And to this: The one thing that keeps nagging at me is that the New Testament gives us one rite for entry into the body of Christ - that is believers baptism (at least that is my interpretation - others of different faith traditions may disagree). So I wonder if someone has come to a point of 'belief in Christ' why we would put other steps in the way - effectively 'symbolically' excluding them from the 'body of Christ.'

Nathan responded:

Again it is a very good question. My response is partly nuances, and partly history.

Nuances first. I agree that there is only one rite of entry, but I don't agree that 'belief in Christ' was ever the sole pre-requisite. "Even the devil 'believes'" and all that. I think the pre-requisite would be better summed up as a trusting commitment to following Christ (active discipleship) for life. I think that that nuance matters in this discussion. I have no question about an eight year old's capacity to believe in Christ (but then my eight year old has only just decided to stop believing in Santa Claus, and I wouldn't be confident that all eight year olds comprehend the difference between those two types of belief). Grasping the reality of making vows for a life of discipleship is something which, in my opinion, requires the capacity to comprehend and consider the alternatives. How many eight to twelve year olds, if raised in Christian homes and good congregations, can yet comprehend what they are choosing to forsake in committing themselves to following Christ? To use the marriage analogy again, you have to not only know who you are committing to, but you have to know what "forsaking all others" means in practice too.

History next, but not unrelated. While we must always start with the New Testament in considering these matters, we also have to remember that the NT only gives us the picture of the practices and conclusions of the first generation or two of the Church. Not only was much of it being worked out on the run, but much of it was being worked out by people who expected the parousia within their lifetime, so they saw themselves as making decisions which only needed to work for a short time. Casting lots to choose a new apostle might have worked in that context, but with further reflection the churches decided not to continue with it as their sole means of choosing leaders! Similarly with baptism, it was not very long before the early churches began developing and requiring processes of discernment and formation before baptism. Fifty days after the execution of Jesus, there was little danger of anyone seeking baptism without knowing that it could cost them their lives. Three or four generations later, the realities were not so cut and dried and the churches began to review their practices in light of their experience.

Finally, I don't think it is necessary to conclude that by delaying baptism we are symbolically excluding them from the body of Christ. I think that is a similar approach to my previous suggestion that we Baptists haven't managed to adequately describe the relationship of our children to the church or the kingdom. Perhaps we can develop an understanding that the rites for enrolling someone in the Catechumenate (including Infant Presentation rites) bring a person into the Church, albeit not as a full member. They are symbolically and really brought into the Church, and the Church surrounds them and holds them in its life, love, care, nurture, prayer and protection. That's pretty 'in'. I guess it is a bit analogous to apprenticeships. We don't regard apprentice carpenters as excluded from the community of carpenters. Rather they are embraced by the community of carpenters and formed in the understandings and disciplines of carpentry, but it is understood that during that time, the apprentice could decide that carpentry is not for them, or that the community could decide that despite this person's declared love of carpentry, they have repeatedly proven that they do not have what it takes to follow the ways of carpentry. But the hope and the prayer is that the "probationary period" will culminate in a joyous mutual commitment for life. Does that help?

Peace and hope,

Nathan ______________________________________

Nathan Nettleton