Getting Baptized

OK, I've made the commitment.  I confirmed it today.  I'm going to get baptized.

It's quite a surprise to me that I've agreed.  I'm an extremely-ex-Christian Scientist, more recently a Unitarian Universalist, who has been attending an Episcopal church.  And every Sunday, I'm in the way, sitting like a lump in the pew as people climb over unbaptized me & my children.  I considered getting baptized so I could participate in the communion, but I didn't want to be a hypocrite.  It seemed wrong to consider getting baptized for purely logistical reasons.

After several conversations with the priest, however, these concerns were laid to rest.  I can interpret the words of the service in a way that I'm comfortable with.  I can disagree with the political positions of the local (anti-gay)  bishop. 

("But can I just say this means what I want it to mean, even though I may not agree with everything the church is doing?"  I asked.  "You do that in other areas too, don't you?  You still consider yourself an American even though you don't agree with everything our country is doing, right?" Father C replied.  Of course he doesn't know how strongly I have been tempted to get the heck out of here . . . but yeah, ultimately he's right.)

During communion, I don't have to sip from the chalice, or even dip the wafer in it, if I'm too worried about germs. 

And here's a shocker: I don't even have to believe in God!  Fr. C said to me, "God is love.  Do you believe in the transforming power of love?  If you do, that's enough."  Whoa.

So this Sunday, I'll be getting baptized, along with Amelia.  (Emma has been baptized already, at the request of grandparents.)  My husband, who insists he has had enough church in his life and never intends to go again, has promised to accompany me.  I might even buy a dress.  I own plenty of pre-pg dresses, none of which fit.  But can a woman get baptized in pants?  I gather such a thing is Not Usually Done.

Emma is wondering how Fr. C will do the deed.  "Maybe he will use a squirt bottle!" she suggested.

But here's an oddity: the president of my university attends the same, rather small, church.  To the extent that he knows who I am, we have an adversarial relationship, due to my work on the union bargaining team.  A dean from the administration team also attends this church, though she is not my dean.  It's not too long ago that union and administration were locked in bitter antagonism, and those negative forces have not entirely dissipated.  It will feel very strange to be baptized in front of these people.  Weird enough to be baptized at age 40, but baptized at age 40 in front of your CEO*?

I'll let you know how it goes.

*Yes, he is officially a CEO.  "Chief Educational Officer."  I know, I know.

Comments

[Jess]

Good for you. I'm glad you've come to a decision that you're happy with - and that you've found a church that's comfortable for you. Your priest sounds fantastic.

[rochelle]

I'm always intrigued by adults who get churchified and wonder if I'm missing some sort of chip that would make religion appealing to me. Obviously, being an active member of a church has so many benefits--a (hopefully) caring community that will be there to support you in times of crisis, religious education for the kids, and someone who will be able to speak with credibility about you over your coffin. I often wish I had what it takes to find and participate in a faith community, but I just don't. It think it's the community thing more than the church thing that keeps me from looking. Despite my effusive online personality, I'm basically a happy loner outside of work. I think I would feel overwhelmed by my obligation as an active church member.

It's really cool that you found a place where you feel at home, though.

[Mommyprof]

Blessings for you and yours.

[Jean]

Hi, I found your website when I typed "getting baptized" into Google. I, too, am looking to get baptized. I haven't even found a church yet. I'm looking for a good bible-based church that preaches the bible and teaches from it everyday and regards the bible as it's final authority. I've left the Mormons. I prayed to God and asked Jesus into my life and had my sins forgiven me. I suggest you read at least 5 chapters of your bible everyday beginning with John. I think your priest told you is wrong! What he told you is unbiblical and you really need to know that the reason you're getting baptized is because you have put your trust in Jesus as your savior and Lord. Of course God is love and that's why He sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to die for us. But to be baptized in the name of love is unbiblical! God bless you,
Jean

[michelle]

That's great that you've decided to make a commitment. However, i'm a little confused at this idea that you dont have to believe in God to be baptised.

Baptism is a sign that you have decided to accept Jesus, and the forginess he offers as a route to God.. surely, if you dont believe in God, you cant do this? Maybe i'm completely wrong and ive misunderstood what you meant though. I know what you mean about disagreeing with some parts of the Bible. Im a feminist, so i had a few issues with sections about women, until i realised a lot of these were written to specific churches, and therefore tied up in all sorts of cultural binds.

Anyways - the core of the christian message is that Jesus died to make us clean, and having received that forgivness, we should try to live in a way that honours him, and shows other people how amazing his love is. Ts pretty cool i guess.

Also - Jesus was a punk, he questioned authority, so i like him even more.