Baptism
If there is nothing spiritual that happens in baptism, what use is it? If it is merely a "public identification with the Church," why is it not performed in full view of downtown? Repeatedly? Maybe we should sell t-shirts that say "Got Baptism?" You know, since it's public and identification and stuff?
Heck, if it's merely public identification with the Church, why restrict it to those who've made a proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ? If you walk in the door three or more times a month, hey! You're identified with the church! Here's some water!
And if it's merely "public" "identification" with "the Church," who cares how the H2O is administered?
Sorry, not buying it. Either something spiritual *does* happen during and at the moment of baptism, or else Christians need to match their actions with their beliefs.
- "Pops"
Heck, if it's merely public identification with the Church, why restrict it to those who've made a proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ? If you walk in the door three or more times a month, hey! You're identified with the church! Here's some water!
And if it's merely "public" "identification" with "the Church," who cares how the H2O is administered?
Sorry, not buying it. Either something spiritual *does* happen during and at the moment of baptism, or else Christians need to match their actions with their beliefs.
- "Pops"
posted by Nate Mathews at 13:23
2 Comments:
Communion's a bit different. Christ isn't "in" the bread and the wine, but he is "in" the sacrament. That's an awfully awkward and presumptious way to put it, though, so let's say it a different way: When it comes to the Lord's Table, Jesus is at the head of the table.
Also, Communion's not the time to sit there silently thinking about all the bad things you've done and how Jesus bled and died. It's the time to celebrate His resurrection with Him and every other baptized Christian in the world. It's the time to celebrate His gracious invitation to His Table, because Communion is one of the ways that He nourishes His bride. Besides, it's a meal, right? You don't partake of a meal silently with your eyes closed thinking about how you really should be hungry.
Here's a question for you: Are baptism and communion the only two sacraments, or are there more? Is the wedding ceremony a sacrament?
dj: His death should be acknowledged, and is in fact shown when we partake, but that doesn't mean that's where our *focus* should be. I gleefully acknowledge that not everyone will agree with that statement, though, because I myself have been taught differently all my life.
jahothanan: When I said Christ isn't *in* the bread and wine, I was specifically refuting the doctrine of transubstantiation. As for Christ's death and resurrection, I just wanted to point out that He's alive now, and at the table to which you're coming. I think that in general the church today needs reminded of that. I understand, acknowledge, and thank Him publically and privately for His death, but it's hard for me to think about it when I know He's alive... Know what I mean?
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