by LittleToe 6 Replies latest jw friends
One of the (many) things that started me questioning the borg related to the baptism questions, talk etc.
Anybody notice how Matt.28 isn't mentioned, even though that is down as the primary reason for field service?
Maybe it's just the assemblies that I've been to.
What's your experience?
Does that invalidate the baptism?
Anyone subsequently got themselves re-baptised after leaving?
LT
Hi-
Most of the major Protestant denominations recognize each other's baptisms because they are all being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit since most Protestant denominations all believe in the same Triune God.
Most Protestant denominations will not recognize the baptism of the JWs as a valid baptism because the JWs do not worship the Triune God and because of the emphasis they place on being baptized into an organization.
In my case, I was baptized as an infant in a Lutheran church and my wife was baptized as an infant in a Catholic church. So, when we started attending the Christian church that we attend now, they viewed our infant baptisms as legitimate and the JW baptism as invalid. If my wife and I had never been baptized as infants our current church would have recommended to us that we be baptized.
Jeff S.
Thanks for the reply Jeff, that's interesting.
I was born into the borg, hence never had that.
In addition, I know that some churches frown on infant baptism.
Just to widen this slightly, anybody know if there's a similar understanding with the Catholic church (Roman, or otherwise)?
LT
I was baptized at 16 as a JW. Mostly because I knew it would thrill my JW parents and most of my friends were doing it. When I got baptized into a Protestant church it was because I didn't recognize my original baptism. I felt I did it under false pretenses so I wanted to do it again.
Andi
Hi Jeff,
>, I was baptized as an infant in a Lutheran church and my wife was baptized as an infant in a Catholic church. So, when we started attending the Christian church that we attend now, they viewed our infant baptisms as legitimate and the JW baptism as invalid. If my wife and I had never been baptized as infants our current church would have recommended to us that we be baptized
Of course, we know that baptism is not what saves. It is only a outward sign of our calling. Salvation is by grace through faith....
Take care,
Rex
Rex:
I appreciate your point, for sure.
However, isn't it still essential that it's done properly?
LT
Hi Rex-
You are correct the act of baptism does not save us but God's grace does.
To Little Toe-
If you want to find out what the Catholic Church teaches about baptism go to Barnes and Noble and purchase a copy of "The Catechism of the Catholic Church". The paperback version is very cheap and the explanations are very detailed.
Jeff S.
