Take me to the river

Today at church we had a baptism.  The young girl, granddaughter of members, was visiting with her family from out of town.  I would guess she is maybe 9 or 10.

The baptismal service was likely straight out of the Book of Common Prayer.  As part of the process, the kid was asked a series of questions which started with:

"Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?"

And she was to respond:

"I renounce them."

Now, I do not know if the young lady even understands the term "renounce".  Maybe, maybe not.

But WTH does a kid her age even have to renounce? I am trying to remember what it was like to be her age.   Maybe she sometimes does not  share with a sibling or school mate.  Maybe she at times says something bad about someone behind their back.  

I don't know why the church would need to brow   beat a kid to renounce Satan? 

The priest tried to make light of the questions just before asking by saying "Here comes the hard questions."

I just hope the kid, her family, and friends enjoyed the baptism ceremony.  I hope it was beneficial for them.

Me?  I question why we teach little kids they need to renounce anything except maybe too much candy.

Good grief. Maybe a group of child psychologists need to rewrite portions of the Book of Common Prayer.

- Musing at Fans of John Shelby Spong

Take me to the river

Wash me in the water...

- Talking Heads

https://youtu.be/r9f21bsjMIo?si=SPYhn397CUwbmbGQ