Monday, September 22, 2008

Water Baptism - Should we ever "sprinkle"?

I love that water baptism is becoming a regular part or our worship experience.  It's becoming the norm - the way it should be.  Praise God for this!   This will probably be our last water baptism of the year because of the weather, but if someone wants to be baptized immediately, we will figure out a way to do so.  This Sunday was a little cold.

I did a little research on the history of "sprinkling" instead of "immersion" - which is how we baptized.   From a Biblical stand point, "immersion" is the accurate way to baptize.   However, in the Middle Ages people begin to "sprinkle" for health reasons - especially in the winter.   With this in mind I actually consider doing a version of water baptism in which I just poured warm water on people's head during the winter months.   We may do that someday, but it's one of those "emotional issues" that cold really stir religious people up.  I may want to really think this one through - ha!

1 comment:

MrsKristinClark said...

You know I was "sprinkled" and submerged ... I can be your sprinkle cheer-leader!
It is the intention behind the action that really counts.