Beginnings of Faith

By Samantha

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At less than a year old, I was baptized and I have barely thought of that event until this course. The Lay Center discussed the importance of baptism in a new perspective applicable both to today and in the early church. Baptism was described as a birth into a new life, the first step in one’s spiritual journey. I understand this wonderful new birth only for individuals who choose Christianity. I struggled with this positive emphasis since I did not choose to be baptized and Christianity, as an institution and specific individuals, has hurt me in many ways. While I have been reframing and reconnecting with my faith, I still doubt that baptism is the core or beginning of my faith. Instead, I feel spiritual experiences such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or Saint Francis of Assisi are more important to the birth of my new faithful life. At some points, I resent my family for forcing me into Catholicism through the sacraments and Catholic school. I feel these decisions made faith a chore in my childhood instead of my choice made with my heart. While I appreciate the potential of baptism for many individuals and especially early in the church, it is also important to note that is not the case for everyone.