Events|July 16, 2014 10:43 EDT
The 'Devil' Taken Out of The Church of England Baptism Pledge Causes Outrage; Critics Say Church is 'Dumbing-Down Christian Teaching' (VIDEO)
The Church of England removes the word devil from the church's official baptism rite because the church clergy believe it is too deep of a topic leaving people outraged by the seeker friendly message.
According ReligionNews.com, clergy in the Church of England felt asking parents and godparents to renounce the devil was too complex for people who do not attend church regularly.
In the traditional service, godparents are asked whether they are ready to "reject the devil and all rebellion against God," "renounce the deceit and corruption of evil" and "repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour".
The new phrasing, approved July 13, only asks whether parents and godparents will "turn away from sin" and "reject evil."
According to independent.co the former Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, said the decision is part of the "constant dumbing-down of Christian teaching" rather than trying to explain the meaning of baptism.
ReligionNews.com said, Bishop Robert Paterson denied the allegation and claimed their church's baptism ceremonies were not going to be watered down. "We all know that for many people, the devil has been turned into a cartoonlike character of no particular malevolence," he said.
Along with many others on the Internet Peter Stanford, author of "The Devil: A Biography," questioned the clergy, "If we're never going to mention the devil anymore, what exactly is it that these people going to do?" he asked.
Publications in the UK are now reporting, "the simplified service aims to appeal to people with no religious background as membership of the Church of England continues to decline."
The Catholic tradition of infant baptisms has been going on since the early Middle Ages although many Christians practice and believe in being baptized as an adult, in total immersion, because John the Baptist used a deep river for his baptism.
The Church of England made history this month as well when 351 members voted and two thirds of the voter's supported to allow women to become bishops.
Watch the vote below:
