Baptism

I visited St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Newaygo last Sunday, when the Episcopalian liturgical calendar celebrates the baptism of Christ by St. John and the beginning of Christ's ministry. Mother Mary's sermon got me thinking about baptism, and what I've learned thus far about early Christian baptismal beliefs.

Somewhere in recent months, perhaps in class but certainly also during a sermon or two, the mechanical and practical aspects of early baptism were addressed in my hearing. My residual mental image was of a long, slim pool, with steps descending on one end and rising on the other, filled with water of a sufficient depth so that the visitor would be completely immersed. The person being baptized would strip at one end, and their clothes were whisked away to be burned. They descended into the pool - again, I have no source at my fingertips but I want to say it was seven steps down, then seven strides across, and finally seven steps back up. Upon reaching the far side, they were clothed in new garments and accepted as members of the church.

In the interests of full disclosure, I should report that the surface research I performed this week showed as many different styles of baptism as there are flavors of Christianity. The "7 steps across the pool" baptism which sits on the edge of my recollection was, at best, just one of many interpretations of the practice. But I imagine those acolytes approaching the pool nervously at night, with only one or two guides (to minimize the danger if they were betrayed). The shock of the cold air, then the cold water. Seven steps under water would feel like a near-death experience for a non-swimmer, and I suspect not many of these desert dwellers were comfortable in the water. Up the steps on the far side, even colder with the combination of cold air on wet skin; and then the welcome of a fresh white robe and the "right hand of Christian fellowship" extended by the welcoming members of their new family. It is somewhat reminiscent of trial by ordeal, which makes me wonder what happened if someone were unable to complete the ritual.

In just a few days, we are headed off to the other side of the planet. We will shed the comforts of being surrounded by our own language, familiar amenities and wealth of resources. (I will be leaving my phone home for reasons having to do with service and logistics; I am already battling separation anxiety on that score.) We will immerse ourselves in the lives of friends not yet met, and in the cultures, religions and daily life of Israel and Palestine. We will do our best to soak it all in, and yet not be overwhelmed by the sheer turbulent volume of it all. In the end we will return to our everyday lives, having gained new connections and new understanding which will forever affect our perception.

The United Church of Christ declares that "The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift." (www.ucc.org/worship/baptism) As a Jewish friend of mine likes to say, "From your lips to God's ear."