2006-12-11 11:40:52 · 22 answers · asked by tommy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was afraid of that too, but it's really nice, short and simple. You go in, you go out. =) Don't worry.
2006-12-11 11:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by Jin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, I remember my baptism. The water tasted spicy and smelled of spoiled pine nuts. While I was under I had an epiphany that I should write a book on a religion that promoted marrying several women at once. When I dried off I forgot what the voice said. While driving through Utah I found out some one else must have heard the same voice. Damn, it looks like I really could have made some money with that one.
2006-12-11 19:45:23 · answer #2 · answered by Trixie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am the pastor of a United methodist Church and I have had people who are afraid to go under the water. We baptize either by sprinkling, by pouring or by full immersion. (I'm sure that opens up a whole other can of worms for you, but....)
Don't be afraid. If you really want to do this just trust the minister who be baptizing you. He or she will not leave you under there. They will simply take you under the water (which symblizes our 'old life' being put to rest) and will bring you immediately back up (which symbolizes being raised to 'new life' in Christ.)
Plenty of people suffers from water anxieties and can't even stand to get into the water. If full immersion is that strong of an anxiety for you then talk with your minister about other options and if they are available in your denomination.
Hope that helps.
Jesus Loves You
2006-12-11 19:48:53 · answer #3 · answered by revshankumc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At some level you understand what the symbolism means. It's not just a thing you do in life; its something you are doing to your life.
There is an old Chinese story that says it well. You have been on a long journey, following a voice but now you stand on the edge of a cliff and the voice simply says, Jump. All your normal instinct is to step back from the edge but your spirit says, I can not turn back on the my life's journey.
Baptism, properly understood is a threshold experience, you are crossing over from living your normal physical life to life based on faith which, will never end.
Its a good sign, it means you understand what you are doing. Courage is doing something in the full knowledge of the fear.
2006-12-11 19:54:53 · answer #4 · answered by fathermartin121 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear of drowning. Having someone else in control over taking you under the water and holding you there. It's a pretty natural thing to feel resistant about. Maybe some kid dunked you when you were young and scared you pretty badly.
2006-12-11 19:43:36 · answer #5 · answered by wynterwood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your church is not a sabbath day church than you are being baptized into death. I hope your are circumcized too. This this is soooo serious that you have no Idea, if you are under 20 you do not have to be baptised now. I the lords eyes you are not responsible for yourself. Does not mean do stupid things though.
2006-12-11 19:44:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you are, in fact, an atheist, and you're scared the cognitive dissonance involved in getting ritually dunked will blow your brain apart like Scanners.
2006-12-11 19:46:19 · answer #7 · answered by MxHyway 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you are In front of a lot of people and the tank Is small.
I got baptised In a swimming pool and I went first this helped me.
2006-12-11 19:43:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably because you have to trust someone else to bring you back up out of the water again. Just remember that you will have a grip on them, as well as them on you, if you wish it. Don't be afraid, just trust God.
2006-12-11 19:44:15 · answer #9 · answered by Jeri C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would freak me out too. But I have done it twice in my life. So it's not too bad. If you trut your Pastor or Reverend, than yu would be fine. Cause you will not be dropped. My Pastor assured me that he has never dropped any one that he baptized. And I knew he was good with me.
2006-12-11 19:43:19 · answer #10 · answered by angelikabertrand64 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might be that your having a fear of changing religions. but it also might be the fact that your just nervous and are over thinking it. i wouldn't know what its like personally but my friend has had it done and she went through the same thing. i just have to say, don't worry about it everything will be fine
2006-12-11 19:47:32 · answer #11 · answered by Panic-Chaos 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋