[2Jedismom]

And it all boils down to this...

My brother's kids got baptised this past week. Now it's not the same as when Matthew was baptised...Matthew made a conscious decision to accept Jesus as his savior and asked to go down to the front and make his public profession of faith. It was a wonderful joyful experience and we all went out to eat afterward. That's how we Baptists do it.

Now my brother has decided he's a Presbyterian and he goes and gets his kids baptised and one of them is like a baby and has no clue. Ok...fine, whatever. But then I'm told GET THIS I gotta get them both a gift! I can't find a gift that's appropriate and I told my mom that my brother oughta be ashamed of himself and she blew up at me.

ARGH!

[Corin Stormhands]

I couldn't be a deacon in the Reformed Presbyterian church we were members of because I disagree with infant baptism. (but no Jen, that's not the only reason we left).

[HairOfTheDog]

I think your mother is my Aunt Marilyn.... Any chance we are related? - Thats what families do 2J...

Just smile and do what she wants... she wont be around forever, and one day you will actually miss her hassling you about these gifts and parties for cousins and things. Just a thought. I would take my mother back at her nit-picky worst, right now. I know your relationship is not the same with your mom as mine was, but it is still all you have... you can't pick your roots, but it is good to be connected to them. If you are a tree. OK so maybe the analogy doesn't really work! ;~D

[JenB]

Hmmm. When we "converted" my parents, eventually, had us all baptized - only I was old enough that it was "adult baptism" - the other guys had the infant baptism. I think in the PCA, baptism is really intended as a sign. We emphasize that the act does nothing to wash away sins in and of itself. But you can't join without being baptized.

Joining the church is really the "big thing". We have to go through classes and give a confession - not just up in front of the church with everyone saying "oh, how nice", but in front of a special Session meeting. And the elders quiz you. That wasn't really fun, because when I did it, Dad was on Session.

Oh, where was I? Gifts. That's just rude. I've never heard of baptism gifts in the first place, and obligatory gifts? If I were you I wouldn't go.

P.S - you don't decide to be Presbyterian, it's decided for you ;-)