There's An Ash Tray - What Hinders Me?
This is something I really shouldn't have been thinking about today - yeah, I was in church. So what is it with all of the ash trays in some churches? OK, I know what you're thinking, 'they don't really smoke in churches - do they? Well, not that I know off ~ but it could be possible that some American Pentecostal and/or Market Driven Churches are into it, after all, it would be a good way to get some unchurched folks into the church. Alright - not so funny.
So anyhow, there I was thinking about this ash tray - should I sneak in sometime and put a butt or two in it. I don't suppose that would go down too well. Depending on whether or not water was kept in the ash tray, at least it is possible that there wouldn't be too much of a fire hazard.
That's right people, I was thinking about the 'baptismal font,' if that is what they are called. It's an item that can be used for all manner of purposes and not just as an ash tray. It could be used as a free standing 'dip' bowl for crackers and the like, though it could be argued it is already being used for 'dipping' I suppose. It could be used as a small bowl for keeping fruit, such as grapes and berries - certainly not water melon because it isn't designed to hold a whole lot of water :-)
It got me to thinking, why was it that the Ethiopian eunuch 'struggled' to get baptised after Peter had explained the meaning of various Scriptures to him - could it be that it took such an awfully long time to find a suitable small body of water. Perhaps eventually he was able to say, 'Peter, there's an ash tray - what hinders me from being baptised.' I imagine Peter might have said, 'Well, there isn't enough water for a proper baptism buddy.' Hence they waited until they found a considerable body of water for the sign to be carried out correctly.
OK, so you're thinking - 'typical Baptist!'
Now hang on, I could also say what is it with all of the concealed baths and spas that are often hidden under pulpits? Since when did baptisms get conducted in a bathroom?
Isn't it likely that the sign of giving a public testimony via baptism was meant to be carried out, well, publicly? Isn't it an outward sign of what has happened inwardly, a public testimony to all that something has happened of a spiritual nature and that you are giving a public testimony of the fact?
Obviously such 'open air' baptisms are a thing of the past for many denominations and churches - which is rather sad. What you get these days is some highly ritualised sprinkling, dipping and/or dunking in some fairly hidden away receptacles.
But you could probably go further and ask why are churches these days tied to 'church buildings?' Why are churches so concerned for material property, spending far too much time on property matters than on the mission to which they have been appointed? But I guess that is a possible subject for another day.
posted by: scubadiva (reply)
post date: 06.17.07 (2:02 pm)
I was raised in a Southern Baptist church. (Shocking, I know!) I always found it amusing how they had everyone wear white for the baptism. Uh, hello! White clothing + water = totally transparent. Totally convinced it was all master plan to get perverted peeks.
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 06.17.07 (6:51 pm)
I think you have a good point.
As a little boy, I can remember baptisms at the local creek. Everybody was invited, and it was a big deal. Since I have become a pastor, I have performed many baptisms, and all of them were inside the church building. Certainly they were a nice "testimony" to the congregation, but not to the world. I recall once, while on vacation, seeing a beach baptism. It did not make much of an impression upon me at the time, but with your post I am convinced it was highly proper. Thanks, my friend.
By the way, if you could get the widget out of the way over on the right, it would be a lot easier to write a reply on your website! Just a thought.
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 06.17.07 (6:52 pm)
Reply to: scubadiva
Southern Baptist? Explains some things...
posted by: bushman (reply)
post date: 06.18.07 (1:19 am)
Yes, the white clothing is another issue to comment on - what is it with the white clothing? I suppose it is meant to be symbolic of a change of life. I would imagine it has to do with the washing away of sin and now being made pure and your sins becoming as white as snow (Isaiah 53) because the blood of Christ has washed them clean. Still, like many things in churches, there is no Biblical warrant for this tradition of man. As you say, there is a need to be concerned about what happens after you come out of the water and you are wearing all white.
posted by: bushman (reply)
post date: 06.18.07 (1:23 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Thanks for your thoughts.
I have also got rid of one of the widgets after trying to reply to one of the comments. I wasn't sure what you meant until I started to do so - one of the flaws in the system here obviously. Still, the widget wasn't of great importance ~ just providing a bit of window dressing really. I think the CNN one may soon go the way of the one I just dumped also. Will see how it goes tonight before making up my mind.
posted by: scubadiva (reply)
post date: 06.18.07 (2:42 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
It gets even worse... I was raised Southern Baptist but went to a Methodist private school (it was me and a Jewish boy against all of them!). Then in college, I went to a Jesuit Catholic college.
All of these experiences contributed to my sentiments that organized religion is nothing but politics under the guise of God. (There are exceptions but when humans are involved, they muck everything up.)
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 06.18.07 (5:40 am)
Reply to: scubadiva
You got that right- human beings do tend to mess up all things, including religion and church. Sin.
I'll guess- you were not a good little Catholic girl while in College. Probably fooled around with the Baptist boys. Scuba, you're fun to interact with here in t-blog. Who knows, one day you may be singing in the choir, wearing a white robe? It could happen...
posted by: scubadiva (reply)
post date: 06.18.07 (6:07 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
I know this will be a shock to you, but I was booted from Catholic school. (Well, we mutually agreed I wouldn't return...) I can't say I've ever corrupted a Baptist boy.
And considering that my singing resembles a cross between a cat in heat and a squeaking door, I won't be joining a choir in this lifetime. I wouldn't be caught dead in a white robe. Totally washes me out - and robes are so un-figure flattering. I didn't lose all this weight to cover up my curves. I prefer to tempt men to have impure thoughts. ;)