markyj987 Posted March 13, 2005 Report Share Posted March 13, 2005 My niece will be baptized next Saturday and I feel truly blessed that I will be her godfather. She will be two years old in April, and I have a couple of questions for any godparents that can help me out. First of all, other than helping the child to grow up as a Christian, and being supportive of her, are there any traditional or general or denomination-specific obligations of which I should be aware. (She is being baptized Lutheran--Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, though her parents aren't affiliated with any church.) The other question I have is regarding a gift. I thought about opening a Coverdell Education Savings Account in her name. Is this a typical kind of thing....I have no idea...lol. Any insight you might have would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted March 13, 2005 Report Share Posted March 13, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... Well, I can give you the Catholic teachings. The Lutheran church was the first non-Catholic church as far as history is concerned. Remember Martin Luther? He was the first to break from the Catholic church, anyway, I've been to a few Lutheran services and I think they're very close to the Catholic faith, at least it seemed that way to me. It used to be that Godparents were considered a second set of parents in case something happened to the biological parents. Nowdays the Godparents are more or less symbolic. When I went through the Godparent ceremonies with my nephews about all I had to do was witness the baptism. The Catholic church holds the parents, Godparents and whole community responsible for raising the child Catholic now. Gift ideas, yeah, I'd say some sort of savings bond, money or something like that is appropriate. My wife and I always either got them a Rosary or Bible too. Congrats Marky! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted March 13, 2005 Report Share Posted March 13, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... I'm Catholic as well. Tominator pretty much said it all. say the child's parents were killed in an accident or something, then it would be the godparents' responsibility to care for the child. Godparents are the witnesses to the baptism of the child. Your ideas are certainly suitable for your god-daughter, as like Chris, I got my god-daughter a Bible and I've saw Rosarys given as baptism gifts too. Congrats on becoming a godfather Marky! i was thrilled when my aunt and uncle asked me to be the godfather for their newest born, Alexis. she just turned 2 this past Tuesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoosierbuck Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... Not to get all ornery, but why are her parents having her baptized if they aren't affiliated with a church? Is it for show, or is it the first step toward becoming churched? Is it "just something you do?" At a Missouri Synod Lutheran baptism, the parents and godparents promise in front of God and everybody to make sure that the child is brought to church regularly and that they will "put the scriptures in her hands." I think you should get her a children's bible story book, and a ride to church and Sunday school every week. Read her the book, encourage her parents to read her the book. Pray for the whole lot of them. They obviously know what they are being called to do, nudge them back to the Lord. Sermon over, sorry... HB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... [ QUOTE ] Not to get all ornery, but why are her parents having her baptized if they aren't affiliated with a church? Is it for show, or is it the first step toward becoming churched? Is it "just something you do?" At a Missouri Synod Lutheran baptism, the parents and godparents promise in front of God and everybody to make sure that the child is brought to church regularly and that they will "put the scriptures in her hands." I think you should get her a children's bible story book, and a ride to church and Sunday school every week. Read her the book, encourage her parents to read her the book. Pray for the whole lot of them. They obviously know what they are being called to do, nudge them back to the Lord. Sermon over, sorry... HB [/ QUOTE ] Got to agree here. There is no point (spiritualy or biblically) in baptising an infant, it's mearly a tradition and a promise of the parents to raise thier child as a Christian. If they are not affiliated with any church, then this is a pointless act. If they want to do something for thier child, they should get off thier behinds on Sunday morning (every Sunday) and go to church, learn and grow closer to God themselves. If they are not willing to do that, then they are wasting time, effort, and money on a fruiless act of showmanship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horst Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Not to get all ornery, but why are her parents having her baptized if they aren't affiliated with a church? Is it for show, or is it the first step toward becoming churched? Is it "just something you do?" At a Missouri Synod Lutheran baptism, the parents and godparents promise in front of God and everybody to make sure that the child is brought to church regularly and that they will "put the scriptures in her hands." I think you should get her a children's bible story book, and a ride to church and Sunday school every week. Read her the book, encourage her parents to read her the book. Pray for the whole lot of them. They obviously know what they are being called to do, nudge them back to the Lord. Sermon over, sorry... HB [/ QUOTE ] Got to agree here. There is no point (spiritualy or biblically) in baptising an infant, it's mearly a tradition and a promise of the parents to raise thier child as a Christian. If they are not affiliated with any church, then this is a pointless act. If they want to do something for thier child, they should get off thier behinds on Sunday morning (every Sunday) and go to church, learn and grow closer to God themselves. If they are not willing to do that, then they are wasting time, effort, and money on a fruiless act of showmanship. [/ QUOTE ] Some people are awfully opinionated.Can someone show me where it says you must attend church every Sunday in order to be a good Christian?Maybe these people read the bible on a daily basis, how would you guys know?Some of us sure do seem quick to judge others based on what amounts to a pragraph in a public forum.He asked a question, if you aint gonna answer it why bother replying?I have baptised all my kids, im a member of the lutheran church.But i very seldom go.My kids goto sunday school, and when theyre older they can make thier own decisions about weather to attend church every sunday or not. And I think Tominator summed up the reply pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoosierbuck Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... "Wherever two are gathered in My name, I am there." Christian fellowship promoted by the man it's named after. Your growth in Chirst is fostered by coming together and learning form and supporting each other, and ordained and lay leaders. If you only hunted alone, and never talked to anyone about it, you would have a very limited knowledge of hunting, agreed? Being a good person and being a good Chirstian are not the same. Spending quality time in the woods can be a part of a close relationship with God, but you're fooling yourself if you think it can replace going to church. The wild speaks volumes about the power of God the Father and Creator, but does not reflect anything about the saving grace that is Christ. Do what you want, but this is one of those things where there are rights and wrongs, and doing whatever makes you feel good or comes easy isn't necessarily going to cut the mustard. Today's society of "inclusiveness" wants everyone to just accept that whatever any individual wants to do is just as valid as anyone else's view. To the extent that we must tolerate each other's views, I'm good with that, it's a bedrock of the USA. But if you ask me my opinion, you're apt to get it, and it may conflict with someone else's, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't state it. The man asked for opinions, Horst, and he got mine. Yes, I'm opinionated, but don't confuse that with judgmental. Outside my family, that's not my place. I'll pray for you if you'll return the favor...I need all the help I can get. HB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... Well put Hoosier. Just to clear my stance up too: [ QUOTE ] The Catholic church holds the parents, Godparents and whole community responsible for raising the child Catholic now. [/ QUOTE ] Part of the responsibility and promise to raise my kids and Godchildren Catholic is taking them to Sunday school and church. I agree that having a child baptized merely for the sake of public airs is wrong and seems to me is breaking a promise. It's difficult to put this into words without sounding judgemental, but at least in the eyes of a Catholic, you're promising that the child will be taught the Catholic way, and if you don't follow through with the promise, well, you break a promise to God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... Well,here is my take on it.I think it's great that they are baptizing their child.I am Lutheran and have been my whole life.I don't go to church every week,but usually go about every other week.My child was baptized Lutheran,and just because we don't go to church every week doesn't mean that she will not be raised in a Christian manner.When she was baptized I was not a member of that church.On another note,I am a godparent to my cousins child that was baptized Catholic,even though I am Lutheran.I think it used to be that both godparents had to be Catholic,but I don't think it's like that today.It sounds like you know your duties as a godparent and i think that would be a great gift to give.Congrats on being a godparent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... Hi Marky, First I want to say congratulations!!!! I'm not going to jump into the the whole "how to be a Christian" arguement. I will stick to the question at hand. In 1995 I was asked to be the Godfather the my best friends son. I made it my personal mission to be sure that Sullivan, my Godson, was given gentle reminders of what the true meaning of some Christian holidays truely mean, ie. Christmas, Easter, November 3rd. I make sure that every card I send him has a slight religious theme. My gift to him was a lifetime license. Now 10 years later his parents are divorced and it has has been very bitter one at that. Even though his parents are not dead I TRY to make sure his upbringing stays focused. I take him outdoors for hunting and fishing every chance I get. I talk to him often and make sure he knows he has someone to talk to and that I still care for him very much. It is very hard work. Congratulations once again and good luck! Ranger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... Ranger, isn't Nov. 3rd "Eid al Fitr" ?- (Ramadan ends - Islam) Maybe you are thinking of Nov. 2 "All Soul's Day" Congratulations Marky, the Bible and the Savings Bond sounds like a great idea. .....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... I was hoping somebody would ask!!! November 3rd is the feast of Saint Hubert. The patron saint of hunters! We have a huge venison feed at our house with all of our hunting buddies and give thanks for the harvest and keeping us safe. Ranger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... I love this forum. No matter how old I get; I still manage to learn something new every day. Thanks RangerClay... Now I'll have to look up the feast of Saint Hubert and learn more about this feast of hunters that I have been missing all these years. .....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markyj987 Posted March 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 Re: Baptism/godparenting questions... I was looking for some advice, not a religious debate. However, there are some good questions and I'm willing to answer them. First of all, being from a mostly Catholic and Lutheran family, infant baptisms are the norm. Scripture does NOT state baptism need occur at any point in time, nor that it must follow religious education. Personally, I was baptized twice. Once as an infant in a Catholic church, and again at 20, when I accepted Jesus. johnf, I respectfully disagree with what you said--baptism IS relevant scripturally--WHEN it's done is not defined--as I said above. A little family background here...my brother-in-law was opposed to the baptism. His arguement was "I was never baptized, why does she need to be." My sister, on the other hand, is very curious about religion--and though she certainly believes in the Lord, she is intimated by her own admitted ignorance. She does feel that it is her duty as a mother to make sure her daughter is baptized. I am a Christian and will do all that I can to make sure my niece is raised with Christian beliefs. Though I do not belong to a church at present, my faith is very deep. Hoosier...I think some childrens' Bible story books are a great idea--I'll make sure I get a couple of them! horst, I appreciate your comments---before I typed the above, nobody here did know the spiritual situation of my sister and brother-in-law. The baptism of their daughter may be the first step in the right direction for them. This whole thing has been a learning experience for me, Even among Lutherans, I'm amazed at the differences in beliefs! It makes the church search a bit harder...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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