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I sincerely asked a question about how you would baptize a retarded, handicap, 60+ yr old man who is afraid of water. True, in the original post I did not mention he was handicap, because it really isn't a physical issue as much as a mental issue.I had no idea of how to baptize him. THIS MORNING I had the thought of laying a wet sponge on top of his head and squeezing it. Now I'm being accused of already knowing what I was going to do and just looking for someone to agree with me.I don't know anyone personally on this board, I use my real name and I pastor a real church with real people who have real problems. I have better things to do with my time than sit and try to think up stuff to post or to comment on someone else's thread.I was holding out on hope that this forum was changing toward the better, but once again hope lost.Even if I already knew what I was going to do (I didn't) what was the harm of asking the question that I asked? Did I make any snide remarks to anyone? Did I tell anyone that their idea was stupid or wouldn't work? No, but what I did say was that I appreciated all the comments that were given.Hopefully, you will be shown more grace than what was shown to me and not be falsely accused of something if you have a situation that you think someone on this forum might be able to help you with.

Re: What's wrong with you people????

Hey Ernie, I must not have read the comment that set you off, but I thought it was a good post and from what I read, some good advice or ideas. It is a situation others could face.I hate you got bummed, but there is always one or even more who love to shot from the hip. This post surprised me. I was away for a day. Now I will go read the post and see where the FIRE came from.Love you my friend Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

That's a tough issue. I believe in 'thorough soaking'-- which is best done by immersion. The Old Testament says 'wash his whole body with water and let him be unclean until even.' I believe this sort of ritual is the historical root of water baptism. I'm probably a bit more 'sacramental' in my view of baptism than the typical American evangelical or Pentecostal though, associating it more with salvation than a lot of US evangelicals. (I say US because I find that many Asian Pentecostals and Evangelicals are less likely to think of baptism as unrelated to becoming a Christian than Americans are.)Peter said, Repent and be baptized... for the remission of sins...Peter said, ...baptism now saves you...Jesus said in Mark, He that believes and is baptized shall be saved...Ananias told Paul, ...be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.Jesus wanted the nations baptized and disciples. He didn't just want us to have them repeat prayers or to pray by themselves at an altar.My point is that it's important to do it right, whatever that means, not some meaningless ritual that isn't important.When it comes to water baptism, even as an issue of conscience, I wouldn't want someone to wonder whether their baptism was valid over an issue of sprinkling or pouring. I've had a conversation with someone who regretted he'd just had water poured on his head. I do wonder sometimes about those who have an intense fear of being immersed in baptism, if there may not be a spiritual root to it. That's why I suggested praying for deliverance first

Agreed Ernie.I thought this place had turned for the better too - but then some guy posts on here and calls some one retarded.Very sad.

Well lets see.I am:Old, not as old as CojakOverweight, but not as mush as I have beenImperfect, but asking the Lord to cleanse meDon't pray enoughDon't read the Bible enoughDon't witness enoughDon't love as I shouldNot patient enoughNot educated enoughDon't preach as good as Mark WilliamsSend to much time doing nothing, like watching TVNot wealthy, but God supplies my needI do not have the time to list everything wrong with me, nor will read all of it.You know what? The Lord loves me in spite of weaknesses.As far as not responding to your post. I do not respond to all post. Sorry you were offended Recorded Sermons @ www.pastorwiley.com

I know NB... but what are you gonna ya do with people like that? I guess some people just don't know how to be politically correct.

That used to be the proper term. But it was used as an insult, so they came up with 'special' and 'mentally handicapped' and 'mentally challenged.' Make it long enough and people may not use it as an insult.'Idiot' used to be the proper term, but that came to be used as an insult as well

When we want to do a slur now, we just call them oldtimer.

Not politically correct is good at times. And maybe at times not. I am a middle of the roader myself. many times a fence straddler, but always, always try to end on the side of MY LORD! I have been known to change my mind a complete 180 degrees (Not often, but I have)I am not sure this is a PC problem, more a personality clash. But not enough to separate brothers, disagreement is not always bad. I have read even men of GOD disagreed and both stayed right with God. There seems to be exceptions to a lot of rules. I agree with Link MOSTLy, but there was at least one exception, the thief on the cross. BAptism was impossible, but it was an exception. Down deep I feel the method doesn't matter as much as the heart's position. I know, I know that has been said.PS:Also in my heart I know Ernie ain't gonna stand in public and say he is baptizing a 'retarded' person. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/