Baptism or Business
Reported By: Kate Mack
Photo Courtesy: @georgefoxuniversity on Instagram
George Fox University (GFU) recently performed public baptisms for students on campus. Questions have arisen about whether this is an act driven by the Holy Spirit, or whether it is driven by a desire for publicity.
GFU began to perform these baptisms after a student came to the Spiritual Life (SPIL) leaders and asked to be baptized. Eager to help, campus pastors stepped in, realizing this was an opportunity for all students. In formalizing the idea, Pastor Jamie Johnson said, they began what would become a tradition each semester.
However, it is uncommon for a traditionally Quaker university to perform baptisms, especially in public. However, Johnson, a Quaker himself, was able to shed some light on this discrepancy: “The Quakers' belief is that each person has the individual freedom to say no or to say yes.” This belief allows people to take part in sacraments if they find it helpful in their spiritual journey. The decision is a personal one and different for each individual.
As Johnson noted, “Baptism is not opposed by Quakers, but used as a tool if helpful.” The Quaker belief permits sacraments as a private and intimate way to be with God; they are not something to be forced and are not influenced by legalism. A formative Quaker belief is that God is accessible to everyone, so by making sacraments a personal decision, the belief is upheld.
By performing public baptisms, students questioned whether or not it was used for publicity, as GFU is both a university and a business. Johnson again brought clarity to this debate: “[Baptisms] gives people a chance to celebrate.” By performing these baptisms in public, students are able to celebrate with one another. There is also an accountability piece. As the ceremony is public, people would ideally be able to see a change in those baptized.
A benefit of the public ceremony is that it changes the community as well. By seeing students baptized, Johnson explained that others are called to do the same. Emily Panattoni, one of the students baptized, was nervous at first, but felt God calling her to go forward. After the ceremony, she felt peace and happiness.
According to Johnson, these baptisms are an important tradition in the community and allow people to see the Holy Spirit at work on campus. By continuing this tradition, he said, the SPIL pastors are able to see God work in the hearts of GFU students.