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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Opus 2011-56, Infant Baptism

Dietrich Bonhoeffer had some comments on infant baptism that I found interesting.  He comes from a tradition that practices this as a sacrament.
“The New Testament lays down no law about infant baptism, and it is in fact a gift of grace that has been granted to the Church.  Hence it can be a striking testimony of faith for the parish.  But to force oneself to proceed with it without feeling the compulsion of faith is certainly not biblical.  Regarded purely as a demonstration, infant baptism cannot be justified.”  Letters and Papers from Prison, p. 150.
I come from a tradition that tends to dedicate infants rather than baptize.  It is more of a statement of the parents commitment than a sacrament bestowed on the child.  This statement helped me see into the hearts and minds of others.  I welcome the concession that it is not demanded by the Bible.  I can see it as a testimony to the parish, but then so is a dedication.

This is one of those areas I am willing to disagree without getting hot under the collar.

homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.