My son's baptism

[_Some Schmo]

This is a rhetorical question, Runtu, so I don't need a response (although if you wanted to, that's cool too):

If you don't care what others think, why did you start a thread about it?

[_Some Schmo]

Easier said than done when you have family flying in from other places just for the baptism and a graduation.

There will be plenty of opportunities to create an integrity lesson. Why add unnecessary strain on the marriage, family relations, and put the little boy in the middle?

Because if it's important enough, sometimes short term pain is worth long term growth and benefit. And why create some cheap integrity lesson rather than demonstrate true integrity by example? What do you suppose is going to have a greater impact on your kids?

Maintaining your integrity isn't always easy, and that's why not everyone has it.

[_wenglund]

Heh. How about me Wade? Do you think I should baptize my kid in 9 months?

Were you to be of the same gracious, caring, other-centric, forward-thinking, healthy and secure mind as Runtu, then for your son's sake I would say "yes".

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

So that's a 'no'? Is it really not all about what's in the son's best interest then? Does your whole 'bonding' schpiel not apply to me then? Or is it irrelevant to the actual question?

While I do have thoughtful answers for your questions, I have said as much to you on the subject as I thought might be of value and would not chance being interpreted as condescending, and will respectfully leave it at that, and simply wish you and your son all the best.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Who Knows]

Because if it's important enough, sometimes short term pain is worth long term growth and benefit. And why create some cheap integrity lesson rather than demonstrate true integrity by example? What do you suppose is going to have a greater impact on your kids?

Maintaining your integrity isn't always easy, and that's why not everyone has it.

Good point. We often do things that our kids perceive as 'bad' or 'causing harm' - however, they're for the kids own future benefit - they may just not see it that way right now.

[_moksha]

Good for you Runtu. I will be going through the same thing with my daughter, later this year. I am looking forward to it. I imagine you have performed baptisms before, so this is old hat to you. I never baptized anyone before, although I did dunk my sons when we were water fighting in the pool.

As far as others here worrying about any effect to you, that is superfluous in that the baptism is about your son, let them face their own Rubicon when they come to it.

Best wishes for your son on his eight birthday.

[_Who Knows]

Heh. How about me Wade? Do you think I should baptize my kid in 9 months?

Were you to be of the same gracious, caring, other-centric, forward-thinking, healthy and secure mind as Runtu, then for your son's sake I would say "yes".

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

So that's a 'no'? Is it really not all about what's in the son's best interest then? Does your whole 'bonding' schpiel not apply to me then? Or is it irrelevant to the actual question?

While I do have thoughtful answers for your questions, I have said as much to you on the subject as I thought might be of value and would not chance being interpreted as condescending, and will respectfully leave it at that, and simply wish you and your son all the best.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Oh, come on Wade. Is it about me? Or is it about the son and the family? You can answer me that can't you?

Oh, and Wade - when I ask for your opinion - I can't really come back at you for being condescending. I guess my examples truly didn't sink in. I could try again if you'd like. I've found knowing such things to be beneficial in my life.

[_Sethbag]

This is a really interesting question, and to be honest, I really don't know what I think about it. I simply don't know.

We only had one kid, and she's 14 now. I baptised her six years ago, and it wasn't a problem because I was a believer.

The next potential problem with respect to church ordinances and my daughter now is in the intermediate future when she's old enough to potentially get married. The question, of course, is whether she'll still be a believer or not, or want to marry a believer, in the temple, or not, etc. If my daughter turns out a believer and wants to get married in the temple, it'll be pretty tough, but I don't think I'll go. That's assuming I'm even still a member in a few years. I'm still a member now, though I don't believe, but I am not sure that will always be the case.

[_Gazelam]

I know you don't think that you've ever had a witness of the Spirit, but on this occasion try an experiment.

The scripture states in section 84 that the power of God is manifest in the ordinances of the priesthood. If you really want to get a witness of the spirit, go into this fasting and praying, and see if the Spirit is manifest in both of the ordinances. If the baptism is a true ordinance of Gods priesthood, then the Holy Ghost will be manifest. If not, then you have your answer.

This baptism can be for more than just your son. You bear Gods priesthood, and your acting in his name. He should bear witness to both ordinances, especially the Bestowal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, that's when I feel it the strongest anyway.

Gaz

[_mocnarf]

This is a really interesting question, and to be honest, I really don't know what I think about it. I simply don't know.

We only had one kid, and she's 14 now. I baptised her six years ago, and it wasn't a problem because I was a believer.

The next potential problem with respect to church ordinances and my daughter now is in the intermediate future when she's old enough to potentially get married. The question, of course, is whether she'll still be a believer or not, or want to marry a believer, in the temple, or not, etc. If my daughter turns out a believer and wants to get married in the temple, it'll be pretty tough, but I don't think I'll go. That's assuming I'm even still a member in a few years. I'm still a member now, though I don't believe, but I am not sure that will always be the case.

Are you a member in good standing? I mean a full tithe payer? If not, how could you go? Would you pretend for a while so you could get a TR ?

[_mocnarf]

Runtu,
Have you considered what you're going to do when he's eligible for the Aaronic preisthood? Will you do that ordinance as well?

I wonder how many people are "closet dis-believers"? That is they don't believe but go through the motions just to keep some sense of harmony in the family.