February 01, 2006
do you renounce cultural evil?
Ever a provactive thinker, Mike Treston gifted me a phrase today; "cultural exorcism." Reflecting on the place of confirmation in a post-Christendom culture, he wrote; "I think this is what is missing, excorcism was always apart of the catechesis rites of the anicent church, a cultural excorcism could be very impotant now also." Link
To which I commented on his blog:
I really like the phrase "cultural exorcism." That is very good. When I baptise people I ask them 3 questions as they enter the pool - do you follow Jesus, do you repent, do you renounce evil?
I have been pondering tying those questions to a more in-depth catachetical programme. That phrase "renouncing cultural evil" suddenly gives great scope for exploration of consumerism, social justice, living simply. Thanks heaps for the phrase Mike.
For more on what I actually do in terms of re-imagining baptism as ancient future:
First draft: postmodern baptismal ritual for Sunday - seeking to be connective, tactile and communal.
Central image: Bill Viola– The Crossing, 1996
Introduction: Some words about water - life-giving- cleansing - connective with God’s Christian tribe
Blessing of water: Everyone throw into baptistery handful of rose petals or bath salts. (music: Just add water by Dave Dobbyn)
The telling: The story of the individual's journey to this point
Signing of the Cross: The sign of the cross is made on their forehead and the words;
Christ embraces you: receive the sign of his cross.
Always remember that
you are beautiful in the sight of God;
the mark of Christ is upon you:
walk free and open your heart to life,
for the Spirit journeys with you into each new day.
Words into baptistery: Question for each step down into baptistery. Candles on each step
Do you follow Christ? I follow Christ.
Do you repent of your sins? I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil? I renounce evil.
On confession of your faith
I baptise you in the name of Jesus
in the name of the Father who is Creator, and of the Son who is Redeemer
and of the Spirit who is Sustainer. Amen.
Gift given: Welcome to the community of faith
(music: Racing Away 1 Giant Leap)
Peace: Having welcomed the newly baptised into the church of
Christ, let us share with him/her/them a sign of peace:
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The people share the peace with the newly baptised and
with one another.
