Posted by:
Cheryl
(
)
Date: July 06, 2011 10:24AM
Every exmo I have known who had a 7 or 8 year old has had trouble with TBMs over the baptism problem. So I'd like to warn parents to be ready for:
1. TBM relatives cornering the kid and strong arming him/her to want to be baptized. Some grandparents try to bribe kids with bikes or trips to Disneyland. Others use fear of Satan or losing the love of God.
2. Neighbors, friends, and mormon near strangers like to jump in and try to lure kids into the font. This can happen at school or soccer practice without a parent's knowledge and sometimes TBMs tell kids they'll arrange everything and not to tell their parents.
3. There are also those who see opportunity as a sign from God. They see a kid playing in his/her yard or at the grocery store and they barge over, kneel down, peer straight in their face, and rave about the glories of being baptized. It's cult first and doesn't seem to matter to many TBMs about parental rights or preferences.
I suggest that exmo parents be vigilant. Warn kids that this might happen and tell them how to respond. If it's a nice person they know well, they could say, "I have to talk only to my parents about church stuff."
If it's a stranger, "I don't talk to strangers. Goodbye," as they stride off to find a parent or teacher to help them.
If it's a near-stranger or someone they don't like, "No! This is a family matter. Goodbye."
Parents need to have their own ready comebacks. "It's under control. No worries. Hot enough for you? Take care of that skin rash. Bye."
"Mother, I appreciate the casseroles and peach jam, but I don't need advice on baptism. I will talk to Johnny about it and I don't want him to get conflicting messages or start seeing you as an enemy or meddler."
"Excuse me, I don't know you well and I can't allow you to come between me and my child."
Whatever comebacks work are fine depending on the situation. But many exmos are stunned when this happens and are left speechless unless they preplan.
Just a word to the wise.