Communal Differences

This week the Arkansas Baptist Convention has been meeting to review its beliefs regarding baptism and communion. Since I have been a member of the Southern Baptist denomination for over fifty years, I am always interested in the latest discussions, especially now that I have been attending an Episcopal church for the past year.

Essentially, many Southern Baptists believe in "closed" communion, that is, only members of that particular church can receive what they refer to as the Lord's Supper. In addition, they also believe that, if one wishes to move a membership from one denomination to another (Methodist to Southern Baptist, for example), he or she must be re-baptized. They refer to baptisms in other churches as "alien" baptisms.

These views differ from the ones I am now observing in the Episcopal church. Episcopalians believe in infant baptism as an indication that the child is born into the community of the church. Later, as one reaches adolescence, the church teachings are "confirmed" by the child. He or she is then received into church membership. Episcopalians also believe that young children can participate in Communion even before confirmation.

I guess I am now beginning to prefer the latter beliefs. Southern Baptist always tend to say about one another's faith this cliche: "Well, only God can know one's heart truly and if he or she is really saved." If we cannot know another's true beliefs, what do we have to lose by allowing that one to be baptized early or to take communion--to signify the love and support of the larger church community? Episcopalians also believe that God chooses the time and place for baptism. That baptism takes place in infancy for "cradle" Episcopalians, but for others, it comes as adolescents or adults. Russell Crowe, the actor, has just announced his intention to be baptized into the church when his younger son is. He indicates that his parents did not direct him into a particular faith but let him choose for himself. He has now done so.

I often wonder how God perceives all of this arguing here on earth over various interpretations of the Scripture and His will. Southern Baptists have always believed their way is the "correct" way; Episcopalians have a more modest view of their infallibility when interpreting their theology. They believe there are questions that can only be answered by God Himself, not humans.