Over my 64 year life span, many friends and family have invited me to attend their baptism. Several times, they even asked me to speak during the program. Baptism is a significant event. What an honor it is to support my friends as they take a new direction in life.
Last week, a friend invited me to attend a similar event—an unbaptism. He even asked me to speak during the program. Unbaptism is a significant event. What an honor it is to support my friends as they take a new direction in life.
Invitation With a Warning
Along with his invitation, my friend also offered a friendly caution:
“Be sure to take stock of the possible effect on your membership. Be sure to take stock of the effect on your many FB friends — many will likely attack your decision to participate in this event — even if your message is NOT specifically to resign.”
I really appreciate my friend’s care and concern. So, dear friend, let me reassure you that I’ll be OK.
- I’m not worried about my membership. As a church, we don’t believe in shunning. Elder Holland has taught this in no uncertain terms. If someone decides to leave the church, I respect and honor their decision just as much as I do the decision to join the church.
- My Facebook friends? Could I be attacked by them? Well…maybe. It’s certainly happened many times before. But, they are my friends. I’ll still view them and love them as my friends.
- “Even if your message is NOT specifically to resign.” I want to be very clear on this one. I don’t encourage people to resign. I encourage people to do what THEY feel is best for them and their families. I don’t possess enough self-importance to presume that I know what’s best for anyone, but myself, regarding religion. I do possess enough self-confidence to support and validate others in the path they choose.
Details of the unbaptism event can be found HERE.
Tocubit Is Invisible's Cubit 
There is no such thing as Unbaptism. They may have their name removed from the records of the church. They are then considered non members. They are not considered Unbaptised members. If they desire at some point to come back, they are baptized non members. What does one say at an Unbaptism Event.? Jesus Christ was baptized to set the example for each of us. Where does this fit into your belief that we follow only Jesus’ teachings.?
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Where does this fit into my belief that we follow Jesus’ teachings? That’s a great question. While Jesus ministry, the leaders of the church during Jesus criticized him for who he hung out with. They condemned him for hanging out with sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and other scum of the earth. But where was Jesus? Right smack dab in the middle of the of those who were marginalized by his own church. So, how does being with people who have left the church fit into my belief system. How about this: Sam Young has chosen to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Sam Young has chosen to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Sam Young has chosen to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If I am criticized for hanging out with the marginal, the vulnerable..well Jesus was, too.
What does one say at an unbaptism event? I’m working on that. Since Sam Young is trying to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, I’ve got to find a way to fill it with love, understanding, empathy and compassion. Frankly, I’m a little nervous about it.
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Sam Young is a wonderful human being who has chosen to pick and choose what parts of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ he chooses to practicc. And that is okay for Sam Young. It seems to be working for him. May God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Gift of the Holy Ghost , that you received at your Baptism continue to guide you in your journey.
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And what parts of the RESTORED gospel have I chosen not to practice? The church HAS chosen to not practice the RESTORED law of Jesus Christ. Why aren’t you calling them out on that one?
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Thank you for your kind words and best wishes.
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