I was 5, I ended up taking it. I know I'm not supposed and I haven't done it since, but God can overlook this minor infraction, right?

Baptism is a public declaration of you confession of Christ. When they dip you in the water it represents you being buried and when they raise you up it respresents you been born again in Christ Jesus. Being that you just become a believer a few months ago I would definately be baptized again as your declaration.

Of course God can forgive you, all you have to do is ask!

JTLauder · Oct 27, 2006

The logistics of how carrying out baptisms are different for different churches, but generally there's the water sprinkling which is what you probably received as a child, and then there is the whole body immersion which is what is practiced in most Protestant churches.

Baptisms in the Bible are always done by people after they have made a conscious decision to accept and follow Christ. It has to be a decision you make on your own and that you do that freely. It is not something that someone says they want you to do or be.

I don't know specificially about the Episcopalian church, but most Christian churches baptises people regardless of age so long as you are considered mature enough to be able to make the decision to do so on your own accord. As a matter of fact, many Protestant churches will only baptize after you've reached a certain age, like in your teens. I know of this one one church which will not baptize you until you are 18.

And with many churches, you must go through a Baptism class first. I don't know about with the Episcopalian church, but the class should inform you of the significance of baptism and to reaffirm that this is indeed something you are willing and ready to do.

Baptism isn't an initiation rite to any particular church or organization. As DIVA said, it's a public declaration of your new life in Christ. It's like a marriage ceremony. It's done in one church, but if you go to a different church, it doesn't change the fact that you are still marriage. Same goes for your relationship with Christ--it remains even if you change churches.

soulsearching1 · Oct 27, 2006

JTLauder said:
The logistics of how carrying out baptisms are different for different churches, but generally there's the water sprinkling which is what you probably received as a child, and then there is the whole body immersion which is what is practiced in most Protestant churches.

Baptisms in the Bible are always done by people after they have made a conscious decision to accept and follow Christ. It has to be a decision you make on your own and that you do that freely. It is not something that someone says they want you to do or be.

I don't know specificially about the Episcopalian church, but most Christian churches baptises people regardless of age so long as you are considered mature enough to be able to make the decision to do so on your own accord. As a matter of fact, many Protestant churches will only baptize after you've reached a certain age, like in your teens. I know of this one one church which will not baptize you until you are 18.

And with many churches, you must go through a Baptism class first. I don't know about with the Episcopalian church, but the class should inform you of the significance of baptism and to reaffirm that this is indeed something you are willing and ready to do.

Baptism isn't an initiation rite to any particular church or organization. As DIVA said, it's a public declaration of your new life in Christ. It's like a marriage ceremony. It's done in one church, but if you go to a different church, it doesn't change the fact that you are still marriage. Same goes for your relationship with Christ--it remains even if you change churches.

Yeah the church makes you take a class beforehand.

And I'm 25, so I think I'd probably be considered mature enough to handle the decision that I've made

Basically, I just wanted to know if it is something that I really SHOULD do, because if I don't, it's like I haven't officially confirmed my faith, etc. And I don't mean that in a bad way, ie. "I don't really want to, but I feel like I have to". That's all- sorry for the silly question.

Sennaria · Oct 27, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
Basically, I just wanted to know if it is something that I really SHOULD do, because if I don't, it's like I haven't officially confirmed my faith, etc. And I don't mean that in a bad way, ie. "I don't really want to, but I feel like I have to". That's all- sorry for the silly question.

I think you don't realize that you are answering your own question with your question. Because it seems that you are feeling that you haven't confirmed your faith, publically declared your faith until you do so, thus you should follow your spirit which is telling you to do so. Remembering that you aren't being baptized into a denomination, you are being baptized into our Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.
People have been known to be baptized more than once also. It isn't something you want to make a habit of doing like a yearly ritual. But say you were a born again Christian, baptized and years later God just did miraculous things within you and the change is just radical, some people would get baptized again to declare and show the changes within themselves. There really is no or should not be any doctrine about it, I don't feel. This is a personal something between you and God and your relationship with Him.

Good luck and be blessed!
Sennaria

snoochface · Oct 27, 2006

I was in a very similar situation to you. I was baptised in the Catholic church as an infant, raised Catholic, but never really believed and walked away from the church entirely for several years. About 2 1/2 years ago, I became a Christian for real.

I did get re-baptised. The first one was not my declaration of anything - it was my parents' choice for me. Getting re-baptised as a believing adult was my statement, my declaration in front of witnesses that I believe and accept Jesus as my savior. I think it was an important thing for me to do, not just because Jesus tells us to do it, but because it reconfirmed to myself and those around me that I have made the choice for myself. No one else made it for me.

So yeah, I think you should be baptised again.

sistakrista · Oct 27, 2006

IT SEEMS LIKE YOU ALREADY KNOW, IN YOUR HEART, WHAT YOU SHOULD DO & I AGREE, YOU SHOULD. I DON'T THINK GOD HOLD US ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE THINGS OUR PARENTS DID, SO I DOUBT FORGIVENESS IS REALLY AN ISSUE HERE.

JPPT1974 · Oct 30, 2006

You only can have a true relationship
With Jesus if you believe that He is
God's one and only begotten Son
That He died for you and me
Saved us from our sins
If you accept Him as Savior & Lord
You are saved with Him!

Keturah · Nov 2, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
My question is, should I be rebaptized? I sort of feel like I should be- and I know I HAVE to be, in order to receive the communion wafer at church. I go to an Episcopalian church at the moment, which I like, given the state of that church at the moment, I don't know what to do (my church does do adult baptism, and you have to take a short class). I wish there was a way to be baptized "generally" as in without allegiance to any particular branch.

Anyway, I'm just unsure as to what is traditional, if you become a believer late in life, what's appropriate, etc. Also, the first time they gave out communion when I was there (they do it once a month at the service I go to), since I didn't know what was going on, having not been to church since I was 5, I ended up taking it. I know I'm not supposed and I haven't done it since, but God can overlook this minor infraction, right?

Hello, I'm an Anglican (despite my current faith icon) and just wanted to let you know that you can receive communion the the Episcopal church without needing to be re-baptised. Two things...firstly the Anglican/Episcopal church has open communion...which means they welcome all baptised Christians to partake. Secondly, Anglicans/Episcopalians practice infant baptism (like the Catholics do) and so recognise the baptism you had as a baby. In there eyes you're a baptised Christian who can receive communion if you want to.

soulsearching1 · Nov 2, 2006

Keturah said:
Hello, I'm an Anglican (despite my current faith icon) and just wanted to let you know that you can receive communion the the Episcopal church without needing to be re-baptised. Two things...firstly the Anglican/Episcopal church has open communion...which means they welcome all baptised Christians to partake. Secondly, Anglicans/Episcopalians practice infant baptism (like the Catholics do) and so recognise the baptism you had as a baby. In there eyes you're a baptised Christian who can receive communion if you want to.

Good to know, thanks! I am leaning towards being re-baptized just for myself, since the first time around, I wasn't conscious of what was happening. Every time they give communion, they say "if you're a baptized Christian, you can recieve it, blah blah" and I mean, technically, I WAS baptized, but after learning more about Christianity, I wasn't sure that it counted in those contexts- especially since I never did first communion, nor was I confirmed. But at least now I know that I don't have to feel guily for taking communion I do think I'm going to "re-do" it, so to speak, just for a real affirmation of faith.

bigdAddyweAve423 · Nov 2, 2006

It has already been stated that Baptism is a pubic declaration of your Faith in Christ. It is like putting on the team uniform.

As far as needing to be Baptised in order to partake in Communion.....that is not true. That may be the tradition of your Church, but it is not taught in the Bible. You can actually take Communion at home.

Hope this helps....God Bless!!!!

MikeMcK · Nov 2, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
I wish there was a way to be baptized "generally" as in without allegiance to any particular branch.

If a church expects you to use your baptism as an opportunity to declare your allegiance to their particular demonination or church, that's a very bad sign. A big red flag.

Anyway, I'm just unsure as to what is traditional, if you become a believer late in life, what's appropriate, etc.

As far as what?

Also, the first time they gave out communion when I was there (they do it once a month at the service I go to), since I didn't know what was going on, having not been to church since I was 5, I ended up taking it. I know I'm not supposed and I haven't done it since, but God can overlook this minor infraction, right?

If you've repented and put your faith in Christ, but are at that stage between repentance/faith and baptism, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I think you might find it a little more meaningful if you had been baptised but, Biblically speaking, you're fine. Don't lose any sleep over it.

For the record, that class you say they make you take? I'm the guy who teaches the Baptist equivilent at our church and some of the surrounding churches. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Basically, I just wanted to know if it is something that I really SHOULD do, because if I don't, it's like I haven't officially confirmed my faith, etc.

Do you have to? No. But it is the Biblical model and something that every believer should do.

I just heard a terrific sermon today by Dr. Albert Mohler on Romans 10:1-15 and he spoke about why baptism is so important.

If you're into good Biblical preaching, you might want to check him out.

Keturah · Nov 3, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
Good to know, thanks! I am leaning towards being re-baptized just for myself, since the first time around, I wasn't conscious of what was happening. Every time they give communion, they say "if you're a baptized Christian, you can recieve it, blah blah" and I mean, technically, I WAS baptized, but after learning more about Christianity, I wasn't sure that it counted in those contexts- especially since I never did first communion, nor was I confirmed. But at least now I know that I don't have to feel guily for taking communion I do think I'm going to "re-do" it, so to speak, just for a real affirmation of faith.

The Episcopal church also does confirmation and that is what it's for...an affirmation as an adult of your faith and the baptism you received as a baby I don't see why your baptism wouldn't "count" but if you want to be re-baptised it's up to you...either way talk to your pastor about it.

soulsearching1 · Nov 3, 2006

Keturah said:
The Episcopal church also does confirmation and that is what it's for...an affirmation as an adult of your faith and the baptism you received as a baby I don't see why your baptism wouldn't "count" but if you want to be re-baptised it's up to you...either way talk to your pastor about it.

Yeah, I'm gonna ask and see what exactly I do and don't need to do.

soulsearching1 · Nov 3, 2006

MikeMcK said:
If a church expects you to use your baptism as an opportunity to declare your allegiance to their particular demonination or church, that's a very bad sign. A big red flag.

Oh don't get me wrong, my church certainly doesn't push anything like that. But seeing as how I'm pretty uninformed as to the technicalities of Christianity, especially the differences between each denomination, I was under the assumption that if you were baptized at a church of a certain denomination, that it stood for that denomination. Like, I was baptized Catholic, which from my understanding, meant that I was supposed to follow the teachings of the Catholic church- which I didn't, and don't now, because I don't agree with certain aspects of Catholicism.

MikeMcK · Nov 3, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
Oh don't get me wrong, my church certainly doesn't push anything like that.

I didn't mean your church. I meant any church that teaches that.

But seeing as how I'm pretty uninformed as to the technicalities of Christianity, especially the differences between each denomination, I was under the assumption that if you were baptized at a church of a certain denomination, that it stood for that denomination.

Outside of Roman Catholicism, I don't know of a denomination that believes that.

Most denoms and churches will gladly accept a letter of baptism from another church and denom, because they recognize it as a profession of death and new life in Christ, not as allegiance to a denom.

Like, I was baptized Catholic, which from my understanding, meant that I was supposed to follow the teachings of the Catholic church- which I didn't, and don't now, because I don't agree with certain aspects of Catholicism.

You have to rememeber (and, having grown up Roman Catholic, I'm sure you already know this) that Roman Catholicism has a different take on baptism that I don't believe can be reconciled with scripture.

Where the Bible tells us that baptism is a response to salvation, Roman Catholicism teaches that it's a part of the salvific process. And you're right, it is much more of a vow to observe the teachings of Roman Catholicism than it is a celebration of death and new life in Christ.

Sketcher · Nov 3, 2006

MikeMcK said:
Outside of Roman Catholicism, I don't know of a denomination that believes that.

Most denoms and churches will gladly accept a letter of baptism from another church and denom, because they recognize it as a profession of death and new life in Christ, not as allegiance to a denom.

Actually, Roman Catholics won't ask you to be re-baptized if you convert from another denomination. Just sayin.

heymikey80 · Nov 4, 2006

soulsearching1 said:
Oh don't get me wrong, my church certainly doesn't push anything like that. But seeing as how I'm pretty uninformed as to the technicalities of Christianity, especially the differences between each denomination, I was under the assumption that if you were baptized at a church of a certain denomination, that it stood for that denomination. Like, I was baptized Catholic, which from my understanding, meant that I was supposed to follow the teachings of the Catholic church- which I didn't, and don't now, because I don't agree with certain aspects of Catholicism.

Yes, please, ask.

Many denominations emerging from this heritage do not rebaptize -- even Roman Catholics.

The point being more obscure -- but it's essentially the point that God is Who validates your baptism, not the priest, church, or people. If your baptism were properly performed you may well find that your baptism is just fine.

Now probably what they will want is confirmation -- entry into full membership in the church on profession of faith.

Radagast · Nov 6, 2006

Keturah said:
... Secondly, Anglicans/Episcopalians practice infant baptism (like the Catholics do) and so recognise the baptism you had as a baby...

From an Anglicans/Episcopalian point of view, baptism made you part of God's family. You've just been wandering off on your own far a while.

You probably do need to do something that involves getting up at the fron of the church and saying "Hey, I'm back."

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