For Jehovah's Witnesses.... serious answers only please?

Question

Since you don't celebrate bdays, xmas, thanksgiving, and the likes but you have parties for wedding anniversaries, baby/bridal showers, events that has no pagan connections, will it be proper for you to throw a party or celebrate after an individual's baptism? Some say it's OK but some say it is not appropriate...What about GIFTS? are those appropriate to give to the newly baptized as a welcome gesture to the truth?

I'm looking for answers from mature Christians who actually know the answer. For those who are new, please do research before you answer. thank you.

Ah, Zelparis, shut up!!! the question is for Jehovah's Witnesses!!!

Answer 1

Christian baptism is a joyous occurrence, but must also involve the dignity which befits any life-changing decision affecting one's relationship with God and Christ.

The practice of lavish baptism celebrations is frowned upon, but modest celebrations of family and close friends are widely tolerated by Jehovah's Witnesses. Flowers, cards, and gifts are appropriate for the new Christian, but not at the actual immersion service.

Jehovah's Witnesses recognize that this is hardly a doctrinal matter, and individuals and family heads must make personal decisions about details of such celebrations. For a more thorough discussion of this matter, JWs may consider:
The Watchtower of April 1, 1995, page 30
Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1991, page 2
The Watchtower of June 1, 1985, page 30-31

Learn more about baptism:
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_16.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_11.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_07.htm

Answer 2

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. (1) ???no meal??? I eat EVERYDAY (2) I exchange gifts on a regular basis (3) It seems as if from your question that you only find reason to be joyful and celebrate on Christmas, birthdays, and holidays. How SAD! (4) Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the bible. (5) "Against being happy and so serious". You haven't met ME

Answer 3

Yes and No. Allot of it falls under the conscience of the person who recently dedicated their lives. An important thing to remember is the point of the baptism and the deep commitment involved. Case in point, while there is nothing wrong with celebrating a wedding, there often seems to be that 1 person who makes an inappropriate joke or takes thing to far. So discretion and decorum are needed.

I know some who go out to eat afterwards, some have parties, others don't. It is a matter of personal taste/choice.

Assuming you are asking this with a specific person in mind, your best bet is to ask them how they feel about it.

Answer 4

When I got baptized the sister who had first studied with me and some of the other sisters in that congregation gave me a beautiful card with the date and time of my baptism (like I would ever forget the most special moment of my entire life!) It is a very special card from some very special sisters, and a very nice momento. I think it is appropriate to keep everything very simple and to put the emphasis upon Jehovah, and the fact that the decision to dedicate out lives to the most awesome Sovereign of the Universe, has been made and followed through with. Always, I think, it is good to remember that all we do is for the glory of Jehovah and not of/for ourselves. You have received some very good answers from the brothers and sisters.

Answer 5

Hi MayC. How weird that you asked this question because just recently this was an issue in our congregation. We had 2 newly baptized and an invitation for a party honoring these 2 newly baptized. It brought some murmuring in the congregation because some felt it was inappropriate and some felt that it was a great way to welcome our new brothers/sisters.

When i was baptized, our family did not have a party for me. We did, however, went to dinner with just the family. That was it.

According to the Watchtower; April 1, 1995- Question from Readers "What attitude should be displayed at Christian baptisms?" it specifically said that (quote) "....After the act of baptism, our joy does not require a victory parade, a bouquet of flowers, or a party honoring the one baptized. But we could approach our new brother or sister to express pleasure over the wonderful step taken and to extend a very warm welcome into our Christian brotherhood."

It continues, "In summary, then, all of us, including those who submit to water immersion, ought to treat baptism with appropriate seriousness. It is not a time for outbursts, for partying, or for hilarity. But neither is it a somber or grim time. We can rightly be glad that new ones have joined us on the way to everlasting life. And we can joyfully welcome our new brothers and sisters."

With that said, it is up to the parenst and up to the individual baptized (based on their conscience) whether to have a simple dinner or party in celebration of their baptism. But each Witness should keep in mind the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says, "Therefore, whether YOU are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory..."

Anyway, regarding the situation in our congregation, it was decided by the body of elders not to proceed with the party to keep from stumbling anyone.

Answer 6

Good Question.

When I got baptized , we didn't have a party or anything like that, but we did go out to eat, and my parents bought me gas gift cards to use for going out in the Auxiliary Pioneer work! I thought that was a cool gift.

But remember when the Prodigal son came back, they had a celebration, or a feast for him.
So it's not against any bible rules to have a celebration or to give gifts.
Of course, you would want it to remain clean, alcohol to a certain extent, and so forth. You don't' want such a wonderful occasion to be a cause for stumbling.

Anywho, hope this helped ya some.

Answer 7

I think it's appropriate. When a group of young ones got baptized, a lot of us went to dinner at a local restaurant. One of them even got a guitar from his parents. I've never got anyone a gift; I did give a couple of sisters a card welcoming them into the brotherhood and when I got baptized, I got a few cards myself. To me they are momentos of the occasion.

If you want to give a gift, nothing says "Welcome to the Truth!" like a card and a hug. A gift certificate is fine also. Ultimately it depends on the conscience of each person.

Answer 8

When my son and his friends were babtised I knew it was only the start of a long road. But we were thrilled at his decision and he has always been glad that he did.
We had a little get together after the convention and we did eat cake and had a great time. Don't know if it was a celebration or what you would call it. A dinner with friends?
But years later when he went to Bethel he remember that night and wrote and said how much he appreciated his parents and what they had taught him. His friends and how suportive they were. None of the rest of his family except his parents were witnesses. That was many years ago he is going to be 42 this month and has never been sorry about his decisions he said.

Answer 9

There are many good reasons to "Gather ourselves together."

Many joyous occasions to celebrate. As long as Jehovah remains the center of our life, and isn't dishonored or put second in any way consensus seems in favor of his servants being happy.

As to gift giving, perhaps not as this can lead to unhappy reactions from some. Let the happiness of the occasion reflect on Jehovah's generosity.

Have your party and praise Jehovah!
From our studies:
One special occasion for rejoicing is a Christian wedding. God’s ancient servants, including Jesus and his disciples, willingly shared in such happy events, including associated feasting. (Genesis 29:21, 22; John 2:1, 2) In recent times, however, experience has clearly shown that planning the social activities linked to weddings calls for special effort if they are to reflect good judgment and Christian balance. Yet, these are normal aspects of life that give a Christian opportunity to demonstrate his faith.

Answer 10

I recently got baptized and we went out w/ 20 or so to a restaraunt. It should be ok. Just try to keep it simple & not too 'special' or elaborate. IDK about the gifts. I wouldn't go around saying to get one. But if someomne happens to give one, take it.