Baptism Without Consent

by Tom Wacaster

I have a dear preacher friend who is not married. While considering his marital state, and the awful misery he must be experiencing, I thought perhaps it would be better if he were married. I have happened upon a plan that would accomplish my desired end, and thought I might share it with our readers. Some afternoon, while he is sleeping, I will get some fine Christian lady to accompany me, along with the necessary witnesses, to his home. We will quietly sneak in and, while my friend in sleeping, I will put the question to the bride-to-be: "Will you take this sleeper to be your lawful wedded husband?" She will, of course, answer, "I do." I will then ask my sleeping brother, "Do you take this woman to be your wife?" Unable to answer for himself, we will permit the woman to answer for him. I will then pronounce them man and wife, awake my friend and inform him of his good fortune! Ridiculous you say? Absolutely. But is there any difference between the procedure in our imaginary intentions and what is done in the modern day practice of infant baptism? I think not! There is not one single infant upon whom the rite of baptism is pronounced, that is aware of what is taking place. Sponsors (usually the parents) take certain vows on behalf of the babe for which there is not one shred of evidence in the New Testament authorizing such a practice. When will we learn that only those who believe and confess the name of Christ before men are viable candidates for obedience in the watery grave of baptism.

The Bible: Hate Literature?

by Tom Wacaster

It has been almost a full decade since Saskatchewan's NDP government amended Section 14 of the province's Human Rights Code so as to prohibit discrimination against homosexuals by adding "sexual orientation" as a protected category. Since then there has been an ongoing debate as to whether or not the Bible's strong condemnations of homosexual behavior can be construed as hate literature under the amended act, but to this scribe's knowledge there has been no official ruling. One concerned Canadian resident sought to exempt the Bible from discriminatory classification, but so far has been "unimpressed with the human rights commission's response." While no one is contemplating "going after the Bible," it is apparent that the present rendering of government policy could be used at a later time to accuse Christianity of fomenting hatred against homosexuals. A Saskatchewan lawyer has pointed out that "Section 14 is broad enough to include the Bible," and then warned: "Policies change like fashion changes. Proscribing the Bible under Section 14 remains a real possibility as long as its protection depends on policy, not law" (emphasis mine, TW). When asked what would happen if someone filed a human right action against the Bible, a government official agreed that "the human rights commission would pursue that complaint." The present trend to recognize homosexuality as a legitimate moral life style is fraught with grave implications. What starts in the North tends to migrate South.

Now we in America have a similar "hate crimes bill," the specific aim of which is to provide aid and comfort to those who want to legitimize their perverted behavior. The full impact of this hate crimes bill has yet to be realized, but it is likely that the Gay and Lesbian movement in our society will be watching with the proverbial "eagle's eye" so as to test the new law at their earliest convenience. May God give us men who have the courage of Moses, the faith of Abraham, and the fiery spirit of John the baptist; men who will let our voices be heard in the halls of Congress; men who will enact laws that uphold godliness and denounce wickedness! I will close this week's article with one author's call for courage:

Be Strong

Be Strong!

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;

We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;

Shun not the struggle--face it; 'tis God's gift.

Be Strong!

Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?"

And fold the hands and acquiesce--oh shame!

Stand up, speak out and bravely, in God's name.

Be strong!

It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,

How hard the battle goes, the day how long;

Faint not -- fight on!

Tomorrow comes the song.

--Maltbie Davenport Babcock