Results 1 - 2 of 2
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Who can Baptize you? Does it matter? | Rom 10:9 | Taleb | 72127 | ||
VenturesFan1, you wrote, "True Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship" - and rightly so. However, you also wrote: "I wonder if by religion, you mean Christian denominations or do you mean another religion such as Islam, Judaism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc?" Don't forget that Christianity is NOT the only "religion" which refers to theirs as "a relationship". Judaism, for one example, also makes that claim. And, like Christianity, Judaism also ISN"T a religion (at least to the Jews) – it is, as many Moslems will declare about their faith, a way of life. And speaking of baptism - Judaism's "mikvah" (ritual bath), is used to convert Goys (gentiles)to Judaism. Their "baptism" is perhaps the most like John the Baptist's. It, as an outward expression of a spiritual commitment, began in Exodus 19:10. Thousands of years later, for a man or woman to convert to Judaism, they first must become "born again" through their mikvah. With the eyes and lips as though they were in the womb (neither closed tight, nor opened wide) the "new convert" is immerged naked to allow all of the body to "benefit" from the water touching every part. Note: modesty is not compromised, as an aide of the same sex will shield the congregation’s view of the participant. The fingers and toes are spread. No fingernail polish, lipstick, or done-up hair is allowed. The feet are not allowed to touch the bottom, in order to position the body into a “fetal” posture. Unlike the Christian's one baptism, the Jews often partake of mikvah, e.g. before a wedding, Shabbat, Yom Kippur, etc. My point? Please, be careful not to conclude that "our way" is unique. While, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ IS unique - EVERY “religion” can "prove" that theirs is the "only one". Just ask any of my strict, by-the-book-Mormon cousins. ;-) Seeing I still have some mishpachah (family) who call themselves Jewish … Judaism, for example, DOES NOT believe that salvation is "earned" through good works. “Good works” is merely the “result” of their faith. The sad part is each one can, with Scripture, prove their dogma. Maybe that’s why it’s more important how we live than what we say. Shalom aleichem, Taleb |
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2 | Who can Baptize you? Does it matter? | Rom 10:9 | Hank | 72974 | ||
Taleb, having read both your user profile and your posts thus far, I join my colleague CDBJ in both his welcome to you and his positive expectation of the potential value of your experiences, background, and learning to the forum. I like your style. As "homework" here's an "assignment" if you'd care to accept it: What would be your best apology that you could give to a non-Christian inquirer who posed the question: "What, if anything, is truly unique to Chrisitianity and would thus set it apart from any and all other religious persuasions?" Again, a warm welcome to you. And a P.S. Regarding typewriters, computers and other kindred contraptions, it was only a few years ago that with reluctance I disposed of my old Underwood manual office typewriter, which was made of pig iron and weighed some 226 pounds and 12 ounces, give or take a few, and I've regretted it ever since! --Hank | ||||||