Featured Baptism by Immersion

Only when we take a bath (and are completely covered). A shower sprays water (we are showered with water).

If you dip a pitcher into the water to pour over another's head then the pitcher is immersed in water.

Immerse means to completely cover with a liquid.


Same if you walk in the rain. You do get wet, but you are not actually immersed in water. If you jump off a bridge into a lake then you will be immersed in water.


Cooking is probably a better example. If you immerse a piece of meat the meat is completely covered in liquid. You could baste the meat, but this is pouring water over the meat.

 

Only what you drink.

 

Why are we arguing about the meaning of words. We all have dictionaries. We are all adults who attended at least some school. We all know that immerse means to submerge in liquid....or involve oneself deeply in a topic or activity.

Let's get back on topic. (Not that this isn't fun, but I think we all know that sprinkling and pouring is not immersion).

 

This was a question (not other than water but what type of water). Some believed it had to be moving water as opposed to standing water.

The whole body has to be immersed for one to have been immersed (immersion means submerged....you are not just your feet).


Why this line of questioning?

Even ancient Judaism practiced water baptism....and pouring of water.....and sprinkling of blood.


It isn't a matter of legalism. Words have meanings.

For example, repent and believe does not mean feel sorry and believe. To point that out is not legalism. Repent simply doesn't mean to feel sorry.


It appears you insist that baptism is not important as long as whatever replaces baptism carries the same meaning. You may be right.

But you would do better to argue for replacing baptism but retaining the symbolism. That is, in fact, what you are arguing around. And that is a fair argument.

 

But that raises more questions.

Baptists do not reject Christian brothers because of a mode of baptism (Baptists do not believe baptism saves).

What you are speaking of, if legitimate, is Baptists accepting those who have not been baptized (immersed) as members of their church.

BUT as Baptists we do not prescribe this on other Baptist congregations.

Some Baptist churches require classes to become a member. Some accept those who have not been baptized (immersed) as long as they were dipped or sprinkled as believers. Some require baptism by a Baptist church.

When we start trying to make other Baptist churches confirm to our membership standards we cease being Baptist.


What I think is a strength in your argument is exactly what it means to be Baptist. Many think it is immersion. But it isn't (it's as a believer).

Even Primitive Baptists and Landmark Baptists consider Baptist churches that poured water over believers as like churches (see the "Trail of Blood"). Baptists have not always, historically, practiced immersion.