2) I don't mind when Greeks ask me where Mallory was baptized, because, hey, the whole country is pretty much Orthodox. But it's getting really awkward to have to keep telling Americans that he hasn't been. They all get this appalled look. Some of them say, "Oh! Right! You haven't been back to the States yet!" and I let it go, but that feels like lying.
Even if we remove the assumption that you are Christian, this is still loaded with silly assumptions. Plenty of Americans are Protestant, and plenty of Protestants do not practice infant Baptism.
Does the foreign christianity not take properly?
Hee.
No. It's far too swarthy. Or possibly, they think Raq and Mr. Raq are waiting to baptize him in their home church.
they think Raq and Mr. Raq are waiting to baptize him in their home church.
I think it's this, plus you need your family there, etc.
eta: Although, since a couple of the folks who've asked are here as missionaries, you might have a point. Or they might be checking to see if we need them to do it.
How do Jewish folks handle this question?
Buffista thoughts? If you are from a religion that baptizes kids, and you ask new parents when/where their child was baptized, and they say he wasn't, what do you think?
We had that problem with Christopher's parents. His mother kept bringing up the fact that they had started attending their Lutheran Church regularly again and that it would be "available" should we want it for Owen's baptism. I just told her thanks and left it at that.
If anybody asks me, I just say we're not Christians and that pretty much shuts down the conversation. But not some of the horrified looks. *shrug*
Pretty Flowers from the Topeka Rose Garden:
[link]
If anybody asks me, I just say we're not Christians and that pretty much shuts down the conversation. But not some of the horrified looks. *shrug*
We just say "No, we haven't had him baptized" in a tone that usually precludes follow-on. I guess I'm wanting insight into the minds of the folks asking: do they think we are horrible people or possessed by the devil? I need to know, in case they show up with rope and kindling some day.
I think most of them are being nice to ask, like it's the same as saying "How old is he?" But the reactions are weird.
I've never been asked about Ellie being baptized. Which is funny because we did have her dedicated (Baptist equivalent of infant baptism) just two weeks ago. I think it's weird that people ask about it. Other than family, I don't really think it's any of their business.
I suppose if one really wanted to avoid the horrified looks, "we don't practice infant baptism" would be accurate whether it really meant "our church baptises when the child is old enough to choose it" or "we don't baptise later on, either".
I guess I'm wanting insight into the minds of the folks asking: do they think we are horrible people or possessed by the devil? I need to know, in case they show up with rope and kindling some day.
Heh. I've thought the same thing but don't often worry about it too much. I'm more worried about whether people think he's too dirty, or why the hell I haven't put shoes on him.
I think most of them are being nice to ask, like it's the same as saying "How old is he?" But the reactions are weird.
Oh, yeah--most of the questions are definitely in this catagory, rather than the nosy-want-to-know group. And the people who do care, well, I think most of them assume non-baptising parents will "come around" before it's too late for the child.
My good friend here was raised in a very religious household. But she's not religious and she doesn't practice Christianity. She married a non-Muslim (agnostic) Iranian and yet, they had both their babies baptised. She told me she just succumbed to the fear that she was going to cause her children to burn in hell. She said she knew it was an irrational fear but why take the chance?
Hi, I'm home from Ohio- Cash, I didn't get online after I posted my last post. I left yesterday morning after somehow seizing up my back and then spending 2 hours in the Columbus airport, 1 hour on a flight to DC, 3 hours in Dulles, 1 hour on a flight to Boston, 1 hour on various trains during rush hour. I hurt so much.
I also whine so much.
