Comments on: Baptist Sacramentalism 2

By: The New Perspective: Justification and Pope Benedict XVI « One In Jesus.info

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:03:42 +0000

[...] that the distance between the Catholic and Protestant churches has been greatly reduced. I noted in an earlier post the Catholic acceptance of a Protestant understanding of baptism in the Vatican Council II. And so, [...]

By: Baptismal Rapprochement Between Southern Baptists and Churches of Christ? « John Mark Hicks Ministries

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:31:15 +0000

[...] at Jay Guin’s website–see also his posts on Baptist Sacramentalism and the work of Stan Fowler). This movement has embraced a Calvinian sacramental theology. Indeed, the Baptist World Alliance [...]

By: Jim Haugland

Jim Haugland — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:52:26 +0000

Most Baptist churches believe in "believers baptism," which we in the C of C tribe do. I think at times we may have been guilty of under emphasizing the "believing" part in a haste to get them under the water making sure not one little finger is above the surface! Most of us have Baptist friends (who I consider my brothers in Christ) that believe Baptism is for/unto the remission of sins. With respect to Rom 14, several lessons on the Greek word "adiphora" would be very beneficial for many of us on many of the differing personal scruples that have too long have been elevated to an untenable position of salvific doctrine.

By: JdB

JdB — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:33:26 +0000

Jay…thanks for following up on all this. I like your take on it.

By: Joe Baggett

Joe Baggett — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:15:35 +0000

You know I remember being taught growing up that Baptist don’t teach or believe in baptism. Then I went to the Baptist church with a high school buddy of mine it just happen to be their baptism Sunday. About 60 people were baptized. I had never witnessed anything like that before. Then I learned that this was normal for this church to baptize about 60 people per month. I came home and told my Dad that not only do they baptize, but they baptize many more in a month than our local church of Christ did in a year. Since then I have realized that physical immersion comes some time after actual faith. One of the most moving baptismal experiences I have ever had was baptism Saturday at Gateway church in Austin. It is very similar to that of Willow creek. A whole day of rejoicing is planned with upwards of 100 baptisms in an outdoor body of water. The church brings picnics and sings and prays and eats and rejoices all day long. A long time Christian cannot help but be moved to remember their own commitment and relationship with Jesus. It also evident that those being baptized for the first time are not doing it out of coercion, fear, or any other ulterior motive.

By: Jim K.

Jim K. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:07:16 +0000

Your article today is very timely. Having just returned from my "Walk to Emmaus" I had the opportunity to be with men of many denominations (like mine – C of C), and have communion with them. It was a truly wonderful spiritual journey for me. I share communion with them and had discussion on two important sacraments, communion and baptism. One thing that has led me to get back into study is the issue of infant baptism, and the act of sprinkling, or pouring to baptise. You quoted:

"but as is true of Protestant pedobaptists, the Catholic Church considers the baptism fully efficacious only when the child is later confirmed in response to a confession of faith."

This has struck a cord with me in saying that the act is in essence not complete until the confession is made during confirmation. This further leads me to study this issue.

Thanks Jay, for the good article, and for the related post references. It just goes to show us that we still have a ways to go on this quest for light and knowledge – or – knowledge leading to light!!