debaptism

I heard of it many years ago in relation to Wiccans, but I have no sources. But consider how kooky it seems, if you will. Whereas I understand the sentiment, consider that "debaptizing" yourself actually legitimizes the original baptism. We all know that baptism is simply one more goofy manifestation of one particular religion's dogma. That parents can do something to their kids when they are least able to protest, however innocuous it might seem to them, is no surprise when they are steeped in such dogma. But at the end of the day, we know it signifies nothing. It's merely a curious cultural wart that we have dismissed along with all of religion's acroutrements. My baptism signifies nothing, factually and personally.

If one wanted a "debaptism" to make a kind of statement, I get it. But it seems to me that "reversing" a baptism actually admits to believing that the original baptism had some mystical supernatural quality. And of course that's just silly.

Originally Posted by choSenfroZen

What happened to your beard, Louis?

The beard picture was from last summer. This picture is from the summer before that. But since I no longer have the beard, it's closer to how I look now.

If debaptism will make you happy, do it. You can even do it yourself. "I unbaptize myself in the name of the non-existent Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. There are no such things. Ramen."

I agree that its fighting superstition with superstition. However in several places where they have debaptism its a way of getting off of the church records. Otherwise the church continues to list people who never show up or agree with them as members. I guess, also, for some people who have felt very damaged by the religion they grew up in its a symbolic rejection.

I agree with Louis. Going through a whole ordeal it means you are actually giving a huge significance to the baptism.

Originally Posted by Kai

It doesn't seem like it would be hard to get excommunicated from the church. That might be quite a bit of fun actually....

In Roman Catholic dogma, you are excommunicated if you miss Easter mass. That is the one Catholic mass that you are absolutely required to attend on pain of banishment from the hocus-pocus.