Letter of Disassociation to Former Religions / Baptism Questions ?

by HereIam60 2 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  HereIam60

  This was prompted by some comments in another thread, but since it was somewhat "off" the original topic, I'm posting/asking seperately...

  I was born in 1960, and baptized as a infant in a Catholic Church. Obviously I have no personal memory of this, and only know, because I was told, and we had a family photo of my parents holding me before the baptismal font while the priest prepared to do the sprinkling. I was taken probably no more than 3 times to the Catholic church in my early childhood and had no clue as to what was going on.

  From the ages of 10 to 12 I attended a Methodist Sunday School, rarely the actual church service, but sang with the class in an annual Christmas presentation in the church.

  In the 1980s, studying with Jehovah's Witnesses, and considering baptism, I was told I had to write a letter to any religious group I had previously been involved with, stating I no longer wished any contact, wanted to be removed from their membership lists and witnessing as to why...(Separation from Satan's world, false religion, Babylon etc.)

  While I could somewhat see doing this regarding the Methodist church, as I had been in regular attendance for a time, and participated in services - though never baptized into it, I did not see why I should have to do so with the Catholic Church as my involvement there was not under my control, and my presence there could not have been considered worship.

  My 'study conductor' however was adamant that this MUST be done. So, though annoyed I eventually, reluctantly, wrote and sent the letters, and I'm sure the only notice given them was to be dropped into a wastebasket.

  Eventually I went over, with Elders, the long list of questions for persons desiring to be baptized as JW, which must have included, Had I cut all ties with False Religion?, and was approved. Until recently, when I asked an elder to look it up, I could not clearly recall the date of my baptism...

  It was in February 1987. Can anyone tell me, or, point me to a source, as to what questions were being asked on the day of baptism, prior to water immersion in that year?

  I know eventually these included "Do you recognize that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, in association with His Spirit Directed Organization ?". I do not know if I was asked this. I considered it only as a dedication of my life to Jehovah God in obedience to Jesus Christ.

  I have never understood the 'legal ramifications" of a religious baptism. Is it entirely choice or voluntary, or actually legally "binding" one to a Church or Organization ?

  Thanks!
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  blondie

  The Watchtower Society said that people baptized in another religion, have to be baptized as one of Jehovah's witnesses. Up until 1918, Bible Students rebaptism was not necessaryl ( Only those baptized before 1918 did not have to be baptized again. While the exact details of Charles Taze Russell's personal baptismal practices before 1918 are not definitively documented, the organization later established that immersion before 1918, coupled with a shift away from a previous religious affiliation and affiliation with the Watch Tower, was considered valid.)

  (1931 the Watchtower Society changed it to Jehovah's witnesses though there continued to be Bible Student groups after that, but not associated with Jehovah's witnesses). Yes, the Watchtower Society says you must be baptized through the WTS procedure for baptism to be considered officially one of Jehovah's witnesses. A record is kept of that in the congregation files, and notification if you move is sent to your new congregation. But in 1956, is was stated definitely, people needed to be rebaptized by jws.

  WT 1956 July 1 p. 406 pp.14 “Often the question is asked whether one baptized previously in a ceremony performed by some other religious group should again be baptized when coming to an accurate knowledge of the truth and making a dedication to Jehovah. Because of what has been already said, now there is compelling reason for also saying, Yes, one must be baptized again. Obviously, by any of such religious systems one was never in reality baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,” because had he been so baptized he would have appreciated the authority and office of such true Higher Powers. And if previously dedicated to Jehovah, the individual would have separated himself from such God-dishonoring Babylonish systems even before letting them baptize him. So the act of being baptized is not the important thing, but, rather, that which the act symbolizes is the element of importance.” January 15, 1989 Watchtower p. 13 "To become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, then, a person must be a believer​—one who exercises faith and gets baptized. Even before baptism, such faith manifests itself in godly conduct, trust in Jehovah, participation in the Kingdom-preaching work, and acceptance of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. Faith in the ransom is emphasized for baptismal candidates, for the first of two questions the speaker asks them is: “On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?” Only if the individual answers in the affirmative and also understands that his dedication and baptism identify him as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization can he acceptably undergo water immersion. (The WTS does recommend sending a letter to the non-jw religion you were associated with, especially currently or in the near past.)
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  peacefulpete

  You will need to be sure to cancel your candle-of-the-month subscription as well. Also renounce the Lost Sock Rescue Society and cut off all contact with Over Thinkers Anonymous.