One-word gaffe invalidates thousands of US baptisms

A priest loses his job over a grammatical error, but apparently some keep their jobs after child molesting:

Why is an abuser still working as a priest? https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60325191

I am not a Catholic, and y'all may not want my opinions, but these priorities seem misplaced...
 

Let me see, as far as I recall Jesus baptised no-one. John the Baptist did in a river to symbolise the washing away of sins. Jesus did, according to one of the post resurrection stories, command his followers to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost".

Rather apocryphal given that Jesus did not claim to be the Son of God. He referred to himself as the Son of Man (happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable biblical scholars) and highly unlikely that the words 'Holy Ghost' ever came from his lips.

To claim that thousands of baptisms are invalid for such a trivial reason is to fly in the face of the words "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven".
 
I can relate. I was Baptized at 9 years old in the Baptist church. When I joined Church of Christ in High School I was told by the elders that I was not aware of what it meant and that I had been "Baptized for the wrong reason", so I was Baptized again. I only ended up very wet and not a fan of organized religion.
 
dseag2 said:
I can relate. I was Baptized at 9 years old in the Baptist church. When I joined Church of Christ in High School I was told by the elders that I was not aware of what it meant and that I had been "Baptized for the wrong reason", so I was Baptized again. I only ended up very wet and not a fan of organized religion.
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Best done during Summer, eh?
 
Speaking of baptisms some years ago our congregation liked to have a BBQ down by the local river on Easter Sunday followed by a short service. During one of these services a man was baptised in the river because he wanted full immersion. In our church baptism was mostly performed for infants (and the occasional adult) by pouring water on the head.

Anyway, I watched in horror as the minister and the man being baptised stood waist deep in the river right alongside the notice that said, with an appropriate picture, WARNING SHARKS.

Fortunately both men escaped with their lives.
 
Amusing that this article about something from Arizona is reported by the BBC.

As I recall from my long abandoned Catholic upbringing, only those both baptized and in a state of grace may take sacraments. So I wonder how many confessions, communions, confirmations, and marriages have been invalidated by the cancellations of these baptisms. How many children are now born out of wedlock since the parents were never really married?

For a more inclusive religious experience, join the Church of Ray. We have no rules and no services, and all donations go to the party fund. And best of all, we offer a full refund of any and all donations should you fail to get into heaven.
 
raybar said:
Amusing that this article about something from Arizona is reported by the BBC.

As I recall from my long abandoned Catholic upbringing, only those both baptized and in a state of grace may take sacraments. So I wonder how many confessions, communions, confirmations, and marriages have been invalidated by the cancellations of these baptisms. How many children are now born out of wedlock since the parents were never really married?

For a more inclusive religious experience, join the Church of Ray. We have no rules and no services, and all donations go to the party fund. And best of all, we offer a full refund of any and all donations should you fail to get into heaven.
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It'd be a little difficult to collect, wouldn't it? :oops::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
Salvation is not about religious practices but rather a relationship and a right heart made new again by God's Saving Grace. Jesus himself made this abundantly clear as we read through the scriptures. For clarification on this, read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Also read 2 Corinthians 5:17 which states "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The real problem here is that infant baptisms do not represent any kind of act of faith on the part of the infant. And it is crystal clear in the scriptures that we are saved by faith. As it is stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
 
Michael Z said:
Salvation is not about religious practices but rather a relationship and a right heart made new again by God's Saving Grace. Jesus himself made this abundantly clear as we read through the scriptures. For clarification on this, read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Also read 2 Corinthians 5:17 which states "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The real problem here is that infant baptisms do not represent any kind of act of faith on the part of the infant. And it is crystal clear in the scriptures that we are saved by faith. As it is stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
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Naturally I can't find the quote I had recently, but most definitions are similar to this:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ.
Do you believe that is accurate?

Clearly, this was not the original purpose of baptism.. otherwise, Jesus wouldn't have been baptized.
 
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Strange and mysterious ways for sure but maybe the priest didn't mean that his words be taken literally.
You know, the same way that people suggest the bible be understood.
 
In the early days of Christianity in Rome adults who wanted to become Christians had to go through a process that lasted up to 3 years. First they became catechumens** and were taught the fundamentals of the new religion and tested for their knowledge and sincerity.

When they were ready they were initiated in just one day by baptism, participating in their first eucharist and finally by being confirmed by the local bishop. Traditionally this took place at Easter.

Today the Catholic Church still considers confirmation to be the sacrament that completes the baptism of infants.

In my protestant denomination we have a ceremony (not considered a sacrament) of church membership for teens and adults but in reality anyone who has been baptised anywhere can be recognised as a member of the church.

** "Catechumen," in the early Church, was the name applied to one who had not yet been initiated into the sacred mysteries, but was undergoing a course of preparation for that purpose.
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JaniceM said:
Naturally I can't find the quote I had recently, but most definitions are similar to this:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ.
Do you believe that is accurate?

Clearly, this was not the original purpose of baptism.. otherwise, Jesus wouldn't have been baptized.
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Yes, I agree.
 
Alligatorob said:
Apparently the Lord is picky when it comes to grammar...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60409113
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Michael the Arch Angel is showing a new arrival around heaven. They pass by the most amazing singing. Michael whispered in the new arrival's ear, "Baptists," beautiful are they not? Michael then said: You need to take your shoes off here. The new soul looked perplexed, "It's for The Roman Catholics," explained Michael, the poor new soul looked even more confused until Michael said: "we have to be very quiet because they think that they are the only ones here."
 
Alligatorob said:
What was the origin and original purpose of baptism? It seems to have predated the Christian era.
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Ritual washing or bathing was not uncommon in Judaism. It was a form of ritual cleansing after the healing of a skin condition and required of women after each monthly bleeding. The belief was that such things were the result of sinfulness. Also incorporated in it is the notion of washing away of sins.

Baptism is a sign/symbol/ritual related to a release from original sin.
 
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Warrigal said:
Let me see, as far as I recall Jesus baptised no-one. John the Baptist did in a river to symbolise the washing away of sins. Jesus did, according to one of the post resurrection stories, command his followers to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost".

Rather apocryphal given that Jesus did not claim to be the Son of God. He referred to himself as the Son of Man (happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable biblical scholars) and highly unlikely that the words 'Holy Ghost' ever came from his lips.

To claim that thousands of baptisms are invalid for such a trivial reason is to fly in the face of the words "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven".
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"Rather apocryphal given that Jesus did not claim to be the Son of God. He referred to himself as the Son of Man (happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable biblical scholars) and highly unlikely that the words 'Holy Ghost' ever came from his lips."

That's huge! I'm not a Bible scholar Warrigal but learned some things in church, some from a friend who studied religion in college, and some from discussing the Bible with various family members. A progressive minister once also said on his T.V. program titled "Is Jesus The Son of God" that the word Son was misinterpreted and was actually meant to be Sun, as in the light (as in lighting the way). I've mentioned this before, Jesus also stated he was not worthy to be worshipped. Yet misguided Christians worship him, not The Creator (God).

As far as the OP; When I saw this on the news I couldn't believe it. WTH?! I wonder how many will actually opt for being (or having their children) re-baptized/ :unsure: @Jules Good point about making more money for the church. I hadn't thought about that. @feywon I'd like your take.
 

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