The Church has confirmed that she was baptized posthumously in 2008. As a Mormon, I've tried to determine how I might feel if the situation were reversed. How would I feel if someone obtained an indulgence for me or otherwise did something religiously important to them on my behalf? Quite Honestly, I think I would be touched by their kindness. They are acting out of love. Our actions stem from love for billions of people who have died. Our performing this vicarious baptism allows them the choice to accept/reject it in the next life. We do not evaluate their lives, deaths, opportunities, choices etc. We do not presume to know if they had the choice here in this life or what they would choose to do if they did. I am astonished that people can confidently say they KNOW what the person in question would want or would not want. My husband's father converted on his death bed and asked him to perform the baptismal, and other ordinances, for him and seal (eternal marriage) him to his first (already deceased) and second wives. When informed of this, his second wife refused to believe that her husband had made this change or requested it. She still won't believe it I am astonished to read all these people evaluating religious beliefs/practices and passing judgment on them. This is inconsistent with modern notions of “tolerance.” There was an opinion piece by Eamonn McCann in the August 28, 2008 Belfast Telegraph that also addresses this issue well. It is entitled, "What if Mormons are right and Catholics and Protestants are Wrong?" He makes some good points. If you enjoy humor, read the Robert Kirby column on the subject, entitled, "Did We Mormons baptize your deceased loved one? I can help" It ran May 7, 2009. Robert Kirby is a Mormon humorist that writes for The Salt Lake Tribune. |
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We Baptized Obama's Mother? |