A baptism is all about renouncing the devil, washing away the stain of original sin, and entrusting your child’s soul to God. But here’s betting that for Kate and William today’s ceremony is less about religion and more an opportunity for a happy party, surrounded by the people they most care about, to celebrate the arrival of their son. And if it is, what’s wrong with that?
The tradition of having your baby baptised is in decline in Britain: christenings in the Church of England are down by around a half on what they were in 1980, and there’s a similar story in the Catholic church. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury who’s presiding at the font in St James’s Palace today, says it would be wonderful if the baptism of Prince George led other parents to think about getting their baby christened. And he’s right ”“ not because the church needs bums on its pews, but because baptism is an age-old rite of passage that provides one of those all-important moments in family life when we pause, take stock, and think about both where we’ve come from and where we’re going, and how important it is to support one another along the way.
This lady is very confused about baptism.
Then again, the CofE is very confused about baptism. Check the liturgy. Then check the baptism FAQ on the CofE website. Then ask yourself what coherent theology could possibly underpin all this, especially now that Christendom is dead.
OK, I did. The “Christening” tab includes this alternative:
[blockquote]Thanksgiving
Some parents might want to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way without the commitment that baptism involves. During the Thanksgiving service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and everyone prays for family life. It can take place in church with the congregation, or with just family and friends gathered, or elsewhere such as home, or even in hospital.
A Thanksgiving Service is not a Baptism. There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. The child will be blessed and prayed for, and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby. To find out more about a Thanksgiving Service contact your local vicar. [/blockquote]
Is it possible to seem more desperate than this? “Just let us show up. Just let us have *some* function in your life, however marginal. No committment necessary.” Geez. “You don’t have to marry me. You don’t even have to tell people I’m your girlfriend. Just let me go to the movies with you from time to time. I’ll pay my own way. Just sit in the same row as me so it looks like we’re together.” Pathetic.