the Baptist Union of Denmark
Special Issue 2011 | Published by
English
FAQ about Baptists
baptist.dk
It Begins and Ends with Jesus Where does one start and where does one end when speaking of the Chris-
Baptists do not believe anything different
tian faith? Baptists begin with Jesus – with what He said and did, with His
about Jesus than other Christians do, but
death on the cross and with His resurrection from the dead.
we believe that the Christian faith must always be based on what Jesus said and did. We believe that we hear God’s own voice in Jesus’ words We believe that Jesus’ actions show us who God is We believe that Jesus is the only salvation for every man, woman, and child. We believe that Jesus’ example shows us how we ought to live Because Jesus rose from the dead, we know that there is hope for the world
The Central Question Most, if not all Christians, will say yes to 2 | FAQ about Baptists
all of the above. For Baptists, however, the most important question is not actually whether we believe all this about Jesus and God – which would be merely a matter of intellectual or emotional reasoning – but whether we are willing to follow Jesus as His disciples.
The first thing Jesus did when He
began his ministry was to invite some men to follow Him – to be His disciples, as they are called in the Bible. They walked with Him and learned from Him. He taught them to forgive and to love their neigh-
»
A disciple is one who lives as
Jesus has taught us, and teaches
«
What Do We Really Know about Jesus?
bours and also, most significantly, to love
Did Jesus Really Live?
their enemies. He showed them that it can
Few historians deny that Jesus actually
be necessary to suffer for the truth.
lived in Israel about 2,000 years ago.
From where Do We Get Our Information
After His resurrection, Jesus told His
about Jesus?
followers to establish a worldwide movement: ”Therefore go and make disciples of
tice is different from the Folkekirke (the
In the Bible there are the accounts of four
all nations” , which is to say, make them
Lutheran, national church of Denmark). We
evangelists, who wrote the first part of
people who follow me and learn from me!
baptize individuals who profess their faith
what we call the New Testament. This is
1
in Jesus and their desire to follow Him.
the second half of the Bible, which tells
Disciples of Jesus
When Jesus sent His disciples out He told
about the life, death and resurrection of
To be a Christian is, therefore, first and
them that they were to make people His
Jesus. The Jewish historian Josephus (ca
foremost a question of being a disciple of
disciples, baptize them, and teach them
37-100 AD) also wrote about Jesus and his
Jesus. One can characterize a Christian as
to observe all He had commanded them.
brother James.
a person who tries to live as Jesus taught
Therefore baptism is an act in which our
us and who teaches others to do likewise.
lives become united with Jesus, who is
There are two things that Baptists view as
the Lord, in whom we believe, follow after,
being inseparable: God became a human
and seek to be obedient towards. Baptism
in Jesus to save us and Jesus came to
unites us together in a community with
show us that we are God’s children and
others who follow Him – the church (read
should strive to resemble Him.
more about baptism on pages 9 and 18-19).
To Baptists this means that to be a
It is this understanding of Christianity
Christian is more than merely being one
which is the basis of Baptist belief – and
who identifies him/herself with Christian-
which Baptists are compelled by. It is a lot
ity or belongs to a Christian culture – it is
easier to speak about the faith than to live
to follow Jesus.
it out in reality!
What Can We Say with Absolute Certainty about Jesus? He was a Jew and His hometown was Nazareth in Galilee. He was born around year 0, and our reckoning of time is based on His birth. He spoke Aramaic and possibly also Greek. There is nothing to indicate that He was ever married. He was revered by most of His fellow
Baptism
[ ] Ole Lundegaard
Jewish countrymen as a ”rabbi”, which
You will read about baptism in many places
[ ] Natia Gotziridse Hansen
is a Jewish religious teacher.
in this booklet. Baptists’ baptismal prac-
and Per Bækgaard
The Romans crucified Him around 33 AD.
1] Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
3 | FAQ about Baptists
others to do likewise.
Contents 2 It Begins and Ends with Jesus – Essentially about Jesus
4 Who Are the Baptists? – Baptists in relation to the wider Christian Church
– FAQ about Baptists 15 Missions are Many Things – Three portraits
16 Things We Are Often Asked – FAQ about Baptists
17 Worshipping with Baptists – Some typical traits
18 God’s Child – Throughout Life
Front cover: Ann Lund Wahlberg and daughter Stella. [ ] Leif Christensen
26 Faith Must Be Lived – Maria and her role models
28 When the World Came to Us – Integration of migrants
29 Baptists on the Run – and on the Way – A chronology
– The blessing of children, baptism and service
6 The Importance of the Bible – How do Baptists view the Bible?
8 Torben’s Story
30 Do We Care for the Earth?
4 | FAQ about Baptists
– A new Baptist tells his story
10 On a Pilgrimage – Being a Baptist congregation
12 Working Together – The Baptist Church in Denmark
14 On The Edge of the Law – The first Danish Baptists baptist.dk Editors of this issue Lone Møller-Hansen, editor phone 0045 5695 1015 / 2347 4015, lonemh@live.dk Bent Hylleberg, phone 0045 5918 5195, bent@hylleberg.info Ole Lundegaard, phone 0045 5919 4049 ole.lundegaard@youmail.dk Jacob Broholm Møller, phone 0045 3255 2046, jbm@dbs.dk
– Taking care of God´s creation
20 Yearning and Resistance – Spirituality and prayer
22 God Is on the Move – About the Holy Spirit
24 Faith, Politics – and Baptists – Faith in the public square Translation: David Wilkins Thanks to John Mitchell for advice and to Frieda Nielsen for proof reading
32 Baptists and Other Christians – Baptists take cooperation seriously
34 Which Religion Is the True One? – Baptists and Other Religions
36 When We Want a Breeze – A modern hymn The Baptist Union of Denmark Lærdalsgade 7, st. tv. 2300 København S. Phone 0045 3259 0708
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Donations for baptist.dk may be given at Bank Account 3201 10042879, marked ”baptist.dk”
email: info@baptist.dk Website: www.baptistkirken.dk
The Baptist Church is one of the largest
Baptist congregations are not all alike,
als’ personal experience of faith in daily
Christian denominations in the world –
not here in Denmark or in the rest of the
life. Each of these reflects an important
the largest is the Roman Catholic Church.
world, but we have many shared values
Baptist aspect that many have something
There are more than 100 million Baptists
and convictions. These we wish to share
to say and should be heard.
in the world today and of these 41 million
with you in this booklet called FAQ about
comprise The Baptist World Alliance. The
Baptists.
your questions and there are many refer-
We hope you find answers to some of
ences to homepages where you can find
4 million in the span of just 1 year. This
What Does FAQ Mean?
additional information. You are, of course,
growing world organization, of which the
FAQ is an expression one often comes
always welcome to visit a Baptist church
Baptist Union of Denmark is a member,
across on the Internet. The letters stand
in the neighbourhood where you live.
consists of 218 church associations in 120
for ”Frequently Asked Questions”. The
Enjoy your reading.
countries.
present booklet contains answers to the
many of the questions, which Baptists are
The Baptist Union of Denmark, with
5,300 members distributed among 53
often asked – in addition to other things
congregations, may seem insignificant,
we would love to share with you! For ex-
but it is a part of a very large movement.
ample, there are testimonies of individu-
World Religions
Christians
Protestants
Buddhists Jews Christians Hindus Muslims
Catholics Orthodox Protestants Anglicans
Churches with believer’s baptism Churches with infant baptism
[ ] Lone Møller-Hansen
World churches with believer’s baptism Mennonites Baptists Pentacostals
5 | FAQ about Baptists
number, in fact, recently increased by
Leder
Who Are the Baptists?
The Importance of the Bible All Christians
agree that the
Bible is our textbook. Nevertheless, it is not interpreted the
same by all Christians and this is one of the reasons that one finds different church orientations. Baptists view reading and interpretation of the Bible as the core of the Christian’s being.
The Bible contains reports and stories of Christianity’s foundation. Most churches have documents other than the Bible, which also contribute to their beliefs. The Roman Catholic Church has many scripts written throughout the course of its history, which supplement the Bible as the basis of the church’s belief and teaching. The Danish Lutheran church also has scripts written after the Reformation in the 16th century 6 | FAQ about Baptists
and which contribute to the dogma of the Evangelical-Lutheran church. Baptists have no such supplementary scripts or confessions. We believe the Bible is the only reliable source of study and guidance for each generation and each Christian, and that the individual has the right and duty to read and interpret the Bible personally.
Easy and Difficult It can be easy to understand what one reads in the Bible and it can be difficult.
»
The life of Jesus tells clearly of God’s love for mankind,
of forgiveness, mercy, justice and hope.
«
Many stories that Jesus told are easy to
in community. We proclaim the words of
understand, while other texts can seem
the Bible in church meetings. We read
strange and difficult. This is no surprise
them together. We discuss them together.
because the books, which comprise the
We try to understand and practice them
Bible as a whole were written many years
together. Neither the minister nor anyone
ago in a cultural context very different
else can monopolize the interpretation of
from our own.
the Biblical record and instruction.
The Bible ”Bible” (Greek: Biblos) means ”book”. The Bible contains 66 books. The first part of the Bible (The Old
Jesus as Centre
Using the Bible
Testament) consists of 39 books. It
When the Bible is difficult to understand, it
Baptists believe that it is more important,
is written in Hebrew and is shared by
is important to have a guiding principle by
once we have read what Jesus said and
which we can interpret it. Baptists believe
did, to apply it to our lives rather than
that everything in the Bible must be seen
simply retain it in our minds. Important is
ment) consists of 27 books, which
in the light of Jesus’ life, death and resur-
not that we simply know a lot about the
tell about Jesus and the first Chris-
rection. Much of the Bible can be unclear
Bible or Christianity, but that we live as
to us, because some of the texts are old
followers of Jesus.
and tell of times different from our own,
but what Jesus said and did is quite plain.
body’s metabolism. When we eat the
It is in our best interest, therefore, to in-
body’s metabolism converts food into
terpret the unfamiliar in light of that which
energy. Similarly, we read and digest
is evident, that is to say Jesus’ life, which
the words of the Bible and, along with
”contract” and refers to God making
clearly tells of God’s love for mankind, of
dialogue and study, it will strengthen us
covenant with us.
forgiveness, mercy, justice and hope.
– like a spiritual metabolism – to act in a
No other book is printed in as many
caring and just way toward others. This is
languages and known in as many
the standard, which we strive for.
places as the Bible.
any doubt, Baptists believe it is appropriate to ask: What would Jesus say about this? What would Jesus have done?
[ ] Ole Lundegaard [ ] Natia Gotziridse Hansen
In Community An important principle of Baptist belief is that the Bible should be interpreted
and Per Bækgaard
tians. It is written in Greek. The first four books in the New Testament are the Gospels, which tell us about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. ”Testament” means ”covenant” or 7 | FAQ about Baptists
If something is difficult or strange, in
The Bible is much the same as the
both Jews and Christians. The Second part (The New Testa-
8 | FAQ about Baptists
Torben’s Story Can a change that takes place over a pe-
condition, Torben has been able to take care
I would like that”, Torben says. Through
riod of several years be called healing?
of a job and now his studies. It is also Tor-
faith he is finding that the suspicion he has
Torben Petersen, a new member in the
ben’s impression that this improvement co-
felt for several years toward other people,
Baptist church, believes so. After more
incided with his path to Christ. The first step
is diminishing: ”To be made in Christ’s
than twenty years with a mental sickness
in this walk was to stop abusing alcohol,
image is about being made with the ability
he now finds that through God’s help
which he had been doing for many years.
to choose to love others – and receiving the
things are gradually changing for him.
”In any case”, he remarks, ”it was never
proper help I believe I can learn to do that”,
written on any prescription that whisky
Torben claims. He gets that help, among
should be used to wash the pills down”.
other ways, through the Christian commu-
Torben went through his first episode of
nity. According to Torben, it can counteract
mental sickness in 1986. After the death of
Church in Copenhagen’s Cathedral, where
the fear of close encounters with people
a member of his immediate family he had
he spoke with a worker: ”I simply did not
that those with or without mental afflic-
to take time off work because of sickness
dare to speak to the pastor. I was so afraid
tions have toward each other: ”The oppor-
and after that he gave up his job as a tech-
and angry with God”, he tells. At the same
tunity is there to enter into broad, ordinary
nical assistant for a life on welfare. Several
time Torben sought out the Unitarians. Here,
fellowships, where we have an interest in
periods of hospitalization followed and
however, he experienced that the direction
being there without necessarily being in
Torben was diagnosed with such differ-
he was moving in was opposite to that of
ent diseases as anti-aggressive behavior,
the Unitarians: ”I approached a Christianity
borderline psychosis and various degrees
which the others apparently were running
of schizophrenia. At the age of 30 Torben
from” Torben states in hindsight.
Torben also began visiting the Night
received invalidity pension which, for the past 21/2 years, has been supplemented
Do You Want to Get Well?
by wages from a flex-job at Herlev Hospi-
A friend introduced Torben to the Baptist
tal’s journal archive. He has recently been
Church, and in 2008, at the Baptist Sum-
dismissed as a result of cutbacks. Now he
mer Conference as well as in the local
is studying mathematics to improve his
Baptist church he had started attending,
opportunities for employment.
he heard the question that Jesus once addressed to a sick man, addressed to
On the Way to Christ
himself: ”Do you want to get well?” ”I
Years later, due to his generally improved
became more and more open to admit: Yes,
Torben Petersen being baptised
»
To be made in Christ’s
image is about being made with the ability to choose to love others.
«
Facts on Torben Petersen 52 years old Member of Korskirken in Herlev Staff member in the Night Church See www.kirke4byen.dk
QR-code
If you have a smartphone you can download a free scanning application. With this app you can use the phone´s camera to scan the code. This will automatically open the website to which the code refers.
agreement with everything. Being in com-
Along his journey, Torben experienced his
munity with other people is a very good
own need for an illustrative translation of
learning process for me” he states.
God. He had Joakim Skovgaard’s important recommended and in many ways it turned
These days Torben is, among other things,
out to also illustrate Torben’s own situa-
active in the Baptist church’s Night Church
tion. He explains: ”That picture shows me
in Nørrebro (Copenhagen) which he found
that Christ let the light in to those who
valuable for his own integration into the
were lost in darkness. He opens the door
church: ”It’s about accepting those who
wide, so you can see a way out. So if you
enter, as they are. But also about creat-
want to come, follow me”.
ing some personal relationships”, Torben says. And he continues: ”Conversation
[ ] Morten Hedelund
with God is especially important, but one
[ ] Kurt Bøgsted
often needs others to help interpret”.
and Per Bækgaard
9
painting Christ in the Realm of the Dead
Follow Me
On a Pilgrimage The objective is the same. The peo-
there are at least three opinions in play!
the way is the dialogue that we carry on
ple in the procession are different.
There are disagreements about everything
with each other.
We are all on the same journey.
under the sun and opinions on all things big and small. Paths are disputed and the
God’s People on the Way
practical aspects of the journey fuel hot
The Bible contains the basic story of being
Whether on a family camping vacation, a
debates. But there is absolute agreement
God’s people. It is the story of how God
12 hour bus trip with strangers crammed
on the objective – to become people who
freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
into too little space – or a short trip by
live in agreement with Jesus’ words, loving
The way out of slavery and through the
plane to reach sun, warmth and a swim-
God and our neighbours.
desert was their journey to the land that
10 | FAQ about Baptists
ming pool, the keyword is travel. But there
God had promised them. They were led by
are many modes of travel and while the
Differences Are Welcome
God and they followed Him – and on the
purpose is the same, the road toward
Despite its differences, the Church should
way they helped each other: ”By the day
the destination is different. Some people
be a community where everyone can join
the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of
want relaxation, comfort, peace and an
no matter where one is on life’s journey.
cloud to guide them on their way and by
uncomplicated trip to the destination.
The church should be a place where our
night in a pillar of fire to give them light,
Other people are not concerned with the
gifts and abilities are brought into play
so they could travel by day or night”2.
settings, but rather with the company they
– and where one has respect for each
travel with or the means of transportation.
other’s lives, abilities and talents.
church shall be: A diverse people who
And then there are those who just need to
are on the way. On the way toward being
get there in a hurry.
journeys – that disagreements arise about
the people God wants us to be. On the
both the substance and fashion of the
way away from all the things that hinder
The Church as a Procession
journey and it would be dishonest to with-
us from being His people. On the way to
The Church is comparable with a proces-
hold the fact that to disagree is a part of
a world where God’s love is experienced
sion in the sense that it should be a com-
being a church. The challenge with being
and shared. On the way to a world with
munity of likeminded people on a course
a church does not consist in making it
freedom and justice.
led by the Holy Spirit. In the Bible we find
conform to a one-way attitude in all cir-
Jesus’ promise that where two or three
cumstances, systems and structures – but
[ ] Andreas Højmark
come together in His name, He is there.
in keeping the focus on the objective: That
[ ] Anker Lundegaard a.o.
It has been said (humorously) that
we, through faith in Jesus, become one
where there are two Baptists together,
community. The tool we need to use on
1
1] Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
It happens – even on the best of
This is the way Baptists believe the
2] Exodus 13:21 (NIV)
Baptism – on a pilgrimage in an exciting world with Jesus as guide
Pilgrims – taking a walk during Baptist Summer Conference Blessing of the children – walking through life with God’s blessing
Gospel Choir – Gospel Music in Louise Square, Aalborg, with the theme: Taste the World.
11
omsandMuffins – M Mothers from New Zealand, China, Vietnam, Ghana and the USA gather once a month for fellowship in Bethelkirken, Aalborg.
International Christian students in Aalborg gather for worship and fellowship
Praying for the newly baptized – sent on life’s journey with prayer
Working Together About 50 Danish Baptist churches constitute the community, which is called
rightfully assume that the main teaching is
the Baptist Union of Denmark. Some are old – from the beginning of the 1800s.
baptism. All the Baptist churches practice
Others are the off-spring of the older churches. Most of the youngest churches
confessional or believer’s baptism, but their
have their origins with immigrants from other countries and continents.
views on baptism and admission of new members vary (see page 18).
The teaching, which Baptists have in
common, concerns the relationship between God and man. Baptists believe that before God all people are equal; therefore, we are equal in relation to each other. This belief is foundational to the Baptist conviction about democracy and freedom. The Church, therefore, is primarily a laymandriven1 movement. The Baptists’ interdenominational engagement, in which many of its members are involved, is influenced by the same thoughts about equality.
Dialogue Guided by the Bible This basic understanding demands an 12 | FAQ about Baptists
ongoing interchange in a community of The churches that make up the Baptist
Voluntary Community
Union of Denmark, are quite different from
Every local church is completely independ-
each other, shaped not only by their own
ent. The national body (i.e. The Baptist
individual stories, but also by the people
Union of Denmark, BUD) has no authority
who actually take part in the community.
over the local churches, not in their practic-
Visit any of these different Baptist church-
es, teaching, or economy. The Baptist Union
es, you might possibly ask yourself wheth-
is a voluntary and yet binding concept – a
er they are all part of the same church
working community with a common char-
community! Yet beneath the surface of this
acter based on its teaching, its history, and
onslaught of diversity is a strong bond of
its common challenges and needs. Since
faith between the churches.
”Baptist” means ”baptizer”, one might
equals. Teaching and preaching in Bap-
From the annual Summer Conference
»
It is the deliberations about common tasks that hold the diverse
community of Baptist churches together.
«
tist churches is based on this ongoing
the vote. National meetings are led by the
are supported by the member churches.
conversation as we seek to be guided by
Baptist Union›s elected leadership, aided
But the world also comes to us. In Den-
the Bible. Likewise it is the deliberations
by a hired staff and a number of commit-
mark we now face a challenge – the inte-
about common tasks that hold the diverse
tees with each their own area of responsi-
gration of migrants into the Danish con-
community of Baptist churches together.
bility – international missions, integration,
gregations (see page 28). The churches
education etc. See below the graphic of
assist each other in this task.
the local churches and the Baptist Union.
The dialogue takes place in the local
church on many levels: in the church council, in committees and in many infor-
In earlier times the Baptist Union had
its own pastoral training in cooperation
mal fora. The local church’s main authority,
Things We Do Together
with other churches in Scandinavia. Today
however, lies with the congregation at the
For many years Danish Baptists have
we are connected with both Danish public
members’ meeting, at which all the mem-
undertaken missions and development
education2 and international schools,
bers can participate at an equal level and
in Burundi and Rwanda, and now work
which include the European Baptist Semi-
where important decisions are made.
together with their own national Baptist
nary in Prague3.
churches, but we have other commitments
Many tasks are too big for the single
church and, therefore, the solutions are
all over the world. The international mis-
[ ] Søren P. Grarup
sought in the national association, the
sion comprises a number of projects of
[ ] Kurt Bøgsted
Baptist Union of Denmark (BUD). It is
both spiritual and practical nature, which
[ ] Natia Gotziridse Hansen
primarily at the yearly summer Conference, which functions in the same way as
53 independent congregations in 2010
the church meeting that this takes place. while it is the church delegates who have
The Church meeting – the supreme authority of each congregation The Church Board
1] ”Layman” means ”a man from among the people”, i.e. it is the opposite of being a professional. Baptists believe that all believers should be involved in church leadership, not simply professional pastors and other church leaders. 2] For example the Universities in Copenhagen and Aarhus, or the new 3K education, see www.3k.diakonissen.dk. 3] See www.ibts.cz Read more at www.baptistkirken.dk
The Church Board
The Church Board
The Church Board
The Church Board
National Conference Staff
Volunteers
– national office
– committees, national organisations (e.g. Scouts)
National Leadership
13 | FAQ about Baptists
Here all Baptists have the right to speak,
On The Edge of The Law The Baptist Union of Denmark began organizing in the 1800s as a part of the religious and social revival that also fostered two other Danish Church movements, Grundtvigianism and The Inner Mission. The first Baptist congregation was founded in
Memorial stone in Lersøparken in Copenhagen where the first Danish Baptists were baptized, erected in 1964 on the initiative of the Baptist Scout Organisation.
1839, but in doing so these first Dan-
14 | FAQ about Baptists
ish Baptists broke the Danish law.
On a cold morning in October 1839 a
without repression. The liberal press in
The Victory of the Folkekirke
dozen people walked to a location outside
Copenhagen supported them until the
English Christians visited Denmark and
Copenhagen. Here a German Baptist, who
constitution secured the freedom of
appealed to the King to grant religious
was in the country illegally, baptized the
religion 10 years later. But until then, they
freedom. German Baptists crossed the
first Danish Baptists. The baptism took
were persecuted.
border to install new Baptist pastors to
place where Lersøparken is located today
lead the churches. Progress was great
and with that act they separated them-
a diet of bread and water. Their newborn
and in ten years about 1,000 Danes were
selves from the state church and Danish
children, who were ”kept unbaptized”,
baptized and mission to both Sweden and
society. The authorities would not tolerate
as it was called, were baptized by force,
Norway was commenced.
this, since all citizens were expected to
by a Lutheran pastor with the aid of the
belong to the same church as the King, i.e.
police. The Baptists’ leader, P. C. Mønster,
big in contrast to those in Sweden. This
the Lutheran Church. Police and bishops
was jailed five times for a total of 2 years
was due to the fact that the Folkekirke’s
deliberated what to do.
imprisonment. Whenever free he contin-
pastors – both Grundtvigian and Inner
ued to preach and fight for freedom and
Mission – so to speak ”captured” the
Behind Bars
rights. He became bankrupt, when the
revival. In 1912 the local churches of the
The first Baptists attended N.F.S.
police sold all he owned at an auction.
Folkekirke got local church councils,
Grundtvig’s church, but they left in 1839
He was the first to lobby the authorities
which together with the industry of the
when Grundtvig once again became a pas-
about ”Full Religious Freedom for Den-
state church pastors led to increased
tor in the state Church. Their ways parted
mark” in 1840, but the bishop of Sealand
participation in many parishes.
over the issue of baptism. Nevertheless,
(the island where Copenhagen is situated)
they joined Grundtvig in his quest for the
would not discuss such ”insignificant mat-
[ ] Bent Hylleberg
right of Danes to think and believe freely,
ters”!
[ ] Linette Lund
The Baptists’ leaders were jailed on
Danish churches, however, were never
In the front
In the field
At the top
P. C. Mønster (1797-1870)
Martine Emming (1897-1966)
Knud Wümpelmann (b.1922)
Mønster ranks with Grundtvig as a ban-
Overseas missions began for Danish
Knud Wümpelmann, Danish Baptists’
ner bearer for religious freedom. While
Baptists in Burundi and Rwanda in Central
first General Secretary in 1964. Trained in
a trained engraver he went on a six-year
Africa after 1928, when the first mission-
communication and theology, he served
educational trip through Europe. In 1830
aries landed and built a church, a school
as pastor in Pandrup and in Copenhagen
he was married and began to go to church
and a hospital. One of the first of these
before studies in the USA. Enormous
with a ”godly pastor” in Slagelse. He
missionaries was Martine Jensen. Before
work experience and a diplomatic mind
became one of the leaders in the revival
she traveled to Africa, she had been a
provided the background he needed as
in southwest Sealand, before he moved
maid for nine years on a farm in Jutland,
he, 10 years prior to the fall of the Berlin
to Copenhagen. After 1835 he went to
where she began a Sunday school for the
wall in 1989, traveled throughout eastern
Grundtvig’s church but soon found that
area’s children. After taking French lan-
and western Europe as General Secretary
their understanding of the Bible differed.
guage courses and training as a midwife
for Europe’s Baptists. From 1990-1995 he
After studying the New Testament, Mønster
in Belgium, she traveled to central Africa
served as President of the Baptist World
came to adopt a Baptist view of baptism.
with her husband, Hans Emming, where
Alliance leading Baptists worldwide. He
After 1839 he was ”the Baptists’ mission-
they worked until 1965. Their home was
has visited Baptist churches throughout
ary” in the whole country. Later his church
open to all, with no regard to social stand-
the world, participated in theological
of 400 members came into conflict with
ing. Their hospitality was legendary and
deliberations with other Christian commu-
the leaders of the German Baptists and the
Martine became known for asking: ”How
nities and sought influence at the highest
congregation was largely absorbed by the
much water in the soup today?” Through-
levels, particularly in the areas of global
Mormons who came to Denmark after 1849.
out her life she epitomized an old motto:
justice, freedom of conscience and oppo-
He died as a member of the State Church.
Every Baptist is a missionary.
sition to racism and prejudice.
15 | FAQ about Baptists
Missions are Many Things
Frequently Asked Questions
Word list Kingdom of God – the most important concept that Jesus used when He would
What differs from State Church practice?
Do Baptists pay church tax?
express that God comes to us with
– No, being a free church Baptists have
peace (shalom). It includes love, justice,
– Baptist churches are free, not controlled
an independent economy. Baptists them-
mercy, and so on.
by the state. The State Church is state
selves pay a voluntary contribution to
controlled and funded.
cover church building, salaries, mission-
Disciple – is used in the New Testament
– Baptists do not baptize infants, but only
ary support and so forth.
in reference to those who followed
those who themselves wish to receive the baptism as God’s gift and wish to serve Jesus.
How are your children named?
Jesus. It means student or apprentice,
May all people come to the worship services?
and (in the Bible) it is a specific iden-
– Yes, worship services and all other
Kingdom.
tification of those working for God’s
events are open to all.
– A child can be named by a Baptist pastor
Church – means ”that which belongs to
as in other churches. Child-naming has
the Lord” (Greek: kyrios)
nothing to do with baptism. – Baptists believe, therefore, that naming
Baptist – comes from the Greek word
is a civil matter, not religious.
baptismos, which means ”immersion”.
16 | FAQ about Baptists
Originally ”Baptist” was used by oppo-
Can one be married in the Baptist Church?
nents as a nickname.
– Yes, the Baptist Church has had author-
Do the State Church and the Baptists believe in the same God?
Confessional baptism – baptism in
ity to perform marriages since 1952. If
– There is only one God, the Father of
which the one being baptized confesses
either the bride or groom is a Baptist, then
Jesus Christ. The State Church and the
his/her faith in God. It is the opposite of
the couple can be married in a Baptist
Baptists agree on that point, but they
infant christening where one christens
Church.
differ in interpretation of few of the Chris-
the infant into the faith of the godpar-
tian faith fundamentals, such as church
ents or the Church. Baptists refer to
organization and baptism.
baptism, therefore, as ”believer’s bap-
Where are Baptists buried? – Baptists can be buried in Danish cemeteries as other Danes.
tism” or ”confessional baptism”. [ ] Bent Hylleberg [ ] Jørgen Grønnegaard
Worshipping with Baptists The meaning of life is to serve God.
Form and Content
Many Participants
We should do this in every aspect of
The different aspects of the worship ser-
Often many individuals take part in con-
life and at every time – at school, at
vice are also recognized by other church-
ducting the worship. One may lead the
work, wherever we are. We should
es. We sing, pray, hear stories from the
service while the pastor will only preach.
do it through living with love and
Bible and listen to a sermon. There may
Others may pray, read Bible passages or
doing what is right and just. To live
also be a baptism and communion during
share a testimony.
thus every day, we need to gather
the church service. The form can vary a lot
together for worship on Sundays
from church to church, because there are
service on Sunday morning. At another
to thank God for life and to receive
no rules dictating the form of any Baptist
point in time on Sundays or on another
guidance to live the life that demon-
worship service. Every church is free.
day of the week, there are other forms of
strates love toward others.
service, such as a gospel song service,
In most Baptist churches singing and
As a rule Baptists celebrate worship
music play a significant role in worship.
services for children or young people or
Often a choir, for example a gospel choir,
a quiet service. All are welcome, whether
The Sunday worship is a central part of
is included in the service. In most places
Baptist or not!
the life of all Christian churches. General-
one will sing a mixture of hymns and
ly, the worship service in a Baptist church
modern songs. In some places organs are
[ ] Ole Lundegaard
is less formal than in the Folkekirke. The
used, in other places a piano or a band
[ ] Natia Gotziridse Hansen
pastor may be either a woman or a man,
accompanies the singing.
and Per BĂŚkgaard
and wears ordinary clothing. God sees no Celebrating Communion the Baptists distribute freshly baked bread and in most Baptist churches there is either nonalcoholic wine or juice in the ÂCommunion glasses.
17 | FAQ about Baptists
difference between us.
18 | FAQ about Baptists
God’s Child – Throughout Life Children are God’s – from the in-
and they are older by the time they are
cal or social work, some visit the sick and
stant they are conceived. We can-
baptized. But regardless of age the same
elderly, others want to serve God with
not earn this privilege nor do we
thing applies: In baptism we are thankful
their handiwork – practical or artistic. God
deserve it. Yet, Baptists bless their
that we are children of God; we profess
needs servants everywhere. With the Holy
infants and baptize people who pro-
that we cannot live without God; and
Spirit (read p. 22) we become capable of
fess their faith in God. How does
we profess that we wish to live as Jesus
understanding what God says to us and
this all fit together?
taught us.
act accordingly.
Baptized into Service
Personal Faith
Blessing the Children
After the baptism we pray for the newly
Faith cannot be inherited. Every generation
When Baptists bless infants instead of
baptized while the pastor and others lay
and every individual must personally ac-
baptizing them it does not change the
hands on him or her. Baptists see baptism
cept Jesus. We may have parents or other
child’s status with God. It shows that the
as God’s embrace and as an initiation and
Christians as role models, but at some
child is a part of God’s people, the be-
equipment to serve God.
point we ourselves must take a stand and
lieving community. This is the difference
mature in personal faith.
between the Baptists and the Folkekirke.
power of the Holy Spirit to the one being
The official teaching of the Folkekirke is
baptized, so that he or she will be kept
private faith. When we say that faith is
that the child must be baptized to become
in the faith and have the chance to serve
private it is often because we are timid
a child of God.
Him.
and feel that we are not ”enough of a be-
Thus the prayer asks God to give the
Most young people go through a
Personal faith is something other than
liever”. Jesus says that we should merely
phase in which they rebel. Some of them
Everyone Has an Assignment
have the faith of a mustard seed3 and
deliberately turn their backs on God, while
As Baptists we believe that everybody is
that is not very big! Personal faith grows
others slide out of the community and yet
equal before God. This is what usually is
through sharing – faith as well as doubt –
others return. The road to faith is not the
called ”the priesthood of all believers” .
with others.
same for everyone. Some decide to be
It means that God has an assignment
baptized early, because they have grown
for us all – but not the same one for all.
[ ] Lone Møller-Hansen
up with faith in Jesus. Others experience
We have different talents and chances
[ ] Morten Kjær-Andersen
conversion as a return to God’s embrace
to serve according to God’s will for our
and upon this conversion they are bap-
lives. Some are good singers, others can
tized. Others begin late in life to believe
preach, some become involved in politi-
1] See Matthew 18:1-5
2] See 1. Peter 2:9-10
2
3] See Matthew 17:20
»
Uanset alder gælder det
samme: I dåben takker vi for, at vi er Guds børn. Blessing of a Child
«
Emilie Was Baptized at the Age of 14 a Baptist. From the time Emilie was a little child, she went to the Baptist church. ”I have always believed in Jesus. And I loved to
Baptismal ”grave”
sing and pray”, she says.
As an 11 year-old she was diagnosed with diabetes. ”I prayed
There is no baptismal font, but a baptismal ”pool” (in
a lot to God that He would help me and He did. God and my fam-
Danish called a dåbsgrav, literally a baptismal grave). It is
ily helped me through a difficult time”, says Emilie, who now lives
a pool filled with water – enough so that the person to be
calmly with her disease.
baptized can be submerged in the water for a brief mo-
ment. Before the baptism one is asked: ”Do you believe in
Emilie chose to be baptized in the spring of 2010. ”I had attend-
ed Confirmation Class (Lutheran Church) with my class mates and
Jesus as Saviour and Lord?” After the one being baptized
the pastor said that I could be baptized in the Baptist church and
has declared her or his faith, the baptism takes place in
confirmed in the Folkekirke. But the Baptist Church is my church
”the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. The basis for
and it was here I wanted to be baptized and live”.
calling it a ”grave” can be found in Romans 6:4.
19 | FAQ about Baptists
Emilie Kjær Andersen comes from a family where her mother is
Yearning and Resistance It is possible to encounter God’s love both when we yearn for Him and when we are angry with Him – or sad. Even when God does not like our thoughts, words or
20 | FAQ about Baptists
deeds, His love for us does not change.
All people both yearn after God and op-
we are afraid of God, because we assume
pose God. As Christians we believe that
that God will punish us for the things we
this yearning reflects the fact that we are
do wrong. This unfortunate picture of an
created in God’s image. Deep within us
angry God has survived time. To this is
lies a yearning to know God in the same
only to say that even when God does not
way that children yearn to know and expe-
like what we think, say or do, His love for
rience their parents’ love.
us does not decrease. His love is shown first and foremost through what Jesus said
Is God Angry?
and did. God is not out to punish us. On
Paradoxically we also have a resistance to
the contrary, He will surround us with love
God in our human nature. This is as natu-
and help us to live in love.
ral as the yearning and might indicate that
»
It is fantastic that God not only meets us in our
yearning for him but also in our rebellion.
«
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
Aversion toward God
to pray our own prayer. Jesus taught us a
We can also have an aversion toward God,
special prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, which we
because of what we assume He thinks
can resort to when we ourselves cannot
about our lives. He does not force us to
find words for what we would like to say
believe but gives us free will. Freedom is a
to God. It says what is necessary.
gift from God and with it follows responsi-
bility. We are free but under obligation – it
Bible. He talks to us. Baptists since the
comes with the territory of being created.
old days have been known as ”people of
We are created for fellowship with God
the Book”, meaning that reading the Bible
and with man, but choosing to be a part of
is very important to us. In the Bible we
this fellowship is not always easy.
get to know Jesus and He shows us God’s
face and spirit. It is from the Bible that we
God not only meets us in our yearning
We meet God also when we read the
but also in our rebellion. Whether we are
get an idea about what God’s will is for us.
afraid, sad or angry, it is God’s greatest
Jesus teaches us the values by which we
wish that we come to Him with all our feel-
should live in accordance with the will of
ings, especially those we want kept se-
God – He knows what is best for us!
us to share all aspects of our life. There
To Seek God – Together
are no feelings which are wrong – the
Baptists have always been involved in fel-
wrongs arise if we attempt to hide from
lowship, worship, Bible study and prayer.
God. So how do we meet God?
We recognize that our yearning for God and our rebellion and doubts are normal.
Help to Meet God
In worship where God is uplifted, and in
We meet God when we pray – in other
the conversations about what the Bible
words when we talk with God. Prayer is
tells us we find the right places to strug-
both silence and words. In silence we
gle with both yearning and rebellion.
listen to God, and with our words we can
Our Heart is Restless until it rests in You Augustine, Bishop in Northern Africa, ca. 400 A.D
express what we think, feel and yearn
[ ] Lone Møller-Hansen
after. On the Internet and in books we can
[ ] Per Bækgaard
find prayers that were expressed yesterday – or many hundreds of years ago. We may use them when we do not know how
21 | FAQ about Baptists
cret. He knows them already but He wants
Water in the form of liquid, ice and steam can be used as an illustration of what we mean by God as the Trinity. One and the same matter but in three different forms.
22 | FAQ about Baptists
God Is on the Move Have you ever been surprised? A surprise
thing is that these few scared disciples,
everything good. The Holy Spirit is always
can be either negative or positive. 2,000
who were afraid that the Romans would
present – we just have to pay attention!
years ago there was a group of friends who
beat them to death, would be changed by
experienced negative surprise. They had
that encounter with the Holy Spirit. When
It Becomes Tangible
followed their teacher for three years and
the Holy Spirit arrived they received faith
That is the story, which serves as the back-
looked forward to continuing in this activity
and courage to start the movement that
ground when we talk about the Holy Spirit.
even longer. But Jesus called them together
Jesus had asked them to undertake. And in
God’s Spirit is in individuals and in fellow-
and told them that He would soon leave
the span of a few hundred years they and
ships. The Holy Spirit gives us courage
them. In His place He would send something
their successors played a role in turning
and hope – a hope that the world can be a
He called an ”advocate” – the Holy Spirit.
the Roman Empire upside down.
better place, when we listen to him. Be-
cause the Holy Spirit is an ”advocate” who
The first Christians were Jews, and for
From Fear to Courage
the Jews God’s Spirit was present in the
has come to inspire, enlighten and lead the
The disciples did not understand what
temple in Jerusalem and in his prophets.
way. But how does this become tangible?
Jesus was saying but they became wiser.
But now Jesus’ friends experienced the fill-
When Jesus died they hid behind closed
ing of God’s Spirit. The apostle Paul, who
tion toward Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives
doors because they were afraid. Therefore,
wrote many of the letters in the New Testa-
good advice so that we begin to live more
it would be the first actual very powerful
ment, calls the people of God a ”living
the way Jesus showed us. This can happen
encounter, which Jesus’ friends had with
temple” – God’s Spirit lives in them! When
in many ways. It happens when the Holy
God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, and on that
we meet as friends over a cup of coffee,
Spirit calls our best abilities and talents
occasion they would be, in fact, accused
eat together, or come together for worship,
forward, when He encourages us to do
of being drunk! But the most interesting
God’s Spirit is present to inspire us for
something about social injustice in the
The Holy Spirit always turns our atten-
»
world, when we take care of the sick and pray for them and when we build a com-
The Holy Spirit gives us courage and hope.
«
Trinity
munity where people can find security and care and where faith in God can grow.
How should we understand God? Basically God is a mystery. to express the fact that we believe in one God whom we know
Some have compared the Holy Spirit to
in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that
electricity. Electricity is there the whole
God is our Creator (Father), that it is God who saves us from evil
time but it doesn’t function until you
and death (the Son – Jesus is the Saviour), and that God is still
switch on. So it is with God’s Spirit: it is
with us, leads us and gives us courage (the Holy Spirit). It is this
always there but the first time the Holy
belief in God – as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – which defines the
Spirit touches us we receive strength and
Christian Church.
clear-sight to live a life that points to Jesus
– to live a life where people, through us,
often use metaphors to make things more understandable.
come to experience everything God wants
For example we can think of water, which can be in the form
for us and the world: healing, care, love,
of liquid, ice and steam; one and the same matter but in three
joy, freedom and justice.
different forms. We can also say that a man can be a father, son
But it is difficult! How can God be one and yet three? We
and husband at the same time. [ ] Thomas Willer
[ ] Natia Gotziridse Hansen
describing how we experience God.
The word ”trinity” is not found in the Bible. It is our way of
23 | FAQ about Baptists
Since the olden times Christians have used the concept trinity
Come in A Shock!
Faith, Politics – and Baptists 24 | FAQ about Baptists
»
Jesus’ message is more about the life of my neighbour than about the next life
«
If Baptists could choose, church and
we negotiate our way to solutions, but other
see the mind of Martin Luther behind the
state would be separated, but not
places in the world we find political systems
wording of that idea. He believed that
faith and politics. Is this possible?
we do not care for, such as dictatorships,
God controls the world with two hands:
where people are suppressed.
With the left He controls politics, which are in charge of creating laws and exercise
Politics is concerned with life in the commu-
Faith and Politics
power; with the right hand He controls
nity as a whole. It is about making deci-
Christians have always discussed the
the Church through the proclamation of
sions, delegating responsibility and exercis-
connection between faith and politics.
the Gospel of His love. The conclusion is
ing power. It can be done in many ways. As
In Denmark many people say that faith
that politics and the Gospel are best kept
Danes we are happy with democracy, where
and politics must not be mixed. One can
separate. Most Baptists would disagree.
In November 2010, Kristuskirken – a Baptist church in Nørrebro, Copenhagen – hosted a public dinner for 150 homeless people, who sat together with other citizens enjoying gourmet food and sharing with each other, while members of the church served as waiters and washed the dishes.
God’s Politics
prepared to take society’s punishment.
them of old time…but I tell you…” – and
Baptists believe that Jesus’ message
In other words, they followed their con-
then gives specific directions for new pat-
remains the standard by which we live in
science. Civil disobedience is not, however,
terns of life1. Paul also writes to the Chris-
this world. We do not live in two separate
a subversive activity but can be necessary
tians in Rome: ”Do not conform any longer
worlds – one on Sundays and another the
to achieve a better democratic society.
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
ent ideal: Jesus became a man to show us
Jesus’ Practice
Then you will be able to test and approve
how we ought to live in fellowship with
Jesus’ message is about establishing
what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and
each other. Jesus came to teach us some-
peace with the neighbour on the other
perfect will”2. Revelation, the last book of
thing new. This new thing, which we could
side of the hedge – and in the world. It is
the Bible, underlines that ”everything will
call ”God’s politics”, is a new pattern of
about acting justly by sharing with each
become new”3.
life, which people should practice. We go
other – in the Danish society and globally.
to church to learn this and try to practice
It is about a new understanding of power
ward the goal that a new reality may break
what we hear every day.
– violence and injustice are always a
through – even here and now. This can be
misuse of power. In Jesus’ practice, power
done in many ways and, therefore, from
Church and State
is demonstrated as the power of love for
a political perspective the Baptists are
Baptists also believe that church and state
others. Jesus’ message is really more
also varied in their views. They are found
ought to be separate. Neither the Queen
about the life of our neighbour than about
in all the political parties. But the above
nor Folketinget (the Danish Parliament)
the next life. His message outlines a new
perspective is the basis for most Baptists.
should decide what Christians believe.
order of society, which creates life and
When in 1840 the Danish Government
The people of the church should not pas-
opportunities for everyone. As Christians
forbade one of the first Baptists, P. C.
sively accept the politicians’ decisions.
we are to promote the project.
Mønster, to hold church services, baptize
Throughout time many Baptists have
It is the task of Christians to work to-
and celebrate Communion, he wrote ”I
taken a stand against the Kings’ power
New Patterns
have no intentions of following a single
and laws with which parliament has
It is, therefore, not accidental that Jesus
one of these rules and, while I strive to
agreed. This form of opposition is called
says: ”You have heard that it was said by
give to Caesar, what is Caesar’s, I will not
civil disobedience.
forget to give to God, what is God’s”.
Baptists have often taken part in civil
disobedience. The first Danish Baptists
[ ] Bent Hylleberg
are an example of this. They willfully broke
[ ] Mette Rostrøm
the law but not in a violent way. They defended their actions publicly and were
1] See Matthew 5:21-48 (NIV) 2] See Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) 3] See Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV)
25 | FAQ about Baptists
rest of the week. Baptists have a differ-
Faith Must Be Lived I have been a Baptist for 25 years. At first because I was born into a Baptist family, but now for the past 11 years, every day I have actively chosen to be a Baptist. Why? Because the world should not be allowed to stay the same!
Historically speaking, Baptists have in
ture. They participated in establishing
a way been a progressive people who
freedom of religion. The Baptists would
have been willing to suffer deprivation
not let their children be baptized in the Lu-
and perhaps even death for what they
theran Church as the law required. There-
believe in. I think it is both a privilege and
fore, infant baptism was often forced on
a great responsibility to belong to that
their children. Today, when I think about
tradition. It is a great challenge to think
how much we appreciate a country with
that I should continue this way of life in a
democracy and freedom for everyone, it
culture of self-centeredness! How should
is cool to follow someone who fought for
I get the strength to take part in changing
religious freedom. And they fought, mind
the world?
you, for everybody’s right to do that! The fight for spiritual freedom for all is one I
Role Models
still want to engage in.
26 | FAQ about Baptists
To be able to walk in the footsteps of my Baptist predecessors it is necessary that I
A Black Role Model
know them. I must know who they were,
A Baptist that humbles and inspires me
what they did and in that way perhaps
to act is Martin Luther King Jr. He was not
learn what I can do.
Danish but is all the same a role model
I follow and we do come from the same
The first Baptists in Denmark were
actually good role models when it comes
large church family. His story is far better
to putting your mark on society and cul-
known than that of the first Danish Baptists, but it is a story with the same theme. It is about challenging the authorities with non-violent means when they use their
Maria Klarskov from Copenhagen
»
It takes courage to be a
Baptist if one is to live the same way as they did in old times.
«
all the money to the struggle for the rights of coloured people. Four years later he
Maria Klarskov’s role model, the American Martin Luther King Jr.
was murdered at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only 39 years old and yet,
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was
consider what a difference he made!
an American Baptist minister and civil
With a Rebellious Spirit
speech, ”I have a Dream”, in Washington
and lived during a time when he was sup-
The first Baptists were often rebellious
DC in 1963, which contributed to his Nobel
posed to give up his seat on the bus if a
with an indomitable spirit when they
Peace Prize in 1964. He was murdered in
white person wanted the seat. There were
challenged the culture in which they lived.
1968. In USA his birthday, January 15’th, is
separate restaurants, schools, churches,
They felt driven by the Spirit of God. They
a national holiday.
theaters, toilets etc. for black and white.
did not simply subdue society’s norms and conventions. If they would not be al-
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
He Died for a Dream
lowed to live a different life with justice for
Martin_Luther_King
In 1955, the 26 year-old King led the then
themselves and others, they did not give
largest black, non-violent demonstration
up. It takes courage to be a Baptist if one
in the USA: The boycott of the busses in
is to live the same way as they did in old
Montgomery, Alabama. The boycott lasted
times. As a Baptist, I am a part of a tradi-
a good year and ended with the Supreme
tion, which requires me to fight for what I
Court declaring that the law allowing
believe in, even if it is not what the state,
whites to have first rights to seats on the
culture or neighbours dictate.
buses was illegal. For the next 13 years King fought for a non-violent change of
[ ] Maria Klarskov
the USA. In 1964, as the youngest ever, he
[ ] Kasper Klarskov
received the Nobel Peace Prize. He gave
and Wikipedia
27 | FAQ about Baptists
rights activist. He is most known for his power unjustly. King was a black American
churches, it is natural that the new Baptists form their own churches. In the past years, the Baptist Church has supported the establishment of such ”migrant churches” financially and otherwise. These migrant churches have been established particularly in Copenhagen and the other big towns.
Gift and Task
28 | FAQ about Baptists
When the World Came to Us
Danish Baptists consider it an enrichment that this development has forced us to think outside our own traditions. We have become challenged both in our abilities to include the foreigners and in our preparedness for change. Apart from that it is an important task to help refugees find
Within a short space of time the church landscape in Denmark has changed.
a good life in Denmark; therefore, many
The world is coming to us. This entails change in the ethnic makeup of the
Baptists are active in integration work.
Baptist churches. Today, a variety of people from other countries live inter-
mingled with Danish Baptists.
years will be to have the ethnic churches
One of the big tasks for the coming
truly be a part of the Danish churches. It is a matter of giving the migrants the opSongs in many different languages are
New Challenges
portunity to unfold their life on their own
heard in Denmark. Several hundred Chris-
Several Baptist churches are, therefore,
terms, in the common life of the Baptist
tian refugees have come to Denmark in
today not quite so ”Danish” as before, be-
Union of Denmark.
the past years, many of whom belonged
cause Baptists from many countries now
to Baptist churches in their homelands.
populate them. Some places integrate
[ ] Poul Erik Jensen
They are refugees and migrants from
refugees into existing churches and in
[ ] Kurt Bøgsted
Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma),
many cases they bring vital renewal with
and countries in central Africa, where civil
them. Other places hold church services in
wars and persecution forced them to leave
their own languages.
their countries and homes.
In regions where there are no Baptist
Baptists on the Run – and on the Way 2002 Baptist and former US president Jimmy
New Danes
Carter receives the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2009 11,968 persons came to Denmark
1989
from western countries and 9,551 from
More than 5,000 Danish Baptists celebrate
non-western countries. About 70% had
150 years of Baptist life in Denmark.
a Christian background. There are no
1948
Muslim countries among the ”top 10” of
Danish Baptists become members of
places from which the new Danes originat-
the newly established World Council of
ed. Today the Baptist Union has nine new
Churches (WCC).
churches, which are of other ethnic origins
1905
than Danish. In all 20 ”Danish” churches
Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is estab-
have bigger or smaller groups of new Dan-
lished; Danish Baptists are part of it.
ish Baptists. Most Baptist churches have
1849
new Danes attending.
The national community of Baptists in 1960. A Baptist pastor from 1993-2001, and General Secretary of the Baptists in Burundi 1996-2001. A refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo during 1972-1976, in Congo 1994-1996. Came to Denmark 2001. Danish studies and BA in theology and management (2009). Pastor in International Baptist Church in Amager (Copenhagen), one of the new migrant Baptist churches.
See more at Kirkernes Integrations Tjeneste – in English: Church Integration Ministry.
www.kit-danmark.dk
Denmark is established with around 1,000 baptized – Grundloven (the Danish constitution) later that year grants religious freedom. 1839 The first Baptist church in Denmark is founded with 11 members – persecution sets in. 1834 The first Baptist church in continental Europe is established in Hamburg, Germany. 1792 William Carey, an English Baptist, travels from England to India as a missionary – under Danish flag and protection. 1639 The first Baptist church is established in
www.migrant menigheder.dk
USA (Rhode Island).
29 | FAQ about Baptists
Gilbert Rukundo, born in Burundi in
30 | FAQ about Baptists
Do We Care for the Earth? Baptists believe as other Christians
Man and woman were created ”in God’s
humans want a future it will be one, which
do, that God created the world. The
image”. This means that we should man-
is inextricably tied to nature’s future.
time frame can be discussed but the
age the creation on God’s behalf. We have
essentials are that God created the
obligations in two areas.
sized that the human’s task is to ”rule”2
world from nothing and that God
In the creation accounts it is empha-
over creation. A little later it is said that
supports everything in the eco-sys-
Creation, Nature and Environment
we must ”work and take care of ”3 the
tem: plants, animals and people.
The fact that God created the world un-
earth in the way a gardener or farmer
derlines that we are dependent on both
would. Certainly, we must acknowledge,
God and all that is created. Nature is our
in these days, that we have ”ruled” more
The first page of the Bible tells about the
source and, therefore, our home. Here we
than we have ”taken care”. We have seen
creation of the universe and our planet .
share a destiny with all creation. If we as
the earth simply as an unlimited store-
1
Every creature, every plant Every rock and grain of sand proclaims the glory of its Creator worships through colour, shape scent and form. A multi-sensory song of praise. house of raw materials. We have pursued
Creator God, may we join
impoverished countries. In later years
a form of progress at the expense of
with the whole of Your creation
Danish churches have built friendships
nature and the environment.
in praising you, our Creator
with churches in other parts of the world.
through the fragrance
Examples of this are projects for orphaned
and melody of our lives.
children not just in Africa but also in South
agers”. We must manage our planet with
America. The churches network with other
”sustainability” in sight. We must control
Christians as well to fight injustice – such
the consumption of the earth’s resources.
as trafficking of women in Europe.
This must be done, and not only for our
We Live in Relations
own sake, but for coming generations.
The fact that mankind has its place top-
Is there Hope for the Earth?
most in the eco-system and is created ”in
Yes, there certainly is! Many negative
God’s image” sets us in relationship with
forces destroy the good, but God works to
God, with other humans, with the earth,
renew His creation. It is the church’s task
the air, animals, and plants. Such a view of
to work toward this future. The church’s
humanity is ”ecological” in the sense that
message is of salvation, but it is a salva-
man is created as part of this big commu-
tion that can be experienced here and
Grøn kirke (Green Church)
nity of life. Life is a whole and, therefore,
now. We are all in a battle against pollu-
www.gronkirke.dk
cannot be sliced up in single parts – a
tion and the destruction of the environ-
deer here, an owl there and a person in
ment, working toward viability in nature.
a third place. All life has its place in the
The goal is to facilitate life and dignity for
larger whole.
people everywhere in the world.
Orphans in Burundi and Rwanda www.baptistkirken.dk/ index.php?id=99
In Christian reasoning, therefore, it
is a sin to ruin life. This devastation oc-
[ ] Jacob Broholm Møller
curs not only when we exploit creation,
[ ] Natia Gotziridse Hansen
but also when we exploit and abuse one Against trafficking www.mitlivditvalg.dk
another. It is important to Baptists that all people should be treated equally and justly. This is manifested in many ways.
Emmanuel – home for orphans in Honduras www.baptistkirke.dk/ aktivmission/honduras
Since 1928 we have worked alongside
Baptists in Burundi and Rwanda, supporting the local church and its work, in youth education and development of these
1] Genesis 1:1-31; 2:4-24, where two stories about Creation are found side by side 2] Genesis 1:28 3] Genesis 2:15
31 | FAQ about Baptists
In the last generation we have been
encouraged to think of ourselves as ”man-
Baptists and Other Christians Many people think it is strange to
have divided ourselves into a number of
the Bible, especially in the Gospel stories
find so many different churches when
”families” with different traditions, we
about Jesus.
all Christians believe in the same
nevertheless belong to the same ”kin”.
God! It actually drives home a sen-
People should be able to see that we serve
system should dictate the beliefs of the
sitive point! There are historic rea-
the same Lord, in the fact that we live and
individual. Baptists are, therefore, very
sons for the many church communi-
work together. It does not mean, however,
concerned about human rights, not the
ties, but fortunately in our day we no
that all barriers between the churches are
least religious freedom.
longer kill each other in God’s name!
gone. There is still work to do!
Conscience: No state or political
32 | FAQ about Baptists
Locally, Nationally and Globally Baptists’ Contribution
Danish Baptists work locally, nationally
Today there is cooperation between most
When church communities communicate
and globally with other Christians in many
Christian church communities. For that to
and work together everyone has some-
different contexts. On the opposite page
be possible, we must be willing to accept
thing to contribute. Every church has
you can see different forms of interchurch
each other as Christians. Fortunately, this
something that is crucial to put forward.
work where Baptists participate. In
acceptance has grown through the years.
We cannot do without each other as
Denmark there are at present 53 Baptist
For many years Baptists did not recognize
churches and our different contributions
churches, approx. 2,300 state churches,
that infant baptism could be considered
to the whole. Here are some of the major
approx. 45 Catholic churches and other
a Christian baptism. We only considered
issues that are important for Baptists in
separate church communities as well as
the baptism of people who professed their
the conversation – even though we do not
independent free churches.
faith as a ”true” baptism. It meant, for
have a patent on these issues:
example, that a member of the Folkekirke
could not be a member of a Baptist church
personal relationship with God. From this
without being baptized anew.
relationship, which we enter accompanied
Faith: Faith is first and foremost a
[ ] Bent Hylleberg [ ] Kirkernes Integrations Tjeneste
with baptism, springs the engagement for
To Recognize Others
our neighbour and for a just world.
While Baptists only baptize persons who
themselves have chosen to be baptized,
every local church, which professes faith
most Baptist churches, since the middle
in Jesus and seeks to follow Him. Baptists
of the 1980s, have accepted those into
warn against alliances between the State
membership who have been baptized as
and national Churches.
infants. The reason for this comes from the
recognition that, even if we, as Christians,
and life always takes a starting point in
Church: ”Church” is first and foremost
Bible: The conversation about faith New Danish Christians have turned Prayer Day, a national Danish holiday, into an international manifestation in several places in Denmark.
Danish Baptists work locally, nationally and globally
with other Christians in many different contexts.
ÂŤ
About Danish Baptists
Interchurch Cooperation in the International Context:
Congregations www.baptistkirken.dk
In the individual countries, Baptist churches are typically united
Children and youth www.bbunews.dk and www.dbs.dk
in one or more church societies, usually called either unions or
Boarding Schools www.tpoe.dk and www.rebildefterskole.dk
societies www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptists
European Baptists pursue a common theological education in
Interchurch Cooperation with Other Christians in Denmark
Prague www.ibts.cz
Danish Council of Churches www.danskekirkersraad.dk
The Danish Bible Society www.bibelselskabet.dk
Baptist Unions (of which The Baptist Union of Denmark is one)
Evangelical Alliance www.evangeliskalliance.dk
with approximately 41 million baptized members distributed in
Danish Mission Council www.dmr.org
more than 120 countries www.bwanet.org
The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is a cooperative among 218
The Baptist Union of Denmark has been a member Church of
The World Council of Churches since its establishment in 1948 www.oikoumene.org
33 | FAQ about Baptists
Âť
There are many religions in the world and throughout history many wars have been fought over which one is ”the true religion”. ”My God is better than your God”, can still be heard today. Nevertheless, most so-called religious wars are rather political struggles between different people groups than conflicts about the content of the religion. But that is another story.
Religion Can Be Abused In spite of Jesus’ words about how one must love his enemy, Christendom has also been abused to justify wars and to force people to change religion. Today, one can still hear religious fundamentalists who, in a misguided impression of what it means to be faithful to the ”Truth”, 34 | FAQ about Baptists
claim that they have the right to kill people who believe differently than them.
Truth Is Immortal The concept of ”truth” is important to
Which Religion Is the True One?
Baptists. Actually, in Europe, during the Reformation of the 16th century, many Baptists were killed because of what they believed was true. When they were baptized with believer’s baptism (se p. 18), they were persecuted by all other Christians of that time period. Nevertheless, they stuck
»
Baptists believe, first and last, that truth is a person – namely Jesus.
«
Read more about historic personalities Balthasar Hübmaier http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balthasar_Hubmaier Thomas Helwys
to the truth they had found – even to the
It was in the USA that the struggle for
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Helwys
point of death. Some were drowned, oth-
freedom of conscience in modern times
Roger Williams
ers hanged, after they left the churches
first succeeded. It happened when Roger
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Williams_(theologian)
of that day and established their own free
Williams, coming from England, founded
William Carey
churches. When one of the early Baptist
the state of Rhode Island in 1639. He
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Carey_(missionary)
leaders, Balthasar Hübmaier, was burnt
called the capital Providence, because
on the stake in Vienna in 1528, his last
here the dream about religious freedom
words were: ”The truth is immortal!”
was realized. Today, a marble statue of Roger William stands in Washington D.C.
Truth is something to rejoice in, never
Freedom of Religion
on Capitol Hill. His watchword rang out:
something we should gloat over. We
The Baptists were often persecuted by
”I will fight for both my own as well as for
believe that truth’s deepest insight is a
the rulers and state churches in Europe.
my opponents’ rights to think, believe and
gift from God and, therefore, the Christian
Therefore, the struggle for the individual
talk freely, as I, at the same time, reserve
message must always be expressed with
person’s right to follow his conscience
my right to disagree with them.”
humility. At the same time, truth matters
in the matter of faith and life has always
to us as it challenges our lives and makes
been a central issue for Baptists. Often the
To Serve the Truth
us ready – in the name of love – to take
Baptists were persecuted in their home
Even if it is a personal matter to find truth,
care of people and of creation.
countries and had to flee to other places.
it is not unimportant how we handle it.
Baptists believe, first and last, that
truth is a person – namely Jesus1. In him we see the true life that God created us to Balthasar Hübmaier was burned at the stake in Vienna in 1528 as a punishment for his beliefs
live. The only way to communicate truth is to seek to live as Jesus lived.
Baptists do not believe that all reli-
gions are ”equally good”. And as a religion, Christianity is also not exclusively known to be good. But we believe that all religions are ”equally subordinate” – subordinate to Jesus Christ! [ ] Bent Hylleberg The motto of Roger Williams: ”I will fight for my own as well as for my opponents´ rights to think, believe and talk freely, as I, at the same time, reserve my right to disagree with them.”
[ ] Per Bækgaard
and Wikipedia
1] See John 14:6
35 | FAQ about Baptists
English Baptist, William Carey, initiated the first Baptist mission to India in 1793
When We Want A Breeze – You Send A Storm Many new hymns and poems have been written which take their inspiration from the preaching of Jesus. Here is a hymn about what God might do when we choose our own comfort, or when we ignore what God is doing in the world He loves. Thus, He turns the perspective upside down to make us see our world and ourselves as He wants.
It is an expression of a way of thinking which all Christian churches acknowledge.
In the old language of the Church (latin) it is called Ecclesia semper reformanda (The Church perpetually letting itself be reformed). As a church we must always be prepared
36 | FAQ about Baptists
to let ourselves be reproved – or reformed – in the light of the ever fresh words of Jesus.
When we want a breeze,
When we want perfection
You send us a storm
and fancy designs,
and flapping canvas and hinges
You draw us irregular sketches
When we’d be content,
When we want a straight face
You beckon us forth
You poke a hole
to yearning’s smoldering twinges
on premises born out of tightness
When we want some neatness,
When we want our habits,
that just combed style,
routines and control
You leave us with hair that’s a mess
of all that we think and we see
When we want to focus
You turn inside and out
on healing and peace,
all that is right,
You talk of pains, sores and stress.
slamming a lid on Sir Used-to-be
When we want sweet songs
When we want your church
and meditative calm,
with all we possess
You tumble in with distortion
– a bundle of dreams on our back
When we want good moods
Remind us, O Lord,
and soothing peace,
of who is with us:
You tactlessly act without caution
Jesus, who’s part of the pack. Troels Thorndal, 2008
Baptistkirken i Danmark Lærdalsgade 7, st. tv. DK-2300 København S ISSN 1901-4635