Oh my goodness, it didn't click until you said it- Jesus was baptized to bless us, to bless the earth. The further I go in my Orthodox journey the more intellectually and spiritually satisfying it is and the easier it is to see a God, who alone loves mankind. In the Protestant tradition I grew up in, so many of God's actions and Jesus' actions are explained in a utilitarian way; making use of it, instead of seeing the divine beauty in it.
I also learned as a child that baptism is secondary to salvation and you can be saved without it. That sets up confusion and a sense of arbitrariness for why Jesus commands us to do stuff. Everything about the Bible suggests that God wants to be known and not have us wander blindly. So I'm especially grateful when little wrinkles in my thinking get ironed out so I can see more that is there.
I'm so glad! Don't worry, I'll keep writing for the foreseeable future. I pray your journey is blessed, and that you find the answers you need. Do not hesitate to seek out a parish priest and ask questions as well. They are the best resources. You will quickly discover that internet Orthodoxy is a bit dicey!
Oh my goodness, it didn't click until you said it- Jesus was baptized to bless us, to bless the earth. The further I go in my Orthodox journey the more intellectually and spiritually satisfying it is and the easier it is to see a God, who alone loves mankind. In the Protestant tradition I grew up in, so many of God's actions and Jesus' actions are explained in a utilitarian way; making use of it, instead of seeing the divine beauty in it.
I also learned as a child that baptism is secondary to salvation and you can be saved without it. That sets up confusion and a sense of arbitrariness for why Jesus commands us to do stuff. Everything about the Bible suggests that God wants to be known and not have us wander blindly. So I'm especially grateful when little wrinkles in my thinking get ironed out so I can see more that is there.
This has absolutely been my experience as well, Sarah.
So glad you’ve resumed posting!
As a new Inquirer, this is so helpful.
Please keep on posting.
I'm so glad! Don't worry, I'll keep writing for the foreseeable future. I pray your journey is blessed, and that you find the answers you need. Do not hesitate to seek out a parish priest and ask questions as well. They are the best resources. You will quickly discover that internet Orthodoxy is a bit dicey!
Thank you - your book list has been very helpful to me.