But I do not want ever to be baptised because of these three things: Shunning - a devastating possibility
The Evil Slave
Being Disfellowshipped
The inability to find or be happy with another church
after I am disfellowshipped. Chances are that if I am baptised I will be disfellowshipped, so if I am never baptised then I don't have to worry about that. But, what happens if I learn all that a witness should learn and still refuse baptism, will they still accept me? They might think I am the Evil Slave. This is murky water that most non-witnesses know nothing about. I only know about it because I have read about the practices in the past, and because I have known witnesses personally within my family for years. But, we usually don't go into these topics very far because of the unease they produce, another problem I have with being baptised. Too much weirdness about what can and cannot be discussed in that religion.
2007-03-07 15:06:10 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When reading the Bible, I would caution you not to read it from front to back. I did that and got really confused. The Bible is not set up in chronological order - after all, it is a series of books, not a book. I would encourage you to read it in its entirety.
The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) is grouped into the Pentateuch ("the laws"), History, Poetry, and Prophesy.
The New Covenant (New Testament) is grouped into the Gospels, the Early Church (Acts), Letters and Prophesy (Revelation).
According to my Bible, "In traditional Judaism and Christianity, the Bible has been more than a historical document to be preserved or a classic of literature to be cherished and admired; it is recognized as the unique record of God's dealings with people over the ages. The Old Testament sets forth the call of a special people to enter into covenant relation with the God of justice and steadfast love and to bring God's law to the nations. The New Testament records the life and work of jesus Christ, the one in whom 'the Word became flesh,' as well as describe the rise and spread of the early Christian Church."
I have no experience in being disfellowshipped. In my denomonation, there is no such thing. We welcome all people who are trying to learn and follow God's instruction. Formal joining of the church is not required. Baptism is the rite in which you demonstrate your relationship with God and the willingness to join the Christian family. We welcome all believers (no matter their denomination or background) to the communion table.
If you decide to join a church, make sure you are comfortable with their doctrine and that it is an open and loving relationship. You will be in my prayers and I wish you luck on your journey.
2007-03-07 18:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by Halli 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as baptism...nothing to fear, it is just an outward sign to the world that you are a follower of Christ...and as far as things that can and cannot be discussed in that religion...the Bible says that what is done in secret will be brought to light...if there are things that are secret, my question would be what does the Bible tell you about those things, check more than just one version of the Bible? Ask God to reveil Himself to you and to show you a church that is teaching the word of God OPENLY...and where did Jesus ever shun anyone??? He ate with the tax collectors and spoke to prostitutes.
2007-03-07 23:20:28 · answer #2 · answered by cbmultiplechoice 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your concern.
Sometimes we have to decide - do we want to please God or please man?
You may run the risk of losing friends, but if keeping them means going against what God would have you do, then they're not worth having.
God will connect you with new friends. But who knows? It may be that some of your friends need to see you get baptized. It may be just the thing for them, and God may use you to be bold and set the example so that others may follow.
Don't worry about being shunned. Christians are shunned daily by an unbelieving world.
2007-03-07 23:17:32 · answer #3 · answered by MythBuster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can not ask certain questions about your faith, how will you ever grow or learn the truth. I went to a church when I was a young man and they got angry everytime I questioned them about scriptures. I found out that they time not want me to know the truth. They used it to keep me enslaved to their false doctrine. God taught me through this experience how to measure what people say against the Word of God. It is commanded by the Lord in Mark 16:15 to be baptized. You want to please God not people.
2007-03-07 23:14:23 · answer #4 · answered by super saiyan 3 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Study, study and study some more. God will lead you into the truth and has promised that the truth will set you free. Don't worry about the requirement of other denominations. Denominations do not save people. A knowledge of the true character of God does.
2007-03-07 23:13:35 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend who kept studying the Bible, and eventually he realized that his/your beliefs could not be supported by good/fair priniciples of interpretation. He converted and has been loving his previous friends into the truth ever since. Keep studying.
2007-03-07 23:11:00 · answer #6 · answered by chdoctor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you talking about?
Most denominations don't require baptism, and don't 'disfellowship' anyone. If you are concerned about that, just go hang out at your local Calvary Chapel.
2007-03-07 23:10:17 · answer #7 · answered by NONAME 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should accept Christ and recieve the Holy Spirit or its a waste of time.
2007-03-07 23:09:15 · answer #8 · answered by Tribble Macher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just read chapter 18 and make up your mind who you want to serve
2007-03-07 23:14:34 · answer #9 · answered by gary d 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read with understanding what Jesus teaches and follow ur own heart ... dont worry about what one religeon or another is saying follow Jesus ...
2007-03-07 23:13:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋