Baptism

The concept of what is the unit of mankind has undergone drastic change.
These old concepts still linger in our thoughts and actions. The early unit was
the nation. People still think of a nation as Hindu, Christian or Muslim. Early
in history only one religion was permitted within the nation. All those who
disagreed over their god were considered as lower class. They were taxed
heavily or treated as servants and slaves. The normal laws governing the
nation will not be binding on them. The vestige of this can be seen in most
Islamic nations today. Old Testament also bears testimony to this difference.
As an example a Hebrew brother will get his freedom from slavery after
serving seven years while others do not. Hence when God ordered Israel to
take possession of the land they were told to destroy all local people. One
Empire, One Faith was the theme of Roman Empire Later the unit became the
tribes. Later it became the household. The household included husband wife,
but any parents, children and their families and slaves and their families. The
disintegration of the household led to the nuclear family units including only
the husband, wife and children who are not married. Further disintegration
during this generation has limited it to couples or even to individuals. When
the head of the unit accepts a religion, it was normally considered the religion
of the unit as a whole. Yvh was the God of Israel the whole twelve tribes of
Israel. If any man married outside of Israel the girl left her religion and took
up the religion of the husband. The problem of inter religious marriage is still
the same. This unit of society concept is reflected in baptism also. In the early
church, when the head of the household was converted to Christian faith, the
entire household was baptized. The whole family was later given instruction
into the faith and was confirmed. Although all members of the household
were baptized, not all were given the full membership of the Church. Only
those who were confirmed was given the privilege of joining the table or
could take up offices. Whatever be the controversy about baptism be it was
always understood that confirmation was by the lying on of hands. As society
became fragmented because of individualism, the unit became individuals.
Even within a marriage, it is not unusual to find the husband and wife
practicing totally different religions. This was never acceptable within the
household norm. It was the usual practice in all countries to excommunicate
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