IT'S HISTORY .. AND WHAT IF IT DID NOT USED .. AND.....
2006-07-26 23:05:08 · 7 answers · asked by u&me 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is water - H2O - there is nothing special about it and it is not 'holy water' (such as a priest uses for washing his hands before mass) which some believe is changed by sanctification and must not be disposed of carelessly.
It is used as a symbol of the true baptism, which is a 'baptism of faith' or 'by fire'. There are three ways of thinking of symbols.
a) Blind acceptance and reverence of the symbol itself (which is a form of idolatory)
b) Disbelief in the effectiveness or use of symbols at all (a sensible reaction to the prevalence of (a) )
c) An understanding of the mystery of symbols as something not to be adored in their own right but to be seen as an aid to the understanding of the ineffable which they represent.
'holy water' (such as a priest uses for washing his hands before mass) which some believe is changed by sanctification and must not be disposed of carelessly.
It is, perhaps, not generally understood that, in most Christain traditions, any believer - not just a priest - can perform baptism and that any suitable water may be used for it.
I hesitate to contradict those who say that it is a 'special mixture' or 'holy water' or that it 'is the blood of Jesus'. Historically, the first baptism that we hear of is the baptism of Jesus by John. It must have been a custom, therefore, amongst some sects of Jews, so it predates the idea that it represents 'the blood of Christ'. John used ordinary river water from the Jordan (which was regarded as special because it literally brought life - in the form of irrigation - to the desert). As a symbol, of course, it can be taken to represent whatever one wishes. If it helps to call it 'the blood of the Lamb', then I wouldn't argue - so long as people who do so understand that it is simply a symbol and has no power of its own.
2006-07-26 23:15:35 · answer #1 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a Latter-Day Saint we dont baptize babies.
Theyre 8 when that accures. And its a pool of regular tap water.
The blessing comes from the one who is giving the baptism.
Now if we give blessings it is with Virgin Oil.
2006-07-27 06:47:14 · answer #2 · answered by Quelynn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure what the liquid is, but maybe they should hold them under that liquid for a little while longer.....
2006-07-27 06:08:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some time ago they changed to water but...
WAAAYYY back it was something like olive oil or palm oil! Don't know where they got it from but it was to represent the blood of Jesus - washing away sin and belonging to Him (GOD)
2006-07-27 06:51:27 · answer #4 · answered by Chellie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plain water
2006-07-27 06:51:36 · answer #5 · answered by P P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its called holy water. Its salt and water blessed by a priest.
2006-07-27 06:08:47 · answer #6 · answered by savio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blood, it's supposed to be the blood of Jesus.
But, you can use animal blood, just not pigs.
Have the priest bless it first.
2006-07-27 06:11:59 · answer #7 · answered by lilith 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋