I believe Paris Murray's "Corrective Primer" has much to commend it. Paris and I first me in the Philippines over 20 years ago. He is a thoughtful brother who speaks his mind. This article is well worth reading. — DJ
This work was born out of the following concern: have we, despite our best intentions, made it unnecessarily difficult for earnest seekers to reach the waters of baptism? Have we, despite our best intentions, made it unnecessarily difficult for earnest seekers to reach the waters of baptism?
Over the years, well-meaning Christians have introduced various practices to the introductory Bible Study process—extra steps, emotional tests, behavioral checklists—intended to prove sincerity and ensure readiness for baptism. Such requirements may include compiling a list of sins, accepting modern-day medical conjectures, meeting attendance quotas, reconciling relationships, demonstrating a satisfactory emotional response, meeting arbitrary challenges, as determined by the Bible study leaders, and so on...
