Birth Dash and Surf Baptism

As a Christian who believes in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and has experienced “new life” in him, I wanted to express my appreciation for the article that brought to my attention the fiasco that occurred at Melodyland on New Year’s Eve (“State Files Charges in Birth Dash,” Aug. 18).

I was embarrassed and again frustrated by how some “believers” use sensationalism to attract attention. This is not reflective of the Christian community as a whole.

Probably most would be disturbed by this particular situation and appalled by this gross lack of judgment.

In light of the much-publicized scandals revolving around Jim and Tammy Bakker, Oral Roberts and Jimmy Swaggart, you would think people would be more careful, especially in light of some past problems at Melodyland.

I would also like to include my opinion regarding the story “Mass Baptism Fills Surf Line” (also Aug. 18).

The reporter’s opening sentence showed complete ignorance to what baptism is all about.

The statement reads, “Thousands of people seeking spiritual purification walked into the sea Friday evening in what local church officials said was the largest baptism in memory.”

First, this isn’t a ceremony of purification. It is a visible way for believers to publicly pronounce their identification with Christ. We in a sense die to our old life and old selfish desires as the believer is plunged into the water.

Then, coming out of the water, the person is raised symbolically to new life, a new beginning. It represents our identity with Christ.

It is a beautiful, sacred ceremony that dates back to the time of John the Baptist. It would behoove your reporters to at least do some homework before writing something in an article they obviously know so little about.

I am also offended by The Times’ apparent decision to try to discredit Christianity by strategically placing this story on the baptism next to the Melodyland New Year’s Eve service article.

It becomes obvious that if there is a way to discredit Christian believers, the media will jump at any opportunity they can to do so.

BRENDA C. HOLLIMAN

San Juan Capistrano