So I have to say I have heard it several times since being at college that baptism is scary... I tried putting myself in other peoples point of view, because it was never really anything that scared me... But when I listen to what people say it takes a lot of trust to know that someone (I.E. your pastor most of the time) is going to pull you back up after "dunking" you. It would be awful if while you were being obedient to God's word by getting baptized the pastor started talking and he held you under, because he was so sidetracked, making you think that the same day you profess to the world that you are a believer that you will also be going to meet Jesus. Don't get me wrong, going to see Jesus is great, but dying in baptism not so great. This whole conversation steamed from the reading of the wasteland, that in its strange way can actually make sense. It talked about the person dying at sea (in water). However, just like Regis said, water is nothing to fear but only something one should be careful around. Sorry, this post is a bit on the random side.
PS -Amanda G
The whole thing about baptism being scary really threw me off. I don't remember feeling scared when I was baptized, and I've never viewed it that way. However, now that I think about it, I can see where it could easily seem that way. And it's not just the physical act of baptism either. The idea of dying to oneself and being reborn in Christ can be a little scary as well.
ReplyDeleteI actually understand being afraid of baptism, but my fear was stemmed from a fear of heights and speakingn in public. However, I do remember feeling a tad bit of momentary distrust in my pastor and fear in not seeing where he was dunking me. It would be like standing on the edge of a pier with your back to the water and falling backwards.
ReplyDeleteThat is what dying to your self means to me. Trusting in Christ without seeing where you will land and what awaits you after the splash.
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