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Posted by Polly [polly] on November 01, 1999 at 06:24:07 {2gTL9dbN6kPFKPeDxyCky5tAMziUMM}:

In Reply to: Continue posted by Rec on November 01, 1999 at 05:52:11:

You are absolutely right, no one can "force" you into believing something. I had a "devil" of a time trying to explain this simple fact to witnesses. I would tell them I didn't believe a particular point or doctrine and do you know what they would say? "Oh, it's not in the questions for baptism, don't worry about it!". Now really, if I got baptised based soley on the questions for baptism, would I be free to question the doctrines I questionned before baptism? And would I have to teach and claim to be in agreement with the things that I clearly expressed disbelief for prior to baptism? yes, I would. I would be called an apostate if I did otherwise. No one tried to force me to get baptized, but they did encourage me even though they knew I did not believe all the doctrines. I suppose then the real coercion would start; once I became part of the congregation and subject to the judiciary processes and christian peer pressure.

I also know many witness families who have made it clear to their children what they are expected to do. The act of baptism can be an emotional experience, a step that anyone (young or old) might take because of the positive elements associated with it. However, once baptised the coercion does start.

Follow Ups:

- **Continue Rugged Cowboy 16:25:05 11/01/99 (2)
  - ***Continue Polly 18:58:31 11/01/99 (1)
    - ****Continue Rugged Cowboy 19:31:51 11/01/99 (0)

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