Dear JimBob,
An acquaintance and I were talking about what the United Methodists believe. She said, "Oh, they don't believe in angels, and they sprinkle babies with water". What does the UMC believe in regards to angels in our world now and baptism? Sincerely, Just Curious
Dear Curious,
Finally, an easy question. After hearing about Oprah’s mystery sister, I’m been emotionally exhausted all week. Thank you for a little reprieve.
Here are the answers to your questions, in order: They do and they do. First, the UMC church absolutely believes in angels. I’m sure that since there is a wide spectrum of what various UM churches propose and UM preachers preach there are a number of folks who don’t believe in angels. I’m also equally sure there are others from other denominations who don’t believe in angels. Some of those who don’t believe in angels are probably some of the same people who discard other aspects of the Bible they can’t explain or that makes them uncomfortable. On the other end of the spectrum of those who don’t believe in angels, there are those who would be more along the lines of, “I’m not sure, because I’ve never seen one.” But as far as the official UM position, they’re an angel believin’ bunch.
Regarding the sprinkling of babies with water; the UM church does baptize by sprinkling. In fact, they even sprinkle adults. The origin of sprinkling as a means of baptism dates back to the early days in the Christian church when people were saved who lived in very arid areas. The leaders of the church decided that three drops of water was sufficient for baptism; one drop for the Father, one for the Son, and one for the Holy Spirit. This is the reason Methodists can baptize with a small amount of water, but they also baptize by pouring and immersion. If you were to ask me personally, I like the symbolism of immersion baptism. It speaks more to one’s dying to self and rising to a new life in Christ. However, keep in mind that it’s Christ’s blood that opens the doors of heaven; baptism is the believer’s way of announcing to the world that they follow The One who has made available the way.
Personally Into Dunking
Jim
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