Sunday, December 19, 2004

The Permanent Vow, Amish Baptism

The deacon provides a small pail of water and a cup. The bishop tells the candidates to go on their knees. The candidates are then asked three questions:

(1)Are you willing, by the help and grace of God, to renounce the world, the devil, your won flesh and blood, and be obedient only to God an his church? (Yes)
(2)Are you willing to walk with Christ and his church and to remain faithful through life and until death? (Yes)
(3)Can you confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? (Each candidate repeats, "I confess the Jesus Christ is the Son of God")

The congregations stands for prayer while the applicants remain kneeling. Then the bishop lays his hands on the head of the first applicant. The deacon pours water into the bishop’s cupped hands. It drips over the candidate’s head. The ritual of baptism places the new members into full fellowship, with the rights and responsibilities of adult church membership." Pg 100 The Riddle of the Amish Culture, Kraybill

1 comment:

Scott M Terry said...

Welcome to Blogdom. Its about time!