I have been reading these forums as much as time will allow. I have so many questions, and no patience---I want to know it all now!
Would you all mind if I ask something here and there, rather than trying to find it in Ray's papers? I've been reading so much my mind is screaming for a breather.
You don't worry about Communion, baptism, etc. It is not necessary to do these things, am I correct here? What about Christmas? Is this a man made idea also?
And if you WANT to do these things, is that ok? Or does God frown upon them?
I was baptized in college--my own decision, in public, by a Presbyterian minister, in a Methodist church, I was sprinkled rather than immersed because that is just how this particular church did it (to me it was all the same, as I felt that it was what was in your heart that mattered, not the physical details). Now many people of different churches would, I'm sure, tell me what a farce that was. But to me, it was as real as it gets, because I love God so much, and I wanted to do this to show my love for Him. In my heart, I felt this was the greatest gift I could give to Him. I believe this is how He took it, too. Am I wrong in this thinking?
My kids were Christened as babies. During that service they were also baptized, which I thought was just plain nuts, as they had no idea what was going on, and so spirtually, could not agree or disagree with it. To me, this does not count. But until today, I was very worried, as they have not been baptized yet, as adults (well, teenagers). So, I guess I am asking----does this matter? According to what I've read so far, it does not? Am I on the right track?
leeney