Naked Baptism

But everything must be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 HCSB

Modesty is my best quality. Jack Benny*

I never would have believed it, but apparently there is evidence that some seventeenth century Baptists immersed their converts completely nude. According to H. Leon McBeth, some early Baptists were charged with immodesty during certain baptism services. He writes that Baptists were repeatedly accused of baptizing men and women together naked and of baptizing women in immodestly flimsy garments. Fortunately, in their 1644 confession, the Baptists added an explanatory note which states that immersion should be performed with convenient garments both upon the administrator and subject.**

I’ve heard it said that part of a worship leader’s job is to remove as many distractions as possible so that people might more readily encounter the presence the God. Certainly, nude baptisms would cause a person’s mind to drift away from the Lord. However, inappropriate clothing, on either male or female worship leading participants, can also be distracting and keep many from entering the presence of God.

Lord, help us to make appropriate attire choices. Help us always to remember that we are representing You.

*brainyquote.com
**The Baptist Heritage, pg. 48