Marrow Man
Drunk with Powder
I have a question or two for ministers who perform baptisms (specifically, but not unique to, the baptism of a child). The question is not limited to minsters, however; others may have some thoughts as well.
In the past, I have always simply used by hand to perform the baptism. I cup my hand, gather a small quantity of water, and pour (rather than sprinkle) that water on the head of the child.
I have noticed that some pastors use an object to aid in the pouring: a shell or a cup of some sort. As long as no spiritual symbolism or significance is being attached to the item, I would think these would simply be viewed as circumstances and not violations of the RPW. Someone may be of a different opinion, and I would be interested in hearing that.
The baptism of my twin daughters will hopefully be taking place in April (they are still in the NICU), and my mother-in-law gave me a silver cup and asked that I might think of using it in the baptism (I am not quite sure about the significance of the cup, but I think it is something that was passed down in the family in some way). Are there any thoughts on this?
And finally, is there anything with regard to Reformed writers (current or in the past) who might have some thoughts on such things?
In the past, I have always simply used by hand to perform the baptism. I cup my hand, gather a small quantity of water, and pour (rather than sprinkle) that water on the head of the child.
I have noticed that some pastors use an object to aid in the pouring: a shell or a cup of some sort. As long as no spiritual symbolism or significance is being attached to the item, I would think these would simply be viewed as circumstances and not violations of the RPW. Someone may be of a different opinion, and I would be interested in hearing that.
The baptism of my twin daughters will hopefully be taking place in April (they are still in the NICU), and my mother-in-law gave me a silver cup and asked that I might think of using it in the baptism (I am not quite sure about the significance of the cup, but I think it is something that was passed down in the family in some way). Are there any thoughts on this?
And finally, is there anything with regard to Reformed writers (current or in the past) who might have some thoughts on such things?