Charging for Baptism?

@Amberina (1541)
United States
January 12, 2012 6:01pm CST
I was listening to a conversation today and I heard one woman tell another that she was told that some religions charge for Baptizing people, and I was wondering if this was true? And if so what religions practice this? Wouldn't it be like selling God's blessing?
3 people like this
7 responses
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
13 Jan 12
Wow...I have never heard of that. I think it would be like selling a blessing. I would be horribly offended if I was asked for money to be blessed...wow.
• United States
13 Jan 12
Anyone who tries to sell baptism is a fool and has brought down God's judgment on himself. Jesus took a leather whip to these types of people when he was on Earth. You can't sell baptism, anyone who is a "Christian" to get "things" from God is a Christan for the wrong reason. In all the churches I've gone to, no one has ever charged for baptism.
@AmbiePam (84647)
• United States
13 Jan 12
That's nuts! Who would want to belong to a religion or denomination that charged a person for baptism? I have never heard of this but I suppose nothing surprises anyone anymore.
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
13 Jan 12
I am Catholic, and we do not charge for sacraments. A stipend is asked for, but never demanded. It is not right to charge for doing God's work!
• United States
13 Jan 12
I can't speak for all religions, only my own. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. When a person decides to get baptized it's a personal decision they come to on their own & only when they feel they are ready. Then they speak to the Elders in their congregation where they answer a few questions based on bible scriptures & what their thoughts are on each one. After that they arrange for that person to be baptized at the next assembly or convention that is held by the Jehovah's Witnesses. NEVER will any one be charged for deciding to get baptized. That would be wrong since this is a personal decision that this person has come to. It's between them & God, so how can anyone charge them any amount of money on such a personal & important moment in their lives? You can't put a price on something like that because your right that would in fact be like selling God's blessing & that's only something God has a right to give, not any mere man.
@sethalex (153)
• Philippines
13 Jan 12
That's what's happening here in our country. Instead on charging for those religious services, why not only letting us to give donations? Donations come directly from our hearts but only if we give according to our will. I hope this set-up will be changed and that the RCC should act on this the soonest possible!
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
13 Jan 12
religions are a big business these days, a friend of mine was told to have the bells rung at her wedding it would cost $500...I think it is about time churches are made accountable, pay taxes and only the rwal churches that always have their doors open doing Gods work should be tax free....