Adult baptism gift

August 22, 2008 8:21 AM

My wife is getting baptized into her new church this weekend.

I'm an apathetic atheist, but I want to get her something meaningful to commemorate the next step in her journey and I need ideas.

It's one of those progressive christian churches (rock music, video screens, etc.) if that makes a difference.

What should I get her?

posted by Hugh2d2 to religion & philosophy (22 comments total)

How 'bout a journal? A local christian bookstore might even have a "prayer journal." I think it shows you support her on her journey without it being a trinket or coming across as clueless.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 8:26 AM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

A new Bible -> especially a J.P. Green's Interlinear Bible....the most worthwhile cross functional bible I use.
Also, perhaps Matthew Pooles Commentary on the Holy Bible....


Both excellent Baptism gifts...your wife isnt getting Baptized in Virginia is she?
posted by TeachTheDead at 8:35 AM on August 22, 2008

Some Jesus fish jewelry?
posted by orthogonality at 8:45 AM on August 22, 2008

A journal + Bible combo would be great. Or maybe a cross necklance? Or maybe a donation to something like Heifer International?
posted by salvia at 8:48 AM on August 22, 2008

Get the bible inscribed with her name on the front and write a really loving note inside that shows support. That way there's a record of you being supportive and accepting of her beliefs when she gets peeved at you for being an infidel!
posted by kristymcj at 9:15 AM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

yeah something like an antique Bible is pretty much a classic gift, some are very beautiful indeed
posted by matteo at 9:22 AM on August 22, 2008

(King James rules, of course)
posted by matteo at 9:22 AM on August 22, 2008

A nice Bible would be great, but I really think a really nice journal would be most excellent.

Lots of us modern Christians are into journaling.

And kudos to you for being supportive to her!
posted by konolia at 9:30 AM on August 22, 2008

(Oh, and if you do get her a bible make sure you find out which translation she prefers. My pastor likes the New American Standard for a word-for-word translation, while a lot of people like NIV. I personally like the New American Standard myself.)
posted by konolia at 9:31 AM on August 22, 2008

If you want the poetry and aren't worried about serious translational problems twisting the meaning of your religion around then King James has a certain appeal.

If you want a more accurate, if less poetic, rendition into English then you can't beat the New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Augmented Third Edition.
posted by Riemann at 9:48 AM on August 22, 2008

A cross necklace?
posted by KAS at 10:07 AM on August 22, 2008

I got her a bible for x-mas last year.

Great suggestion for the prayer journal, though.

Thanks hive-mind.
posted by Hugh2d2 at 10:28 AM on August 22, 2008

While I understand your objection to getting a same gift this time around, don't poo poo the new Bible suggestion so soon. If she's at all serious or into studying the history, do in-depth Bible study, examining her faith, whatever, you can never have too many Bibles with all the different translations around. The above mentioned New Oxford Annotated Bible's a decent addition in the resources and scholarship department. Well, if not a Bible, maybe a Concordance or some other Bible study resource?

But yes, a journal is also nice. I'd suggest books such as church history, but that's just me since I'll actually read stuff like St. Augustine, historical writers on the topic of Christianity or books describing the growth of Chrstianity. I feel like any of the above would be a good show that you're supporting her in her continued exploration of her faith. There are also a lot of books out there examining Christianity or Biblical topics in a modern context. Maybe check out the book recommendation forums for Revolution Church (I point this out because you say 'progressive,' but I don't know just how progressive you mean so some of these suggestions might not be her cup of tea)? Or anything pertaining to her particular flavor of Christianity or even a Bible study guide, but that's kind of hard to figure out if you don't know what she's into.
posted by kkokkodalk at 11:17 AM on August 22, 2008

Well, if not a Bible, maybe a Concordance or some other Bible study resource?

Bible concordances rock. Even as an agnostic-type fella, I really enjoy looking through them. "I wonder how many times Jesus talked about bread? Oh! A lot! And Satan mentioned it once too! Cool!"
posted by Shepherd at 12:38 PM on August 22, 2008

You could help expand her christian horizons with The Gospel of Thomas or others in the Nag Hamadi codex...
posted by muscat at 12:46 PM on August 22, 2008

Or maybe a concordance, since she has the one bible.

Will she be participating in activities? Maybe a nice datebook or calendar. I want to say I've seen dayplanners with spaces for a bible sized book, but I may have been hallucinating.

Yup, looks like I was, but this looks cool.
posted by lysdexic at 12:58 PM on August 22, 2008

Bibles vary in their translations, so a good bookseller would be a big help. I'm a fan of the archaic language in the King James version, but there are other translations that might be a better fit.
posted by theora55 at 1:54 PM on August 22, 2008

Maybe a selection of books-- historical, sociological, philosophical...wherever her interests lean -- that might augment/deepen her new exciting religious life. I suggest a little bundle.

This book is fantastic, not not not cheesy, sort of radical:
Willing the Good: Jesus, Dissent and Desire by Paula M. Cooey
(full disclosure, she was my academic advisor so i love her)

This is a great book (maybe you've heard of it) that is not about Christian theology but about the practice of religion in America (its pretty sad, but amazing).
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

Another great one, this is a really easy read (the above two can wax academic, but don't be scared!!). A personal account of a guy who goes to a community as an objective journalist/writer but ends up joining a snake-handling church and has to decide to stay or not. Humanizes people who are usually just a stereotype ("those crazy snake handlin hicks").
Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington

Don't know what her political views are, or if she's interested, but Jim Wallis is great and should be read by everybody. Check out his other books beyond these two, too...
Faith Works: How to Live Your Beliefs and Ignite Positive Social Change
The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America

A classic:
The Gospel according to The Simpsons
posted by dahliachewswell at 2:59 PM on August 22, 2008

Any old churchy crap would probably do the trick. I dare say the most precious thing to her would be you not rolling your eyes at the whole thing. Oh and not upseting any Christians while you are there!

Just a little tip-
My friend used to wear rosary beads because one day he was just wearing them for kicks and random people were very kind and helpful to him. Sure enough it turns out that wearing nothing but long crazy hair and a pair of shorts is somehow not the slightest bit questionable as long as you are wearing rosary beads. Even sans cross is ok too! Just wear the beads and you're in. Absolutely no questions asked!
posted by mu~ha~ha~ha~har at 3:43 AM on August 23, 2008

I'd like to weigh in on the various book / bible / rosary / "any old churchy crap" (really?!) recommendations: They could certainly be fine gifts, with one major caveat: You have to be really sure that her particular church's doctrine aligns with those things. There are as many brands of Christianity as there are Christians, so giving the "wrong" thing is not hard to do. Unless you are really, really sure that a particular book, author, or symbol is meaningful to that sect, it's best to steer clear.

It's one of those progressive christian churches

Also keep in mind that having modern music and being contemporary, and being non-judgmental about clothing, hair length, or other appearance-based issues does not mean that the church is progressive or liberal in any political or social sense. Most churches I have attended have been very contemporary and welcoming to anyone without judgment, but also politically and socially very conservative. Giving a member of such a church a book by a liberal theologian, or an extra-canonical "gospel" can come across as clueless at best, but at worst can actually seem like you are trying to undermine their beliefs rather than augment and support them.

Obviously, I have no idea what her particular church teaches. If you know the denomination, or if it's an independent church, what it's closest to, that will help you on your search.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 6:40 AM on August 23, 2008

I went to an evangelical Christian high school (very modern - worship band and all that) and Bible covers/"organizers" were popular. They're convenient and practical, and generally have a place for a pen, for note taking. If you do end up getting a Bible, that could be a nice set - Bible, Bible cover, and pen.

A C.S. Lewis book also could do the trick.

This last one's a long shot (unless she has a pretty big sense of humor) but I had my friend order this for me (he worked for Christian Book and got a discount) just because... wow. You can't get something better than that, not even at Newbury Comics! :) That would have to be an "in addition to" gift, but there is the chance it might be offensive, so that's risky territory.
posted by lydston at 8:35 PM on August 23, 2008

Uh, don't recommend the talking Jesus doll, no. But if you must, I saw one at Walmart.
posted by konolia at 3:24 PM on August 24, 2008