#baptism

It would be unjust toward children to introduce them to Christian teaching and existence only as little pagans and catechumens, in order to leave it up to them to choose the Faith on their own responsibility at a point in time difficult to determine. ↗

— Hans Urs von Balthasar

#catholicism #christianity #faith #infant-baptism #theology

Under the leadership of religious professionals, modern worship has become passive—listening to a message and singing some songs. Seldom is there a call to service or an invitation to trust Christ. Baptisms take place inside the church where it is safe and comfortable rather than in public where there is opportunity to give witness to the saving grace of Christ. The great needs of society are left to para-church groups, government agencies, and other social service organizations. All the while the church is losing its muscle tone, its biceps are becoming loose and flabby and its belly is becoming round and soft. Not a pretty picture for one who once was toned and buff—a lean, mean fighting machine. ↗

— Craig Olson

#casual-christian #christ #christianity #worship #leadership

Minister: Welcome, brother! Do you reject Satan and all his works? Bunny Breckinridge: Sure. ↗

— Tim Burton

#bunny-breckenridge #rejecting-satan #satan

Religion needs a baptism of horse sense. ↗

— Billy Sunday

#horse #needs #religion #sense

I entered the water as naked as when my mother bore me. When I first touched the cold water I felt a shudder go through me, then the shudder was transformed into a sensation of wakefulness. ↗

— Tayeb Salih

#baptism #epiphany #immersion-experience #experience

Vaccination is the medical sacrament corresponding to baptism. Whether it is or is not more efficacious I do not know. ↗

— Samuel Butler

#corresponding #efficacious #i #i do #know