A private Christian school in North Carolina baptized 100 students without informing their parents, causing frustration and outrage from upset parents who say they missed an important moment in their child’s spiritual upbringing.
The baptism bonanza was part of “Spiritual Emphasis Week” at Northwood Temple Academy in Fayetteville, North Carolina. However, the initial plan was only to baptize a handful of children on the morning of September 1st, in celebration of the conclusion of the weeklong event.
But the three scheduled baptisms turned into over 100, as students saw their friends get baptized, and spontaneously joined in the fun. Instructors allegedly made no attempt to stop them, and parents aren't happy.
A Baptism Battle
“Today we had over 100 middle and high school students spontaneously declare their faith and get baptized today,” said a social media post from the school the following evening. But what the school thought was an exciting announcement of a powerful spiritual moment quickly turned into a baptism by fire for the Christian academy.
The baptisms, the school says, were spontaneous. Students saw their friends get baptized, and wanted to join in. The school made no attempt to stop the students, because they were overwhelmed by what they say was a beautiful moment.
At the end of the day, more than 100 students were baptized without parental presence or consent.
The way head of the school Renee McLamb describes it, it almost sounds like an unstoppable wave of spirituality overtook the students. As she wrote in an email to parents, “truly, the Lord began to move this morning and we were so excited about what the Lord was doing. Several students had given their lives to the Lord during Spiritual Emphasis Week and they were scheduled to be baptized this morning. But the Spirit of the Lord moved and the invitation to accept the Lord and be baptized was given and the students just began to respond to the presence of the Lord.”
But is feeling the Lord’s presence enough of an excuse for impulsively baptizing students without parental involvement?
Sorry, Not Sorry
At least a few parents were outraged over the unexpected baptisms. As one parent related to local news outlets, "my daughter calls me from the school and says, 'Mama, can you bring me some dry clothes? I got baptized today.’ I said ‘WHAT?’”
One parent worried that the baptism would override the previous baptism her child already received in church, and others were angry that they missed an important moment in the lives of their children.
Others pondered if the students were taking the spiritual plunge because they genuinely wanted to, or if they were caving to peer pressure. As one mother wrote on Facebook, "I would've wanted to make sure that they are understanding exactly what baptism is, why people do it, that is not a requirement, and that is THEIR CHOICE to do so."
Principal Renee McLamb sent a followup email to parents apologizing that the school didn’t “take into consideration” their “desire to be a part of something so wonderful happening in the lives of their children,” but says she’s praying “that at the end of the day we will all rejoice because God truly did a work in the lives of our students.”
Many parents are reading that as a ‘sorry, not sorry’ from the school. McLamb herself seems to view the baptisms as a greater good: She explained that “we did not expect the students to respond in the manner they did, although at the end of the day, we are happy that they did.”
As it stands, there doesn't seem to be much upset parents can do, other than express their frustrations online. But what do you think? Is it okay to baptize children without the consent of their parents? Is it worth upsetting parents in order to save a soul? Or is it immoral to subject a child to such a sacred ritual without their parents’ knowledge?
When it comes to children and faith, should parents get the final say?
95 comments
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Colleen McAllister
Mixed feelings. The two things are quite different. Baptism is not what saves you. If you have accepted Jesus as the Christ Messiah then baptism is an announcement of that to those around you
If you have not made the decision to accept Jesus then baptism means nothing.
To allow so many to jump into the water on the spur of the moment cheapens it for those who are truly giving their heart.
Either way parents should be notified if the child is under legal age
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Rev. Elizabeth
Curious what you mean by legal age. There is no legal anything about the Bible nor the people who worship God. It is questioning the individual that they “understand” the meaning of the baptism. Did they ask the right questions of the child so they understood what they are about to do? That would be my question. I might feel hurt that this happened without me being there. We want to be a witness to all the milestones in our children’s lives.
Being a Reverend I would feel honored to perform this act of the Church and what Jesus says what needs to happen to receive the Holy Spirit and to be saved. As a parent I want to witness my child being saved and making sure they understood their decision prior to the baptism.
Since the deed is done, talk to your child, see their excitement and tell them you are proud of them. Now schedule a party to celebrate an important decision. It’s done, be proud.
I hope no parent made their children feel like they did something wrong.
God Bless, Rev. Elizabeth S. Arsenault
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Pastor Jim
Legal age ai 18 in the US and the Bible tells us we are to abide by man's laws, as well as Gid's. Maybe there is no minimum legal age to baptize but proper protocol and courtesy would dictate a midicum a parental advisement and inclusion. After all, thought symbolic, it is a life event that I feel most parents would want to participate in.
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Amber Fry
Two problems with that. The first is people do have choices in religion, period. No one group can enforce their beliefs on another. Jesus didn't teach to enforce on others. He taught to live the life in your own right.
The other is the law. If someone is under the legal age of consent then the parents must be informed. When someone takes those steps without parental consent they cross legal lines.
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James T Wade
Age of maturity is a Hot topic no matter what the related subject is in the US and around the world. In the US as well know it can be different from state to state drinking buying cigarettes etc but I know of nowhere that is illegal to baptize someone at any age. If you could quote your source I'd appreciate it..
Historically there have been kings and queens that were very very young. In religion both the Jewish and Catholic faith see that right at age 12 or 13 to this day. And in today's world my 13-year-old grandson has been told he has the right to make decisions on every aspect of his identity, without parental consent.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
@ C. McAllister “ The two things are quite different”
No, they are both excellent examples of delusional thinking.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Bah ha ha! Praise be the sheepishness of young children! If the teachers were convincing them all to have sex with their teachers you’d change your tune.
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Amber Fry
Fact. It's odd they don't understand force is force.
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Pastor Jim
Since the children were not of legal age of consent, the parents should have have been notified beforehand and patental permission granted... Christian school or not.
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Rev. Elizabeth
There is no legal age in when you can be baptize. It’s not against the law. It is making sure the child can tell you why they want to be baptized. The Protestant church waits for the child to be 12yo. By then they feel they understood completely. I haven’t read the story. Saw it here first. Does it say their ages? The parents can have their child baptized again if they wish. Anyone can baptize a child. They need to know what it means and then made sure the child knows. They don’t have to be clergy either. All that is required is that they know what baptism means.
God Bless, Rev. Elizabeth S. Arsenault
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Amber Fry
No, there is no legal age limits of being baptized. However parents are legally responsible for a child so doing anything to them without parental knowledge and consent is illegal, religion or not. This has been established long ago.
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Pastor George Day
You are right, Rev. Elizabeth. It's called conditional baptism.
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Rev. Elizabeth
Does the article state their ages? Christian schools abides by their church’s guidelines. I’m assuming it was a Christian school. It’s not against the law but I think someone should have notified the parents beforehand and explain to the student that their parent would want to be here to witness your decision to be baptized. But they are not bound by any law to do so. Personally, I would talk to the child to make sure they understood what they are about to do and then say, your parents might want to be here to witness your decision, to take pictures, to celebrate with you. Being a parent myself, I would have felt hurt and proud. I would not make my child feel bad about their decision. To celebrate a decision like this, wanting to be saved; let’s throw a party and celebrate that step in their lives, hallelujah!!
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Pastor George Day
Rev. Elizabeth, good point!
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Rev Charles R Juarez Jr
I understand how the parents felt but I would be more excited to know that my child did it without me having to ask him so praise God in the highest.
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Lionheart
Would you have felt the same way if they’d been baptized Mormon, or JW, or had been indoctrinated into another faith, without the parents consent, other than yours?
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Robin Murray
The parents PAY for their child to attend this Christian school knowing all along they would be exposed to whatever religion the school is backed by. They gave tacit agreement by signing the forms before admitting their child there. The children decided to join in, not the school. There was no coercion and so the responsibility rests with the personal choice of the child.
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Rev. B
Still, it was a dick move. The parents should have been invited to attend.
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Robin Murray
Wow, please take the "rev." from the front of your name. Speaking filth is not only low brow, but profane. Once again you may need to read the article. It clearly states the children joined in spontaneously. They were NOT ordered or asked to join in. So, blame the children for wanting to accept Jesus into their hearts.
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Rev. B
I'm guessing you're whining because of the "dick move" comment. Sure, no other reverend has ever spoken this common phrase. To educate you, it means "being a massive jerk to someone". It has nothing to do with "filth". Take your mind out of the gutter. Although I must say that a simple word getting your panties in a bunch amuses me. As for the rest of your statement, I read the article and understand that the kids joined in voluntarily. My point was simply that children don't always take their parent's feelings into account, and I believe the school should have invited the parents to attend. I wasn't saying they should be legally bound to do so, but because it is something any religious parent would want to be a part of and seems the right thing to do. The parents knew nothing about it and would have loved to be a part of it.
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Pastor George Day
I don't think a reverend should speak so foul. Sorry.
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Rev. B
Again, see above. Foul is in the eye of the beholder.
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Ann
I would be although I would also be surprised since it was a christian school they were attending. Sort of makes your comment better suited for another conversation, one that I would like to see on here actually.
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Reverend Kurt
Perhaps it is wiser for the school to stop being woke and wake up in 2020?
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Rev Mark D
So it was justIfied as being the kids choice. Hmmm. CHOICE. Exercised by children. Hmmm. "Their choice." Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm.
So evidently we have a church stating its position on exercising Choice.
(Can you hear the elders now silently saying "Uh-oh..."?)
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Colleen McAllister
Mixed feelings. The two things are quite different. Baptism is not what saves you. If you have accepted Jesus as the Christ Messiah then baptism is an announcement of that to those around you
If you have not made the decision to accept Jesus then baptism means nothing.
To allow so many to jump into the water on the spur of the moment cheapens it for those who are truly giving their heart.
Either way parents should be notified if the child is under legal age
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Robin Murray
So when Jesus asked John to Baptize him on the spur of the moment, it was cheap? Maybe read Matthew 3:13-17 to remind you that when moved by the spirit, it is a wonder to behold and not cheap. There is no age limit in the Bible. Also, these patents gave tacit permission by paying for their child to attend this Christian school knowing beforehand that they would be exposed to christian beliefs and practices.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
If you send your child to a religious school for brainwashing why would you be surprisec if they did this?
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Canadian Yankee
It sounds more like a pool party to me that a truly religious rite. As to parents being advised if they really feel offended or cheated they can remove the students from the school.
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Pastor Jim
Absolutely... and they should.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Appears the school administrators can't control the students and then spin it to say it's a good thing. Mob violence took over and the could care less about being baptized. It was just a free for all.
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Rev. Elizabeth
I just noticed that the children were middle school aged. That is 12 years up to 14 years of age. That is the age of most Protestant Churches that Baptize the children and they are questioned if they understand what it means to be Baptized. I will ask if their parents will be there and if the parents are there, I question a child’s knowledge away from their parents and with another adult as a witness. This is what I do. I know many churches who do the same as I.
God Bless, Rev. Elizabeth S. Arsenault
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Amber Fry
Again, this is about parental consent laws. IF the parents are aware and in agreement the age doesn't matter. However if the parents are not made aware and giving consent, it is not legal. Even the religious rules are to follow the laws of man so there is no good reason or excuse for this.
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Robin Murray
They agreed to involve their children in the religious indoctrination of whatever religion this school supports by paying for the child to attend and signing the many forms of admission. They gave their tacit permission by sending them here and not another school. If they do not want their children to not be involved in such activities, they should send them to public school. It was the parent's choice for their children to be there, not the school forcing anyone. Besides, the school did not coerce or force the students to join in, they did it of their own volition.
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Colleen McAllister
In my church, we are Baptist, we baptize only those who go to the Pastor or a Deacon and ask to receive it. Age is not the criteria. Belief is. However a child being baptized on the spur if the moment would not be done. We take baptism very seriously. And if under 18 a parent would always be consulted.
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Colleen McAllister
In my church, we are Baptist, we baptize only those who go to the Pastor or a Deacon and ask to receive it. Age is not the criteria. Belief is. However a child being baptized on the spur if the moment would not be done. We take baptism very seriously. And if under 18 a parent would always be consulted.
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Lionheart
It’s strange how all religions have different initiation criteria. Children have to be at least 8 years old in the Mormon faith. Some religions don’t even require a baptism at all. Does anyone have any knowledge for the initiation ceremony into the Satanic church?
Personally, I find it all rather weird, but each to their own I guess 🤷🏼
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Pastor George Day
Lionheart, your question makes no sense. First, what you call 'religions' are actually denominations or traditions, Christianity being the 'religion.' As for Satanists, they have nothing to do with us Christians.
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Lionheart
My question asking if anyone has any knowledge of the initiation ceremony into the Satanic church, is a genuine one, George. I have no knowledge whatsoever if Satanists have some type of initiation ceremony that could be equivalent to the baptism rites of some christian churches, hence my question.
My question wasn't specifically aimed at the Christian faith, it could be at any faith. I once went to a Krishna wedding and found the ceremony to be fascinating.
Do you have any knowledge about Satanic rituals/ceremonies, George, especially for young children, to better answer my question?
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Pastor George Day
Thank you for your clarification, Lionheart, and sorry if I sounded offensive. I'll admit I know very little about organized Satanism.
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Pastor George Day
Colleen McAllister, respectfully, Elevation is a Baptist church too, and they do much worse than that!
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Joy
Honestly, I feel like I'm reading something straight out of The Onion:
Baptism Bonanza
...as students saw their friends get baptized, and spontaneously joined in the fun.
'Mama, can you bring me some dry clothes? I got baptized today.’
One parent worried that the baptism would override the previous baptism...
SorryNotSorry
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Timothy Newell
No harm, no foul!
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Rev Mark D
Besides...who needs permission when God calls you?
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Rev. MichaelRS
I don't care what your approach to Faith is, something like this is wrong without parental advisement and/or consent in that particular circumstance.
Now of course there are cases where you have teenagers who come from a home that is not very religious or maybe downright atheist or anti-christian, for whatever reason, and those teenagers here Christian teachings and decide that's the way they want to go.
Even if the parents object, I'm okay with the kid going to the church of his choice and having them do the baptism, IF it is a independent free choice on his/her part.
HOWEVER, In a school setting like that you essentially have a captive audience and a lot of peer pressure to participate.
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Pastor George Day
Good point, Rev. MichaelRS!
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Nicholas J Page
I'm not connecting on this because the whole of the United Kingdom is in mourning after the passing of our Queen Elizabeth out of respect.I hope you understand
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Robin Murray
My condolences of the loss of your Queen. She was an inspiration to many. Long live the King.
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John P Maher
ZOUNDs LIKE the INQUISITION ALL OVER AGAIN, JESUS H. CHRIST !
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Lionheart
As there is no demonstrable evidence that any of these religious cult rituals of all religions actually are worth while, it should be ok. I guess it’s no different to asking parents if they can go in next doors pool for a swim, as long as a parent is on site to ensure no physical harm can come to them it should be ok. But……..if the child is being mentally abused, forcing them to believe they need it to live forever with a mythical being when they are dead, someone should notify CPS and get the persons responsible locked up.
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Pastor George Day
Lionheart, I'm not sure what planet you're on. A ritual has the value it gets from its meaning, especially when a religious belief is concerned.
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Lionheart
No need to be rude, George, if you are expecting a sensible intelligent reply back. But just to answer your rhetorical statement, George, I'm on the same planet as your good self.
As for rituals, I personally don't see any "sensible" meaning in many, if not all, rituals for young children of the Christian church, or any religious church.
Take the Greek Orthodox Church for example. I find the rapid dunking of infants, only a few days old, up and down, in and out, of water, as absolutely horrific, and barbaric.
Likewise, I also find removing of foreskins (male genital mutilation) from the penis of infants, in the name of religion, who have no choice in the matter, equally as barbaric.
I also find female genital mutilation of young girls, in the name of religion, equally barbaric.
I find the deep indoctrination of young children of telling them they will go to a burning hell for eternity, in the name of religion, if they don't believe in Jesus, or Allah, et al, to be severe mental abuse.
Now, to be honest, if you agree with any of those barbaric practices as being okay, Sir, I would suggest your statement, asking me what planet I am on, to be a question for yourself, or as a minimum, I would suggest you get yourself some kind of help.
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Pastor George Day
Lionheart, I'm sorry I was rude. That was bad of me. I should know better. Please forgive me. As for circumcision, this is actually a healthy practice. I am circumcised, not for being Jew (which I'm not) but for medical reasons. It doesn't cause any dysfunctions in a man's sexual life. If anything, it makes it easier, although it does reduce sensitivity on the glands. This practice has to be put in context in the culture this ordinance was given. Most of the time, in the Old Testament God simply tries to reduce damage or violence in already established practices. As for female circumcision practiced by Muslims, this is no circumcision at all. It is mere physical mutilation, nowhere to be found in either the Quran or the Bible. Baptism of children is not endorsed in the Bible, and I disagree personally on the practice. I think it should be a personal decision at the age of reason. However, some Christian churches seem to give much importance to Tradition where the practice is found. I hope this helps.
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Lionheart
Yes it does help, thank you, George. I’ve heard that argument before about circumcision being healthier, but in reality, there is no evidence to support that practice. In fact, if it was necessary to remove the foreskin from the glans, for health reason, it’s amazing how all other primates seem to manage quite well not being circumcised, only mankind has adopted this practice. 🤷🏼
I don’t know whether you knew this, but there is on average, 100 baby boys die each year from the practice of circumcision with post operative infections. I can find you that data if you would like me too. I can assure you that it’s just a question of parents educating their sons on sensible hygiene on how to wash themselves. It seems to be most prevalent in the United States. In the United Kingdom it is not practiced as much. I don’t know of anyone in the UK that ever had a problem with genital infections that culminated in the need for circumcision.
Thanks for your comment.
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Rev. Elizabeth
I’m reading everyone’s post on this being baptized without their parents. What I keep reading is that the child is not of legal age.
They’re is no legal anything here. No law dictates when a child can be baptized at a particular age or without their parents. It is the Church’s guidelines. There is no law. I won’t baptized a child unless they can tell me in their own words what they understand the rite of passage as a Christian. This is done in a room not near the parent and to have a non-parent adult as a witness for the child. They don’t say anything. They are their as a witness only. If the child has the understanding of what they are asking, then I proceed with the baptism. I ask all who ask to be baptized. If a parent asks this of me before their child is the age of 12, I explain that I would Christen their child if their child understands what this means. I also usually wait until the child is 12 and older, I would then Baptize.
You know that a parent can baptize their own children? They can as long as they know what it means to baptize the child and the child understands too. My mother told me this when my kids were born. I didn’t believe her. I felt they had to be done before they were 3 months. I made it under the wire with my first. My second I was 2 months late. I was a Catholic and they do their Baptisms differently. I am now a Methodist Pastor, a Reverend. That is a long story on how that happened and it was all driven by God too.
What I want you all to know, their is no law in when a child can be baptized. It’s is a decision that will be questioned if the parent and if that child is at least 10yo. If it is not understood, I will explain why it needs to be done when they are 12. They will then understand. I personally do this. Many churches I know do the same.
Just remember, there is no law. No one can be arrested for baptizing a child too young or without a parent.
God Bless, Rev. Elizabeth S. Arsenault
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Pastor Jim
I appreciate your extensivw reply but the legal age is 18 in the US and the Bible tells us we are to abide by man's laws, as well as Gid's. Maybe there is no minimum legal age to baptize but proper protocol and courtesy would dictate a midicum a parental advisement and inclusion. After all, thought symbolic, it is a life event that I feel most parents would want to participate in.
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Robin Murray
They attend a private Christian school. The children made the choice to join in, not the school. While it is an affirming moment to be baptized, the parents should have addressed this with their children long before sending them to a Christian school that teaches Christian beliefs. They joined in of their own volition, and while the parents may have wanted to be present, they most likely knew about the other three being baptized as these activities are normally announced in school letters. I think parents would accept that their child is choosing a life of peace instead of the way of life being pushed by public schools.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
You seem to be very confused. In the U.S. parents do indeed need to be notified for any behavior that involves direct physical context between their child and a teacher/etc. In this case the act of dunking a child under water needs the legal approval of a parent because the possibility of a child having health system issues that the physical act could negatively stimulate is very real. It is no different then needing to sign a waiver for wrestling or football.
Likewise in the U.S. our other rights can always be involved over the violating of another right. In this case the right to invoke the 2nd stands for each one of these children's parents against every adult who partook in the act. You can't argue against this without losing your status as an American in my eyes. The sacred right to the 2nd always trump's any other right. In this case don't baptise another's babies without their blessing lest you want a bullet.
Nothing else you say matters as you are not arguing from position of an American first but a citizen of your religion. There is no god king country in America just country. God is an American, America is not Christian it's the other way around to be a real good Christian is to be a real American and that means you never frack with another man's kids ever.
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Wilberta M. Berry
This was outrages 😠. Should the parents have been informed? The question to me is why is a school Christian or not Baptizing Children? That function I always thought was the Churches. Totally unacceptable and I would sue them for impinge on my Parental Rights.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
You seem to be very confused. In the U.S. parents do indeed need to be notified for any behavior that involves direct physical context between their child and a teacher/etc. In this case the act of dunking a child under water needs the legal approval of a parent because the possibility of a child having health system issues that the physical act could negatively stimulate is very real. It is no different then needing to sign a waiver for wrestling or football.
Likewise in the U.S. our other rights can always be involved over the violating of another right. In this case the right to invoke the 2nd stands for each one of these children's parents against every adult who partook in the act. You can't argue against this without losing your status as an American in my eyes. The sacred right to the 2nd always trump's any other right. In this case don't baptise another's babies without their blessing lest you want a bullet.
Nothing else you say matters as you are not arguing from position of an American first but a citizen of your religion. There is no god king country in America just country. God is an American, America is not Christian it's the other way around to be a real good Christian is to be a real American and that means you never frack with another man's kids ever.
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Robin Murray
You seem confused. You keep going on about the teacher touching and not understanding what happened. Three people were to be baptized. Once the others saw what was happening, THEY joined in of their OWN volition. They were not coerced, or forced, but they asked to join the event. The school only did what the students asked of them. The students did this, not the school. The parents already have given tacit permission by sending them to a private Christian school. They chose to send their students their knowing in full advance that their child would be exposed to Christian beliefs and practices. If you do not want to run the risk of your child finding God, then do not send them to a private Christian school. Maybe ask your children to not get baptized would be another thing. Funny thing, who think violence is the answer by saying a bullet is the cure. BTW, no babies were taken, these were grown teens who decided to participate. Also, if you think this country is not Christian, then look at the money in your pocket, it says it all. In God we trust. Let peace into your heart and stop wanting to shoot people. Violence is never the answer.
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John R
The schools are indoctrinating our children! Oh, wait ...
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Cheryl Pettijohn
So, if it is ok to baptize the students without the parents, if they truly understand, than it is also ok to call them by their preferred pronoun without the parents permission.
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Richard A Champany
Immanuel Kant, in his treatise on the ethics of Respect for Persons stated, “Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or that of another, always as an end and never as a means only.”
Persons who are vulnerable, cannot, because of their life’s situation act autonomously. These include children due to they not having a fully matured brain and prisoners who are not allowed to make all decisions due to their imprisoned state. Vulnerable persons require protection, ethically. For children, that protection is provided by the parents.
In the case of the school, I submit that they breached the ethical principle of Respect for Persons by not involving parents who serve as the child’s “protector” and by treating the children as a means to further their personal beliefs.
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Richard Eldon Kirk
All this comes down to that same argument, “Because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” There are many things you can do that are morally and ethically wrong. A lack of consideration and common sense and ethical ignorance are not against the law.
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Daniel Gray
So whats the fuss? How many times have we seen where teachers take children over state lines for medical procedures that if done in that state would require parental permission? So according to the story, these kids were sent to a private christian school and the ONLY thing these parents are upset about is that they didnt get to see this happening? And it clearly states that the children VOLUNTARILY joined and were not forced in any way. And if some people say that a child can make a decision on if they are gay or not or transgendered, then please tell me why they are not responsible enough to decide if they want to be baptized or not You cant have it both ways, though I bet you a dollar to a doughnut that you will have some people here with steam coming out their ears trying to claim its a "rights" issue when it isnt any such thing.or trying to claim that they are going after some imaginary Deity. Lets watch them huff and puff and try and show indignation and fail miserably.
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Amber Fry
That's just it. They aren't in most places. You cannot give it a pass just because it's Christianity and disallow those freedoms for anything and everything else. There is a big difference between someone believing or being something, and someone doing something to a child. Not to mention there are parental rights laws out there that should be abided. Religious choice doesn't supersede the law.
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Daniel Gray
Thats just it, you have no idea what you are talking about and nobody is giving anything or anyone a pass as the children there VOLUNTEERED to do this. So why is it that people with your attitude refuse to accept parental rights when a child gets a shot that the parent may not agree with, and yet throw a hissy fit for something like this that the parents were ADVISED would happen during the Spiritual Emphasis Week, they just didnt say any more then the three because they had no idea that the children would do this. I mean the child made a decision about their own body that didnt cause any harm to anyone, so why all the fuss?
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Lionheart
Once again, few agree with you Daniel, let me correct that, currently, no one agrees with you. 🤷🏼
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Lionheart
Darn it...someone just did, 20 days later. Must be a relative! 🤭
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Reverend Kurt
This is a surprise? You accept life in the"farm" expect to branded by the farmer. Do the cows of the farm get a choice of having their calves branded??
Perhaps it is better to seek another farm ? Perhaps a government run one where rules and laws are obeyed?
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Amber Fry
We are talking about people, not farm animals. Though I disagree animals should be treated that way as well, this still goes under the laws of the country. Parental consent is still part of this.
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Robin Murray
So Pastor Kurt, which brand do you use on the animals in YOUR flock? Shame on you for referring to people of faith as farm animals. While I do not always agree with the many faiths out their, it is their right to worship as they see fit. They paid for their children to go to that school and be indoctrinated in the faith of that school.
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Richard Darwin Richards
Jesus needs permission from others now???????
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Amber Fry
Who said anything about Jesus? The school overstepped. There are laws against that and they should be sued immediately.
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Robin Murray
Maybe the parents should sue their children? Since they initiated the activity by joining in? The school did not coerce or ask them to join in. The children did this of their own volition. Also, they are sending their children to a private Christian school, so tacit permission has already been given that their children will be exposed to christian activities and Christ. If this happened in public school, that would be different, but these parents PAY for their children to be taught in a christian school. No wrong doing occurred. The parents need to address this with God and their children who felt moved to join in.
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Pastor George Day
Well said, Robin Murray!
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Rev. B
Jesus did the baptisms personally? There's the real story. At least I understand why the parents were upset they missed it. Can you imagine your kid telling you he got baptized by Jesus and you never even got a call asking you to attend?
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Ahhh, North Carolina. Although there are some good people there it is very much a Bible Belt State. Religiously delusional people out the ying yang. They consistently elected the racist, religious bigot Jesse Helms. And it is one of the major reasons I expatriated 30 years ago.
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Pastor George Day
Have you heard of Elevation Church, Dr. Zerpersande? It used to be my church before I joined ULC and the Evangelical Alliance.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Looked it up. Got some pics of raised hands and closed eyes. Looks like delusional thinking is going on. All religious people are delusional. It’s just a matter of degree.
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Diane Minna LaFave
Of course the school should have parents permission . The school must have parents permission for outings . Some Students may not be Christians . Whatever the reason , parents have the Right to say yes or no .
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Robin Murray
So, if your child is at someone's house and they decide to play baseball, you expect your child to get written permission before he/she is allowed to play? The school did NOT coerce them or ask them, they joined in on their own accord. Maybe address this with the children?
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Amber Fry
Absolutely permission required. They should have been sued immediately.
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Robin Murray
The school did not ask them or force them to participate. If everyone had been asked by the school to enter the water and be baptized, yes, that would be a violation of parental rights. However, the students joined in on their own accord, so the parents must take it up with their children, not the school.
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Robin Murray
Well, it states that 3 were slated for baptism. The others joined in on their own accord. The school did not coerce or force these students to join in, so the parents have to address this with their teens, not the school. I feel if the spirit moved them, that is wonderful. There is no legal age requirement in the Bible, so I believe it is in the heart of the person to act on what they feel. I truly hope they felt moved and joined in for a higher cause, and not just for "fun". God works in mysterious ways.
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Robin Murray
It seems two camps have developed on this stream: the Nazis and the the peace loving. The Nazis want their children under their thumb reporting like good little soldiers, while the peace loving while saddened by missing their child's baptism at least revel in the fact their child made a good decision and not a bad one. What would you rather get news of, your 16 year old daughter is pregnant, or that she felt moved to join in a baptism? That your 15 year old son was arrested for buying drugs from an undercover police, or that he joined in a baptism. I am just blown away by the "parents" who think this is a bad thing when their children, maybe without out thinking of them, joined in this event. God moves in mysterious ways, and maybe parents should ease up of the choke chain they want to control their children with and be happy knowing they made a positive choice on their won. You know the old saying; " the wildest children are the Preachers kids". There is a reason for that. The harder you squeeze a child, the more they will rebel. A light hand is required as they become teenagers because either you taught them right from wrong, or it is too late now.
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Rev Ned
Shouldn't one expect this sort of behavior from "Christians"?
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Rev Mark D
No, just the ignorant and primitive ones.
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Pastor George Day
Rev Ned, this is, I believe, the most sensible statement in this thread!
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Donald G Magel
Aren't non Christ-like christians just amazing. I wonder what religion they think that Christ's followers started.
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Kris Sandstrom
The parents should have final say since the child is under 18 and is likely unaware of the actions. Such rituals should only be taken place in church.
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Kris Sandstrom
Not sure. I can see how the parents want to be there for the baptism they did send them to a Christian school and such activities should be expected.
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Rev Mark D
Isn't this more of a Chinese communist tactic? I imagine will next see the kids enrolled in spying programs to observe and report on their parents.
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For many parents this must be just a bad as finding out your former local mayor and bishop of your church was accused and arrested for the sexual abuse of children' some as young as 2 years old.