Atheists: If you came across an accident victim about to die that requested baptism?

Question

Would you baptize them?

Mr. Ed: I can't believe you -- a pastor would not baptize a person who asked to be baptized----I would not want to be a member of your Church. Even the Atheists would!! Shame!

I always carry a bottle of water with me --- just in case.

Answer 1

Absolutely! ....uh how do you do that? Will any water do?
That could make a good aquafina commercial. =)

Answer 2

I'd point out that s/he had a whole lifetime to get that part done and I don't remember the liturgy - then I'd probably go on recalling all my experiences at baptisms of other people. Hopefully by the time I was done with that they'd want to change the topic to something I could actually help with.

Seriously, if they know the words, I'll say 'em, sure. Not sure what we'll do about the holy water - we don't have to speculate on that here.

Answer 3

Midge, I am a Christian pastor, and I wouldn't baptize him under those circumstances. I would instead comfort him with the promises from the Word of God. For instance Jesus said: He would not cast out anyone who comes to Him. I don't think He meant: "only if they are baptized".
An atheist would probably find it easier than me to baptize a person in those circumstances, because it wouldn't mean anything to the atheist in any case. I would be concerned that he would be putting his faith in the baptism instead of in the Lord.
- I'm not trying to convince you of my point of view here, - just implying that the question may involve more than you think.
EDIT:
Just as I thought, several atheists said "yes". And in spite of what I said, I approve their attitude of kindness. I still would prefer to give words of siritual comfort though. I am sure it would do much more.

Answer 4

1. How could I do that?
2. Would I have the means to do that?
3. How would Baptizing them save them?

Answer 5

I would do it. I don't think that it matters that I am an atheist.
I was raised as a Catholic and was taught that everyone has the authority to baptize. Your simply pour water (any water will do, although water that has been blessed is preferred) over them and recite" I baptize you in the name of the father, son and holy ghost."
If they find comfort in it, it is the compassionate thing to do.

Answer 6

Atheists and Christians alike, if you come upon someone where death is imminent and they ask for this rite, or if they have any other request involving their own religious preference, you do it if at all possible. Pray the rosary, recite the Koran, baptize, say the Lord's prayer, read Psalm 23. Argue your theology later.

Mr. Ed, you aren't pastoring your own flock at that point. You are facilitating the expression of someone else's religious beliefs before they die. It's not up to you to deny them what they request. Yes, get them their own clergy if possible, but if it's not possible, YOU are their clergy.

As a matter of fact, I'm going to dig up a list of prayers & rites and get an emergency booklet put in my car for that kind of situation. You get a star and my heartfelt thanks for posting this question.

Answer 7

Wouldn't that make it even worse for them if I baptized them as an atheist?



With this water, I cause both your soul and your god to cease to exist. Now you are free of your immortal burdens, and will soon be free of your mortal ones.

Answer 8

I would respect the request of the person. If they had enough time, I would try to connect them with someone who is of the preferred religious persuasion. If they didn't have time, I'd do the best I could to fulfill their request, whether or not I believe in it.

Answer 9

Well, I'm agnostic, but I'll take it for granted that's close enough.
First, I'd call 911 and perform CPR or whatever I could do to *keep* them from dying.
Then, yeah, if it was their dying wish, I'd do it, but I'd tell them that I didn't believe in God or baptism. I'm guessing they wouldn't want me to do it after that anyway. How much does getting water poured on you by a nonbeliever really mean?

Answer 10

No. Couldn't do it. Here's my reasoning:

If they were delirious with pain, then they would probably ask for a spouse or parent, not for baptism; and if they were, in fact, delirious, then there would be no harm in lying to them. So in that case, I'd tell 'em whatever they wanted to hear.

BUT: I think that if they ask for something like baptism, or a prayer, then chances are they're not delirious. And in that case, I would have to say, "I'm sorry, I can't do that. But I'll stay with you."

Answer 11

I would give them what comfort I could and summon any nearby priest or pastor or at least a Christian. As a non-Christian, any baptism I performed wouldn't count anyway.