I'm a minister of The Universal Life Church- Can I convert Brigham Young?

[Ian David]

I think I should posthumously baptize Brigham Young and Pope John Paul II into my own church.

I will declare them posthumous converts to The Church of IanDB1.

Also, can I excommunicate someone even if they're not a member of my church?

For example, can I excommunicate Jerry Falwell? Do I have to baptize him in absentia into my church first before I can excommunicate him?

Or can I only do that to dead people? For example, can I posthumously baptize Pope John Paul II into The Church of IanDB1 and then excommunicate him the next week?


Cross-posted from related thread:
Jews, Mormons to Meet Over Baptisms
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=214&topic_id=17117#17127

[Inland]

Baptize them in, and then excommunicate them with extreme prejudice!

Make sure you send the notices to their last living relatives.

[Dhalgren]

1. Too late. The Cult of the Apple-Eyed already have him.

You might try Joseph Smith, though.

[Ian David]

3. Can I call dibs on James Dobson while he's still alive?

I'd like to baptize him into The First Reformed Church of SpongeBob Squarepants

Welcome to the official website for the First Reformed Church of SpongebobSquarepants - are you ready?

Are you in a joyless, faithless void?

Have you rummaged through the spiritual offerings of a planet that is so morally bankrupt, little seems good? Honest? Reliable?

Have you battered your way through churches that make you feel guilty? Offer little for introspection or personal edification beyond "worship?" Attract followers by hating others?

Are you ready for something new and better? Something honest, earnest and fun?Something that can make you feel good without making you feel bad?

Perhaps you have never considered going underwater to find a belief system worth investing in...you probably never, in your wildest dreams, thought that the secrets to living a happy, contented and fulfilling life could come from a tiny animated sponge.

More:
http://churchofspongebob.tripod.com/

[Ian David]

5. I think Strom Thurmond is ripe for posthumous conversion

With the post-mortem revelation of his multi-racial "love child," I think his soul would feel more at home in a more liberal church.

[Dhalgren]

6. Soul? Strom? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!

Oooweee! That was a good one!

[Rowdyboy]

2. I'm a ULC "minister" too and I think you can pretty much do anything

you feel like and the mother church will support your right to do it.

[Ian David]

4. The church's one real rule is to "only do good"

Would posthumously converting someone to make a political statement be "bad"?

[Rowdyboy]

7. I think its definitely tacky but generally unimportant and embarrassing

to those who do these "baptisms. My ordination came when an old friend from college signed me up without even telling me. She wanted me to perform the service when she married her long-time boyfriend. We held the wedding in my garden, had 30 guests and had a blast!

[LDS Jock]

8. you have misunderstood the practice

You refer to LDS baptisms for the dead. They are offered to the spirits of those who have passed. Whether or not they are accepted is still up to the individual spirit. You could offer ordinances for others, but it is still their choice to accept them.

[Dufaeth]

9. Please stay out of my afterlife

I don't want mormons knocking on my door now or when I'm dead.

[LDS Jock]

10. if you are a direct ancestor of mine

I will submit the work to be done. If not, that job lies with your descendants.

[Dufaeth]

11. Yo mama jokes aside,

According to the link to the NYT article in the other thread, there is evidence that it was and is a continuing practice to baptize non relatives.