Baptism of yore

Sent: Nov 24, 2008 8:41 AM

I am staring at the murky waters of the Jordan River, at the site where Jesus was supposedly baptised by John the Baptist. A group of people clad in white overalls are down by the river, as each one individually steps forward, covers the face with hands and is immersed in the water via a backbend, assisted by a priest. I am in Tiberias, Israel. Just a few yards away from the site where the baptisms are being performed, Coke, Pepsi, potato chips, Orbit chewing gum, etc are being sold. Conventional Christian belief dictates that Jesus will return. Well, if he plans to re-visit this site, he better have enough cash on him because a bag of chips at the baptism site today costs 10 NIS (New Israeli Shekels)!! I bought an Orbit chewing gum as a souvenir. And from the odors hovering over the murky green waters, Orbit was probably the most practical purchase.

Shalom!
D.

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