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Quick to Listen

Lecrae Got Baptized Again. Here's Why People Were Upset

Quick to Listen

Christianity Today

Religion, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.3622 Ratings

🗓️ 2 October 2019

⏱️ 49 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Transcribed highlights of the show can be found in our episode summaries. Last month, the hip-hop artist Lecrae got baptized for a second time in the Jordan River. Afterwards, he posted a picture of the event on Instagram. From CT’s reporting:   The Grammy winner responded to one follower who suggested that since Lecrae already has new life in Christ, the Jordan baptism was just a “weird bath in a very significant place.” “1. It’s Mikvah,” Lecrae replied, referencing the Jewish ritual bath that predates Christian baptism and also represented new life. “2. Jesus was God already and still was baptized. 3. Celebrate the heart vs. criticizing the information.”But despite Lecrae’s response, many on social media made it clear that they were still theologically uncomfortable with the hip-hop artist’s decision.   Baptism has long been a divisive sacrament in church history. The argument over Lecrae’s Jordan River baptism stem from a debate over the action really means, says Matthew Knell, who teaches historical theology and church history at the London School of Theology. “[Today], we talk about 'I'm going to get baptized. I want to get baptized,' said Knell. “But the church would say that baptism is something that happens to you, rather than you being the initiator.” In other words, “It's not my initiative, it's the divine work in me that's happening in baptism.” Knell joined digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss why disagreements over baptism have led Christians to persecute other Christians and how the church has sought unity even in their disagreements over the sacrament.W What is “Quick to Listen”? Read more Follow the podcast on Twitter Follow our host on Twitter: Morgan Lee Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter: The Galli Report Learn more about guest Matthew Knell Music by Sweeps Quick to Listen is produced by Morgan Lee and Matt Linder This episode of Quick to Listen is brought to you in part by Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God's Image, a newly updated and combined book by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey, from InterVarsity Press. For 40% off and free US shipping on this book and any other IVP title, visit ivpress.com and use promo code POD19. This episode of Quick to Listen is brought to you in part by Kinship United, a non-profit organization working with every day superheroes like you to rescue orphans and widows from abuse, trafficking, or worse, for the past nineteen years. To learn more about how you can save a life, visit KinshipUnited.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

This episode is brought to you in part by The Apologetics Guy Show, the podcast that helps you find clear answers to tough questions about Christianity.

0:11.1

Learn to explain your faith with courage and compassion. Join Moody Bible Institute professor Dr. Mikhail del Rosario at Apologeticsky.com.

0:23.3

Last month, the hip-hop artist LeCray got baptized for a second time in the Jordan River.

0:29.0

Afterwards, he posted a picture of the event on Instagram.

0:31.9

Some of his fans had questions.

0:33.9

Lecray responded to one fan challenging his second baptism, and this is from C.T.'s reporting on Lecray's response.

0:41.5

It's Micva, Lecray replied, referencing the Jewish ritual bath that predates Christian baptism and also represented new life.

0:48.6

Number two, he said Jesus was God already and still was baptized.

0:52.6

Number three, celebrate the heart versus criticizing the information.

0:56.5

Lucreys' answer didn't necessarily turn away critics as Facebook comments and tweets on

1:01.2

CT's pages made clear.

1:03.2

Baptism has provoked some of the most contentious discussions within Christianity.

1:06.5

It's even led to Christians persecuting other Christians.

1:09.6

This week, we wanted to discuss what's at stake when we are talking about baptism.

1:17.3

Today is Wednesday, October 2nd, and this is quick to listen, where we go be on hashtags and hot takes discuss a major cultural event.

1:25.7

I'm Morgan Lee, digital media producer here at Christianity

1:29.2

today. And I'm Mark Galley, editor-in-chief of Christianity today.

1:42.4

All right, Mark, I would love to hear your gut check or initial reaction to this particular event with Lecrae.

1:50.3

Well, as listeners probably recognize, I'm a liturgical snob, so I didn't improve of a second baptism.

1:57.0

But on the other hand, I've met plenty, but I've met a handful of Christians who are just so devout.

2:02.9

There are people actually admire the way they live their Christian faith who have, when they've

2:06.9

gone to Israel and seen the Jordan River, have insisted on being baptized again.

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