by compound complex 9 Replies latest jw friends
Greetings:
In Matthew 28:19, 20 Jesus instructs his followers to 1) make disciples, 2) baptize them and 3) teach them his commandments.
Those NT examples of individual [Ethiopian eunuch] or mass baptisms [the 3000] indicate a brief exposition of Jesus' teachings by the faithful, not a 6-month study program, prior to baptism.
Your thoughts?
Thanks.
CoCo
Wait a minute ...
What about studying the Knowledge Book? The meeting with the Elders? The pop quiz? Aren't those somewhere found in Matthew 28:19,20?
Sacolton:
I'm looking, I'm looking!
Thanx.
CoCo
If you are refering to JW baptisms, it's like asking if there should be a fair trial before a hanging.
OTWO:
Fair enough.
If we take JW methods out of the equation, would there be significance to the order in which Jesus gave his last and composite command?
Thanks for your reply.
CC
Well, if I assume the accepted 4 Gospels and the Acts of Apostles is an accurate account of God's son, then people got baptized as sure as they were sure they wanted to. I would imagine that could get abused by religions expecting people to get baptized right away without knowing about the cult they are joining. So I would say that people should know what they are getting into, but that would be their decision.
So if people wanted to get baptized into "the truth" (again, assuming there is a truth), it should be on them to decide when, just like the truth of the Biblical example shows. The religion should not expect them to know a long complicated doctrine, but the religion shouldn't expect them to go out in an organized recruiting work if they didn't want to, either.
OTWO:
Some interesting points you've set out.
At Christianity's inception, there were not the complications and deceptive recruiting methods to which you allude. To my way of thinking - if that is any way of thinking at all - the WT's preaching and teaching methods are way too slick. I doubt that Jesus would be impressed by the works 'done in his name.'
Thank you again.
CC
The Watchtower baptism is symbol of dedication into an organization and used as a tool of control. It isn't Christian Baptism although it bares a resemblance. Once you are baptised into the Watchtower it is tow the line or we'll yank everything right out from under you. As far as the baptism mentioned in the Bible there really aren't any rules about who can be baptised that is why some denominations baptize infants.
I quit:
Yes, a tool of control. Those are some good points that you made.
Thanks for dropping by.
CoCo
A biblical based baptism requires a basic understanding of faith in Jesus and the resurrection, and the human relationship with the Creator. This understanding can be imparted in the duration of a day.
A JW baptism is very different. Although it has the form of a biblical baptism, it has an entirely different meaning. It is an initiation into a secretive order, with an oath to an organization. As such, it legitimately requires months or years of study to qualify to become an initiate.
