Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

[CATransplant]

This is one of the wierdest stories I've heard for a long time. In Tennessee, a Baptist church showed up at a launching ramp and started baptising 40 folks...on July 4 weekend.

You can read the whole story from the Chatanoogan at:

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_131778.asp

When a boater launched his boat, despite the church activites, police were called. They refused to ticket the boater.

This all happened in a place called Soddy-Daisy, TN. You have to read the original story to get the full effect.

 

[642mx]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I would have launched too. 40 baptisms in a row is insane.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Yeah, sorry. Our church has done baptisms in our lake and had enough sense to NOT use a boat ramp, they found a clear bank or a beach to conduct it. Especially on 4th of July. Seems to me they were look for "trouble" in a way, or trying to draw attention to themselves. They could have moved to a bank presumably.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Heeehawww!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Surely they could have used a public beach.
Did the local authorities charge each baptism a launch fee ???? !!!!!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

That was not meant in poor taste by the way. Just in the spirit of maybe bringing a smile.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Yeah, sorry. They could have moved to a bank presumably.

And what, make some withdrawls.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Respectfully request to withdraw sick humor post. Thanks

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I am sorry, but I do not see the need to tie up a boat ramp for that long on a holiday. Some churches think they are above the law when they pull stunts like this (and yes, it is a stunt when they hold it at a busy public area). This is as bad as trying to hold a "service" on a major highway.

Why did they insist on a busy launch? Why not use a beach and keep the ramp open? What if someone had to pull their boat quick for an emergency? This is not religion, it is just plain RUDE. There are other sources of water for their thing.

I have no problem with religion or other "special interest" beliefs that people have, but I do have a problem when they feel they have to put it in your face. Holding something like this at a public ramp, forcing people to sit and wait IS putting it in their faces.

My hat goes off to the guy who launched. Good for him. I would have launched too.​

 

[aspeck]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Many of you now that I am a pastor, and I too would have launched my boat. That was just plain rude behavior. I am sure there were other places they could have held their baptism, even beside the launch ramp. No need for it to be ON the ramp, blocking others from using it.

Yep, that was a SHT and not in the spirit of doing what Jesus would have done, IMHO.

 

[tommays]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

?When we get to a day and time that a person can?t respect another person?s religious activity of baptizing, we?re in trouble.?



Having lived in Johnson City Tenn i am not a bit supprised

 

[Geo2008]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I am sorry, but I do not see the need to tie up a boat ramp for that long on a holiday. Some churches think they are above the law when they pull stunts like this (and yes, it is a stunt when they hold it at a busy public area). This is as bad as trying to hold a "service" on a major highway.

Why did they insist on a busy launch? Why not use a beach and keep the ramp open? What if someone had to pull their boat quick for an emergency? This is not religion, it is just plain RUDE. There are other sources of water for their thing.

I have no problem with religion or other "special interest" beliefs that people have, but I do have a problem when they feel they have to put it in your face. Holding something like this at a public ramp, forcing people to sit and wait IS putting it in their faces.

My hat goes off to the guy who launched. Good for him. I would have launched too.​

AMEN BROTHER!

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I wonder what Jeff Foxworthy would say. "you know you're from Tennessee when................."

 

[Windykid]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

For safety reasons that was probably the worst place to hold a baptism. Green moss on concrete makes for a slippery time and a hard landing. They are probably lucky that no one was hurt.

 

[AnonymousBoater]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I wonder what Jeff Foxworthy would say. "you know you're from Tennessee when................."

hey now.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

Boat launch water is a little gross. Too many polutants and as mentioned garbage and moss... yuck.

I wouldn't want to dunk my flock in that kind of water - and why would you want to perform a sacrament in an area where there wouldn't be more peaceful surroundings if you didn't want to make a scene. Doesn't make sense.

I get it.. we all can share, but it seems a little lack in judgement to me, based on the timing of it being a holiday weekend.

I would have launched, quietly.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I wonder what would happen if a non-religious group did the same thing - tied up a boat ramp for something other than launching boats?

People would complain, police would come, and they would be ticketed or told to leave so people could use the boat launch.

This is just common manners and the way we respect each other so we can get along. It is civil behavior

Why should a religious group be exempt from civil behavior?

Shouldn't an group that tells us to "Do unto others..." follow what they preach?

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I wonder what would happen if a non-religious group did the same thing - tied up a boat ramp for something other than launching boats?

Heck, they would go ape poop if a tournament was launching even though those guys are using the ramp to launch their boats.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Church Ties Up Launch Ramp for Baptisms on July 4

I would call this sort of behavior at a ramp a form of exhibitionism.
Preacher man,how would you feel if I park my boat in front of the entrance doors of your church and start working on the engine just as your flock wants to enter the church and hear your sermon????