Question concerning attending churches outside our confessions for nephew and niece baptisms?

[CurtUtter]

I understand this can be construed as insensitive in our day and age. But a time will come when I'll be asked to attend a church service of a non-denominational church where they adhere to believer's baptism and my nephew or niece is getting baptized?

Do I confess theology of glory to keep the peace or do I stick to the theology of the cross and call a pig a pig?

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Grin and bear it (I have been in such situations); don't go it trying to shove the small catechism down their throats, but if you are asked about your faith; be a faithful witness to the Gospel. Same goes for communion; if they are not in full fellowship doing so shows acceptance of all of their doctrine.

 

[Daniel9v9]

Hey, that's a great question!

We can rejoice in that God's promise through baptism is the same throughout His Church, so you can rightly support your nephew and niece getting baptised in a non-denominational church. They won't have the biblically rich catechesis that should accompany baptism, but if you're able to encourage your family with God's Word and help them with your prayers, you'll do well!

God bless!

 

[CurtUtter]

Thank you gentlemen for your comments.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Thank you gentlemen for your comments.

I hope this helps.

 

[JM]

This is a difficult one for me personally. My wife is still a Baptist and if I was to attend her church for any reason she would see that as a confirmation that "we are all the same."

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

This is a difficult one for me personally. My wife is still a Baptist and if I was to attend her church for any reason she would see that as a confirmation that "we are all the same."

Not to sound flippant, but that would by a her problem, not a you problem. Even an adult baptism done in the name of the trinity is valid, and confers the same gifts regardless. Like the Eucharist, Baptism is not a receptionist sacrament. We have no part in it, it is what God does for them, not what they do for Jesus.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Receptionism means it is dependent upon the person having faith. Lutherans are not receptionist. Regarding abstaining from the Eucharist; one should only do so if one is unrepentant. From Luther's Christian Questions and Answers:
20. But what should you do if you are not aware of this need and have no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament?

To such a person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7. Second, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15-16 and in 1 John 2 and 5. Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2.

Note: These questions and answers are no child’s play, but are drawn up with great earnestness of purpose by the venerable and devout Dr. Luther for both young and old. Let each one pay attention and consider it a serious matter; for St. Paul writes to the Galatians in chapter six: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.” (Source: The Small Catechism )

 

[Aldebaran]

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