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Dr. Gourley,
Thank you for volunteering for such a valuable service.
I am trying to understand the ordinance of baptism. My church is a member of the American Baptist Churches USA, and practices backward immersion. I also am studying the sociology of religion and have been reading about "triune forward immersion." My understanding is that even though my church baptizes in "the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit," it is not triune baptism because it is single immersion. Is this correct?
Also, could you explain theological perspectives on forward and backward immersion?
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Annie
There is nothing indicated in the Scripture of either three immersions being required or to be baptized forward. Some say that to be baptized into his death means that since He leaned forward when He died it needs to be done forward. Baptism signifies burial and people have normally been buried lying on their back in most cultures in most centuries. For space reasons some are buried with the casket standing up in the the ground but the person was placed on their back and carried to that spot. Saying it must be forward is reading into the Word not exegeis.
The Trinity is three in one so saying their names before immersing once is sufficent and I do not recall any historical record of three baptisms until recent times except maybe among some very small groups. Since there is no salvation or sacramental merit in baptism I do not believe God will condemn an honest attempt to do right so if they baptize forward or three times I don't think that the baptism is invalid and needs to be done what I believe is the correct way should someone come to my church having had either of the other two baptisms. The key is obedience to the command to be baptized and identified with Christ. Immersion is mandatory as the word baptized is the anglicized version of the Greek word to immerse. Thus sprinkling or pouring is not a baptism. I am also not a Baptist Bride pastor and will accept a person who has been baptized by immersion by another church of like faith.
May God bless you as you study His Word and seek His will.
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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