Case Study from Taiwan: Lily Liu's baptism

• A young lady in Taiwan wants to publicly express her new Christian faith through baptism
• She worries about the potential consequences on her relationship with her disapproving Buddhist parents and on her cultural identity.
• The young lady's parents fear displeasing their ancestors and worry about her future marriage prospects.
• The missionary pastor faces the dilemma of advising the young lady to defy her parents' wishes, potentially straining their relationship and his community outreach efforts.

Should a young lady go against her parents' wishes and be baptized?

"What do they know about baptism? How can I bend God's commands in order to please them?" Peter Smith asked himself. A young Baptist missionary to Taiwan, he had been looking forward to conducting his first baptism in the church he was planting just outside the capital city of Taipei.

His excitement over that baptismal service had faltered after Lily's parents had come to his home. They had been furious, demanding that he not baptize their daughter, Lily, the next day as planned. Now, what was he going to do?

Smith recalled what he knew of the bright young woman. Lily Liu had grown up in a Buddhist home where she had been surrounded by Buddha images and the accompanying smell of incense. Lily first heard of Christianity from the Smiths when they moved in next door. Lily and her family immediately became friends with these Americans.

After four years of fighting doubts and internal opposition, Lily had made a solid commitment to Jesus Christ. Her testimony to faith in Christ was so dynamic that the youth group elected her as their first woman president.

Her father's religion was a mixture of Buddhist and folk beliefs. When he returned from work each evening, Mr. Liu made sure incense was lit before the images. As a bus driver, he did not want to offend his ancestors. If he did offend them, they might cause him to have an accident. Like many other bus drivers, he scattered ghost money made of yellow tissue paper along dangerous mountain roads. He did this for protection from the spirits of people who had died there in past accidents.

Mrs. Liu was a loving mother who cooked, washed, cleaned, and said prayers for her children. Like her husband, she took her religious beliefs seriously. Once, she forbade telephone company workers to put up a pole in front of her house because she feared it would block the passage of her gods.

While neither Mr. nor Mrs. Liu were Christians, they allowed Lily to participate freely in church activities. They even occasionally attended services with her. At baptism, however, they were now drawing the line.

"I like what you teach," Mr. Liu had said to missionary Smith, "but what do you think my ancestors will say if I accept your religion? They would be very upset. How can I do something that would displease my ancestors?"

Mr. Liu was also concerned that his daughter Lily would not abandon their family traditions. Among other things, he wanted to be cared for in his afterlife. So, he needed Lily to venerate his spirit after his death.

Mrs. Liu's opposition to Lily's baptism centered around something else: Lily's prospects for marriage. Only two percent of the Taiwanese were Christian. Lily's mother knew that if Lily were a Christian, it would be much harder to find her a husband.

Peter Smith pondered the situation. He knew that Lily would arrive shortly, seeking his direction.

• Should he advise her to ignore her parents' orders? If he did so, it might destroy the relationship he and his wife had been carefully cultivating with Mr. and Mrs. Liu and their other neighbors.
• Should he suggest that Lily wait, thus denying her the opportunity to give public testimony of her faith in Christ?

    -- originally written by James Chuang

General case study guidelines to aid your reflection and discussion.

This case study appeared in its original form in Case Studies in Missions, edited by Paul and Frances Hiebert, Baker Book House. Edited and used with permission. This case study may be reproduced only upon payment of a 35-cent royalty per copy to Baker Book House, P.O. Box 6787, Grand Rapids, MI 49516 USA

Christian Baptism for Someone Whose Family Is Rooted in Another Religion

When someone seeking Christian baptism comes from a family who opposes this decision because of strong ties to another religion, several issues should be carefully considered:

1. Family Dynamics and Relationships
   • Conflict and Tension: The decision to be baptized may create or exacerbate family conflict. The person must not be surprised that their choice will strain relationships, especially if family members view it as a betrayal or rejection of their religious heritage.
   • Cultural Identity: Baptism may be seen by the family as a loss of cultural or ethnic identity. That is particularly true if the religion is closely tied to cultural traditions.
2. Personal Safety and Well-being
   • Repercussions: In some families or communities, converting to another religion leads to social ostracization, emotional abuse, or even physical danger. The person must evaluate potential risks and have a plan for their safety.
   • Support Systems: It's crucial to think about whether the person has access to a supportive community that can offer emotional, spiritual, and possibly material support if and when the family relationship deteriorates.
3. Religious and Spiritual Considerations
   • Understanding and Conviction: The person should have a clear understanding of what baptism represents in Christianity. That includes its spiritual significance and the commitment involved. This is important for ensuring the decision is based on deep personal conviction rather than other reasons.
   • Pastoral Guidance: Having an ongoing relationship with a pastor or spiritual advisor is essential. Such a person can offer guidance, help navigate family opposition, and ensure the individual is prepared to embrace the spiritual and relational implications of their decision.
4. Legal and Societal Implications
   • Legal Issues: In some countries, converting from one religion to another can have legal ramifications. These may include changes in legal status, inheritance rights, or custody issues. The person seeking baptism should be aware of such legal issues.
   • Societal Pressure: Beyond the family, the broader community may also exert pressure. This could range from social isolation to more severe forms of persecution.
5. Ethical and Moral Considerations
   • Honesty and Transparency: The person should consider how to communicate their decision to their family. Being honest while remaining sensitive to their family's feelings is important, though it may be very challenging.
   • Respecting Family Beliefs: While the individual's decision is personal, it's important to respect the family's beliefs. The situation must be approached with empathy and understanding. Finding ways to maintain relationships despite differing beliefs may be challenging.
6. Psychological and Emotional Impact
   • Emotional Strain: The process of conversion and the ensuing family conflict can be emotionally taxing. The person should consider seeking counseling or therapy to manage the stress and emotional challenges that can arise.
   • Identity Crisis: Transitioning to a new faith while dealing with family opposition can lead to an identity crisis. Balancing new beliefs with respect for one's heritage can be complex and emotionally challenging.
7. Timing and Process
   • Gradual Approach: Sometimes, taking a gradual approach to discussing and revealing their decision to the family can help manage tensions. Sudden announcements might shock the family and rapidly escalate negatively. A more phased discussion will allow time for adjustment.
   • Preparation: Preparing for the conversation with the family, possibly with the support of a pastor or mediator, may help mitigate potential negative reactions.

In summary, the decision to be baptized as a new Christian is deeply personal and, particularly in religious contexts like this one, should be approached with careful thought, preparation, and a support system in place.

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A new believer is in a quandary. Smallpox has struck his village. The elders say every house must give something to buy a sacrifice for the smallpox god. He refuses, but pressure mounts as children begin to die. What should the new Christian do? [ read more ]

    -- Howard Culbertson,

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