Words for Baptism
Genesis 2: 25; Matthew 3: 13–17; John 20: 21–23; Matthew 28: 19–20
Suggestions for communal celebration.
The ritual can be practiced with immersion in a body of water
or symbolic representation.
Because we understand…
the story of Jesus to be revealing who God is, we practice the ritual of baptism.
We can think of the ritual of immersion in water as a fractal version of the story of everything, in three movements.
In the first movement we stand at the water’s edge.
We may remember from Genesis 2 the story of the garden,
the original couple, and their connection with God, one another, and the planet.
Danger is nearby, we stand at the water’s edge.
And yet, we can imagine the relational connection which was regulating their nervous system—trust.
In the second movement we slip below the surface.
We may remember from Matthew 3 the story of Jesus’s baptism.
Danger is immediately present, we are underwater.
When we feel disconnected from others, and even from our own breath, our stress rises.
We can imagine this disconnection activates our nervous system—mistrust.
In the third movement we are given breath again.
We may remember from John 20 the story of Jesus breathing and saying to his friends,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”
The danger is not over, and yet we are safe enough.
Aware of God’s nonviolent, nonpunishing, forgiving presence, we can breathe—trust is restored.
Words for Baptism
— suggested sensory object: a body of water —
Baptizer:
Baptism helps us name what we have experienced— our trust in God is restored.
[Name of person being baptized] imagine (or look) into the body of water.
As you become aware of God’s presence inside you and surrounding you, reflect on these questions:
- What does the story of Jesus reveal to you about God’s trustworthiness?
- How have you been disconnected from God, yourself, one another, or the planet?
- What impact does awareness of God’s forgiveness have on your body?
Sharing is voluntary and encouraged.
(after a round of silent reflection)
What are you noticing?
What’s happening inside you?
In this moment, what support would feel helpful from your friends?
(wait for response)
Baptism reminds us that our part in salvation is so small, but we do have a part:
we are invited to say “yes” to receive God’s forgiveness, which has the capacity to restore our trust.
In Matthew, chapter 28,
Jesus gave us the ritual of baptism, and then he said this:
“Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28)
[Name of person being baptized]… in the presence of God and these loved ones,
are you saying “yes” to imitate Jesus through baptism which tells the story of how God is restoring our trust?
(wait until consent has been given)
In the first movement we stand at the water’s edge and trust.
May I support your head?
(wait until consent has been given)
In the second movement we slip below the surface and our stress rises.
(support head leaning back, support hand gently over nose)
In the third movement God restores us to trust once again.
(lift head forward, hold the person’s arm or hand until they’re stable)
[Name of person being baptized]… today you have been baptized into the body of Christ in the presence of God and these loved ones.
Breathe now, receiving the Holy Spirit.
And may God’s nonviolent, nonpunishing, unconditional forgiveness help you to forgive others
and restore you to trust, in this life now, and in the life to come.
Amen
∞
Liturgical practices which nourish the brain and the spirit share these factors in commong:
they are rooted in scripture and tradition, imitative of Jesus, and help us to remember and tell the story of the nonviolent, nonpunishing, unconditionally forgiving image of God reflected in Jesus.
Please reach out to share what you’re finding helpful for you and your community.
Connect with friends who are also interested in the relationship between scripture, theology, and neuroscience by following us @thebrainandthespirit.
Listening with you,
Questions for reflection:
If you have been baptized previously, how were you perceiving God then?
What ritual would you find meaningful to help you tell the story of how your trust in God has been restored?
What impact does observing the ritual of baptism have on your nervous system?
Further reading:
Genesis 2: 25; Matthew 3: 13–17; John 20: 21–23; Matthew 28: 19–20
Systematic Theology: Ecclesiology
The Brain & the Spirit, Chapter 7, Reconnection, “Baptism,” pp. 157–158
