Dear Bill,
On Tuesday, Nov 24, Stan Metheny cites a note from you on fonts, where you
wondered "whether there should be a series on this." Meaning, I believe,
baptism.
I have been trying for several months to learn more about the baptismal
practices in medieval Denmark. The Catholic Encyclopedia in the section on
baptism was, on the whole, vague.
The three possible forms, immersion, pouring, and dipping the celebrants
fingers in the water and in this manner bringing the water to the head of
the individual being baptised are mentioned, but I cannot find a clear cut
liturgical choice. Inquires sent to the Lutheran church in Denmark are
equally vague.
Luther is quoted as requiring baptism by immersion, the implication that
baptism by pouring was not to be followed by the Lutheran Church. But why in
the period 1550-75 (depending upon the wrter) do we find brass dishes from
Southern Germany being imported to fit the stone baptismal fonts? These
dishes were 3-4 inches deep, and I think that the were used to collect the
water poured on an infant's head. It would be much easier to pick up the
dish and use that to carry the water away. Think of the problem of emptying
the Romanesque font with no drains.
If any water was used for baptism, disposal would be easy. But if blessed
water of "holy water" were used, disposal might present difficulties.
As a Protestant, with only a smattering of information, I find these
questions important to the better understanding of religious practice in
Denmark, and, I venture, to religious practice in most of Northern Europe.
I know that you are busy, but in light of some of the comments on the
mechanical aspects of baptism, I am sure that a short series from you would
help many of us.
Thank you for the help you have given to us to date.
Regards, Jim
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