De-Baptisms and Re-Baptisms
The latest craze in our secular society is de-baptism ceremonies where the atheist wishes to "un do" their baptism in a public way to renounce religion in their life. This is so sad at so many levels and also indicates how aggressive the atheist movement in this country is becoming.
But, I find another aspect of this phenomenon interesting. Many Christians say that baptism is just symbolic or an "ordinance" yet atheists who want nothing to do with God realize that their baptism is indeed important. Important enough to have a "de-baptism" ceremony! Perhaps these folks recognize at some level, that baptism is the initiation into the faith and has a sacramental function, not a symbolic one. In their bid to renounce faith, they seek to undo this baptism. Notice they didn't have a "I refuse Jesus as my Personal Savior and Lord ceremony" or an "anti-sinner's prayer" recitation.
These atheists, at the very least, recognize the sacramental nature of baptism which many believers don't.
Despite their attempts though, one cannot undo a valid baptism. the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
This is also why the Catholic Church accepts the valid baptism of anyone wishing to enter the Church and does not require re-baptism as many protestant denominations do.
But, I find another aspect of this phenomenon interesting. Many Christians say that baptism is just symbolic or an "ordinance" yet atheists who want nothing to do with God realize that their baptism is indeed important. Important enough to have a "de-baptism" ceremony! Perhaps these folks recognize at some level, that baptism is the initiation into the faith and has a sacramental function, not a symbolic one. In their bid to renounce faith, they seek to undo this baptism. Notice they didn't have a "I refuse Jesus as my Personal Savior and Lord ceremony" or an "anti-sinner's prayer" recitation.
These atheists, at the very least, recognize the sacramental nature of baptism which many believers don't.
Despite their attempts though, one cannot undo a valid baptism. the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
This is also why the Catholic Church accepts the valid baptism of anyone wishing to enter the Church and does not require re-baptism as many protestant denominations do.
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 7:50 AM
3 Comments:
A fine, thoughtful, and original post.
And yet the futile attempt of de-baptism is still an intentional and deliberate rejection God's grace. The seriousness of this rejection cannot be overstated. The consequences are eternal.
thanks kkoll!
Yes Jason, you are right, the consequences of that rejection are indeed eternal, thanks for posting.
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