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What is 'baptism'? My thought was that it is a public declaration of one's faith and a desire to walk in newness of life. If my belief on this is correct ... why would one be baptized in private without witnesses and then never refer to it or acknowledge it during their lifetime? Why would anyone do this? Do you feel that a leader would do this? Would this set a good example? Or am I totally off base and perhaps we should keep our baptisms secret? What are your thoughts on this?

? Parting shot! Photo: Ben Montgomery/Getty Images Spring in a pic: A visitor admires the flower installations at the Chelsea Flower Show in London today.

Why don't you just ask her yourself? Sure, you might have to wait a few years for the opportunity... :D

Is baptism about declaring yourself to be a Christian or a Follower of Jesus Christ? Our example is Jesus Himself, so here are a few questions about that: Who ordained John and gave him the authority to baptize? Who has the authority to baptize, and can just anyone perform a baptism? Did Jesus make a declaration at His baptism? Jesus did not sin, so for what reason did He need to be baptized? Where and under what conditions was Jesus baptized? Who observed His baptism, and what was said about it? Does the process of becoming like Jesus include baptism?

True, but it doesn't say which people (or how many). Obviously a few people would know you were a Christian.

I am going to try to post the Baptismal Vows. We will see if my technical skills come through. But if you will notice ... #12 is: I want to be baptized to show people I am a Christian. If you hide it by not doing it in public and never mentioning it ... that hardly seems compatible. The following is from "A reason to believe" by Chris Blake and published by the Review and Herald:

That would be a good test of faith, wouldn't it? (doing it publicly in a hostile environment) The Christian church has had to work underground in various places at all times in history because of opposition.

This is a good thought. Against our tradition ... but I like progressive thinking. Cool. But on the other hand ... is there something to say for a public declaration of one's belief and decision to follow Christ?

That's an interesting thought. But, wouldn't you want to have some trusted friends or family to witness it even if the government was hostile? I suppose we could explore all kinds of exceptions. But, my concern was more for the typical rather than the exception. I think the exceptions take away from the intended purpose of baptism. And I don't know of to many people who are government officials for their entire lifetime. Surely at some point you would be willing to stand up for your beliefs?

George Wendt, beloved bar regular Norm on 'Cheers,' dies at 76: 'A well-loved friend' https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/05/20/george-wendt-dies-cheers-norm/83751102007/