What would you have done?

[nebula]

There seems to be a misunderstanding that I had anything to do with the baptism. I didn't - I wasn't at Creation.  I found out through my son.

The reason Kim comes to church and is so active in the youth is because of us bringing her. Her mother (good friend of mine) trusts me in that regard.

I haven't called my friend yet (too afraid she is mad about the baptism - bawk, bawk!!! *WIP flapping her chicken wings here*) - I wanted to hear what you all had to say before I took the plunge.

Thanks for the input.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Let me see if I got this straight.

You are afraid that her parents are mad that their daughter got baptised?

And you are looking for back-up?

Hmmmm...well it is her relationship with Jesus.

I keep thinking about the Christians in Muslim countries and China and the like who get baptised apart from their family's wishes -

if that puts things into a little perspective.

[nebula]

Then you

[Gerioke]

Then you

[refugepsa91]

Then you

[O'Dannyboy]

When the child becomes of age then she can make the decision herself.

I sounds like she did make the decission. More to the point, she made the most important decission of her life and chose wisely. I can only wish that I could have seen the light when I was so young. People seem to be unaware of how things were back when Christ walked the Earth. Though its rare now, girls were being married and having children at that age. Boys of that age were and do tend their own flocks of sheep and goats. I think her age is not as important as the decission she made.

John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one

The parents might not like it, but this is one decission that was never theirs to make.

[Work in Progress]

And you are looking for back-up?

Not necessarily "back up", but I wanted to feel out the thoughts on this before calling my girlfriend.

I was torn - of course it is wonderful that Kim wanted to be baptized. But, as a parent, I do believe something that serious should not have been done without parental consent. Or, I should say, I lean that way. I'm not really sure - that's why I wanted opinions.

As for the other side of the coin - whoever said that, if the parents are anti-religion (they are), then you should tread very lightly and not appear to be pushing anything on them. They have been very lenient in allowing her to go to Church and Youth, and you would never want to appear to look like "we've got her now!!". Does that make sense? It would have been very easy to say "Great, Kim!! Praise God!! Let's head straight for your house when we get back, ask your mom and dad if it's okay, then we'll do it on Sunday!", wouldn't it have? It would have also taught her respect for the wishes of her parents, something our youth leaders are lacking in.

Also - what about other circumstances? Perhaps her parents are of the reformed faith, and had her baptized according to the covenant (their beliefs) when she was born? Having her baptized again would be a major affront to their beliefs, a "slap in the face", if you will.

Or - perhaps they were Christians and would have really loved to have been present for such a special moment?

(only the first scenario is true - I was just giving different scenarios to make a point)

You see, it's not as easy as "Praise God, she wanted to be baptized". I do not want any unbelieving parent ever having a valid argument against the church or our Youth leaders, especially since they are involved in the first place because of me.

Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it. When all is said and done, I am thrilled Kim wanted to be Baptized and was. Just very cautious about stepping on the toes of unbelievers who have entrusted her with us.

[Gerioke]

I don't recall Jesus demanding parental consent to follow Him.

Faith is free to everyone, even teenagers. If something happened to that person tomorrow, you can rest assured that she made the most important commitment of her life

[nebula]

And you are looking for back-up?

Not necessarily "back up", but I wanted to feel out the thoughts on this before calling my girlfriend.

OK, I think I used the wrong word . . . sorry.

I was torn - of course it is wonderful that Kim wanted to be baptized. But, as a parent, I do believe something that serious should not have been done without parental consent. Or, I should say, I lean that way.  I'm not really sure - that's why I wanted opinions. . . .

I guess I can appreciate your concerns as a parent.

I don;t know how things were with you growing up, but for me, it seemed I was more "into" God than m parents were. I distinctly rmember my dad getting on my case about how I should get my homework done before reading and studying the Bible each day.

So, you could say I sympathize with the girl.

Imagine how it would be for her if they had said to her she couldn't get baptised there but had to wait for parental consent. I imagine she would be heart-broken. I know I would if it were me. I'd feel like I was being kept apart from Jesus or something.

You know?

[Work in Progress]

OK, I think I used the wrong word . . . sorry.

No prob, girlfriend! It's not like I bristled at it or anything. ( )

You know?

Yep, I totally get what you are saying. You are thinking of the girl. I'm thinking of the parents. I think that's the difference - we are tempted to look at this from the believers standpoint, but I am trying to be sensitive to the unbelievers standpoint. I would never want to be responsible for causing an unbeliever to have another reason to reject Christ. And they need so little to do that, you know? I guess I just feel responsible because I brought Kim to the church and got her involved.

BTW, I called my girlfriend a little while ago. She was less than thrilled, but is not going to make a fuss about it. She did say that she would have thought that her permission would have been asked first. I just hope she doesn't restrict Kim from further activities, or make it all hard on her.

[Scarletprayers]

OK, I think I used the wrong word . . . sorry.

No prob, girlfriend! It's not like I bristled at it or anything. ( )

You know?

Yep, I totally get what you are saying. You are thinking of the girl. I'm thinking of the parents. I think that's the difference - we are tempted to look at this from the believers standpoint, but I am trying to be sensitive to the unbelievers standpoint. I would never want to be responsible for causing an unbeliever to have another reason to reject Christ. And they need so little to do that, you know? I guess I just feel responsible because I brought Kim to the church and got her involved.

BTW, I called my girlfriend a little while ago. She was less than thrilled, but is not going to make a fuss about it. She did say that she would have thought that her permission would have been asked first. I just hope she doesn't restrict Kim from further activities, or make it all hard on her.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Peace offering would be good here! We know the things our girlfriends like, a book if she likes to read, chocolate, or a flower and card! You called, she wasn't thrilled but not angry, go one step further and show her how much her opinion and friendship means!

After all, her daughter is saved and you want her to be also, so alittle Christian love done in the right spirit and the knowledge that you understand how she feels could go a long way!