My six-year-old wants to be baptised

Dear Joan,

I am seeking your opinion on a situation I am currently facing. My six-year-old daughter told me that she wants to get baptised. I told her to wait for another three years and if she still wants to, then I won't stand in her way.

There was a baptism at the church I attend recently, and my little girl started crying when the ceremony was over. One of the Sunday school teachers asked her what was wrong, and she told the teacher that she really loved the Lord and wanted to be baptised, but her mother didn't want it.

The teacher came to me with my daughter by her side and asked me why I wouldn't allow my daughter to be baptised if she wanted to.

First, I was upset by the way she ambushed me with my daughter by her side, so I told her I didn't have to answer to her and I could make any decisions about my daughter without her butting in. I was really upset. Now, I think I was a bit rude in my response.

Should I allow her to be baptised at such a young age? Is she really mature enough to take on this kind of commitment? My fear is that she is just not ready yet.

Dear P.H.,

I totally understand where you are coming from. I, too, think that your daughter is too young to be baptised, but, of course, there are exceptions to every rule. I have known of cases where children have been baptised quite young and have been powerful in the children's ministries. I have even enjoyed refreshing messages from them as they preach on youth Sundays.

As a parent, it is your call to make that decision. To be fair to your daughter, I think you should ask yourself the following questions: How committed does she appear? Is she excited when talking about Jesus? Does she exhibit a maturity beyond her years? Did any of her friends get baptised recently?

Have a talk with her to find out why she really wants to do this now. Depending on her answers, you will know in your heart if you should give in or tell her to wait a little longer.

Regarding the Sunday school teacher who confronted you, she was wrong. If your daughter told her you didn't want her to be baptised, she should have waited for an opportune moment when you were alone and have a talk with you. She was putting you on the spot in front of your already upset daughter.

To soothe things over, you can go back to her, tell her you didn't appreciate the way she handled things, and then you can mend fences.

Blessings!

Why shouldn't women whistle?

Dear Joan,

I am curious about something. I recently got saved, so I am not knowledgeable about the Bible like some.

The other day I was in a church project and while I was working, I was whistling.

To my surprise, an older woman came up to me and rebuked me for doing so. She quoted the Bible verse that goes: "A whistling woman and a crowing hen is an abomination to the Lord."

She said I was wrong and should discontinue the habit as it's a sin. How can it be a sin to whistle a song in praise to the Lord?

Dear Y.U.,

I am amazed that in this day and age you still have older folks quoting this 'verse' to you.

Let me assure you that there is no reference to this phrase anywhere in the Bible. My guess is that it originated from a religious fanatic and someone who is as overzealous as your church sister.

Whistle if you want to. It's time for people to stop making up verses that are not in the Bible to suit their own beliefs.

My dear, you are young in the faith and I will give you this advice: Stop taking everything as gospel that older folks tell you. Read the Bible for yourself. Even in olden days, reference is made that young believers "searched the scriptures daily to see if the things they were being told were true" (Acts 17 vs 10-12).

Blessings on your journey as you build up a more solid relationship in the Lord.

n Do you have an issue in the Church and need guidance? Send questions to familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com.