If you can understand that I'm agnostic, and have a sizable contempt for Abrahamic religions, then you can probably understand what went through my mind when i found out i was Christened.
Is there any way i can 'reverse' the Christening? I basically pledged my faith and trust in Jesus before i could even speak, and it feels like there's one part of my being that's pulling against me, pulling away from me and i know it's quite irrational but it's also stressing me out to know that i've had this done to me against my will.
I'd like any help or advice on any practices that exist to solve my problem.
Thank you.
2006-11-30 09:10:52 · 11 answers · asked by ultrelusive 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is the route of reason that anything you said or did before the age of reason doesn't really apply. Still, I understand your situation and that it would make you feel uncomfortable, since there are certainly plenty of examples of God taking a child pledged to him at or before birth for various things.
Hmm...if you're not averse to the idea of a ritual to reverse a ritual, drop me a message...I'm getting a few ideas.
2006-11-30 09:15:59 · answer #1 · answered by angk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think Christening is not viable and real, then all you do in your quest to "reverse" it is to give it more psychological power over you.
Every action results in an equal and opposite reaction.
The more you place importance on reversing the christening the more validity you give it in your life.
I was Christened, but I do not belong to a church or religion now. When I think about when it happened, I think about the love that was motivating the people taking part in the ritual. It is an old and venerated religious practice and is done out of love for a child.
Don't give it any more weight than it actually has.
It's just making a baby all wet.
2006-11-30 17:18:12 · answer #2 · answered by Bran McMuffin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may seem kind of odd since we sit on opposite sides of the fence regarding God. But I understand how you feel.
I was once Catholic and thought very often about having my name removed from the Catholic church. I became a born-again Christian and wanted nothing to do with the Catholic church. But as time passed I realized that it was sort of hateful and spiteful to request such a thing. I have let it go and I do not have a problem with the Catholic church believing I am still an actual member.
As for you perhaps you should let it go. It does not benefit you to have been Christened in any way whether you believe in God and certainly if you do not.
Perhaps you are seeking to hurt others or make a statement to your parents about how you feel? I'm not saying you are, but perhaps this is why you feel the way you do. You gain nothing by struggling with this and certainly nothing by trying to reverse it.
You did not pledge your faith and trust in Jesus as you have said yourself you could not even speak. No one can do this for you. The Christian faith states that we confess for ourselves. Since you didn't you are obviously not a Christian.
Please let it go for your and (I'm assuming) parents' sake. I mean this in the most sincere manner.
2006-11-30 17:26:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're so hostile towards the beliefs of the religious, then why would you feel a ritual is required to reverse another ritual? If you don't believe it, then that is reversal enough. If you want to sacrifice a goat on Friday the 13th while naked in the light of a new moon, then go ahead, but that's pretty religious, too.
Oh, and there's plenty of reason to despise a religion's followers, but all religions at their core values are pure and honest. Don't be so narrow minded. I hate narrow minded faithful as much as narrow minded athiests.
2006-11-30 17:15:14 · answer #4 · answered by Year of the Monkey 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Relax........Relax........your so-called Christening as a youngster had no impact on you whatsoever. It was a dedication or symbol by your parents, promising to raise you up in the Christian faith. So you can rest assured that you are bound for hell, if thats what you want. Do I need to ask how your parents did on their promise?
2006-11-30 17:20:45 · answer #5 · answered by Gary M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't pledge anything, your Godparents (or something similar) pledged that you would be raised in the religion in which you were christened.
At baptism you were marked as a child of God. Whether you choose to accept his gifts are up to you.
2006-11-30 17:13:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contempt, stress, irrational.
Already there.
Don't worry about it I am sure you have it covered.
Get A Grip.
2006-11-30 17:15:09 · answer #7 · answered by Get A Grip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe try getting over your hate and intolerance. If you don't have faith, do you really believe you pledged your faith and trust as an infant?
2006-11-30 17:14:28 · answer #8 · answered by KDdid 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, what's the opposite of holy water? You have to be christened with that I think... unholy water? Maybe toilet water?
2006-11-30 17:14:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you don't believe in the tenets of Christianity, then what happened, is someone sprinkled water on you and prayed. It doesn't actually matter.
2006-11-30 17:14:06 · answer #10 · answered by Crystal P 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋