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Concerning the question of the nature of our Work: I wanted to dwell
briefly on something that, although it isn't the way any of us in the
ministry would word it, we should consider why Mr. Rader, taking a
generalization, said what he did. He said we tend to baptize people
only after they are 21. That is not, of course, a statement of fact
as it is literally practiced. But on the other hand, it says something
that ought to be considered seriously.
Many students come to college at 18 and are baptized by the time they
are 19 or 20. We've had a small number who have been baptized pre
maturely, which is what I am addressing•••. The human mind doesn't
really mature as early as some might think, and it pays to give some
serious consideration as to whether young people are always ready when
they first are emotionally swept off their feet by something they may
never have really understood before. Have they actually counted the
cost to know how long they are willing to stick with their convictions,
as represented by baptism?
If more would give heed to maturity and to making decisions and counting
the cost and in knowing that one has to come to the point that no matter
what, he or she will never turn back, we probably would not have some
of the marital problems that have arisen among people who have been
baptized prematurely.
I thought the interview was a very fine presentation without being
critical. It was a sensitive, accurate, respectful evaluation of a
problem that we are living through in the Church and shall continue to
live through for sometime, without a doubt. I hope if any of you are
interviewed you will give some serious thought to how someone else has
handled an interview.
One thing I think we did learn this evening that would be of help to
any of you in answering questions, at the level of which you would be
responsible, is to be able to tell it bluntly, be friendly, and not
imply that the interviewer doesn't know anything. After all, Mr.
Snyder's description of the end-time events was far removed from some
biblical realities. But Mr. Rader put it in a way that I thought was
very diplomatic. He said, "You're not that far wrong," which leaves
it up to the audience to decide how far "far" is.
It's also important to feel comfortable with the person who's asking
the questions••••Mr. Rader may have talked with Mr. Snyder in advance
/actually he did not -- editor7 and learned something of what was on
his mind. Once you get to know people, you can be freer and more
comfortable in the way you explain things.
This was an education for all of us. Not merely to inform us of what
the Church has stated on certain matters; that is helpful, but to be
informed of how anyone who is a layman and not a minister (Mr. Rader
is an educated layman), can handle things that many ministers are called
upon to handle quite often. Reflect on how you may have done it. It
was done commendably, and it was a thorough credit to the Church.
ON THE WORLD SCENE
POPE PAUL'S DEATH: WHO WILL SUCCEED HIM? The hig news over the weekend,
of course, concerns the death of Pope Paul VI. The pontiff was close