Overview

I begin by going over the basic beliefs of Baptists and a description of the
service I attended. I then continue to analyze their beliefs, theorizing various
reasons for which people choose to become part of this culture. I go on to present
my own feelings toward what I learned and experienced in regard to the service.
Religion
Baptists are a group of Christian denominations that follows the doctrine that
only people who believe should be baptized. They do not baptize infants by
sprinkling, rather, they baptize professing believers by immersion in water. They
believe in salvation by faith and rely heavily upon the Bible as the rule of faith and
practice. They function as individual congregations rather than as an entire church.
Baptists are also, at times, considered Protestants, but many dont like this identity.
Religious Function
I did a little bit of research before going so I would be prepared. I certainly did
not want to make a fool of myself. I felt as though standing out would cause people
to talk to me, and I dont typically enjoy interacting with people unless I see them
regularly, so I wanted to do my best to avoid that.
On Sunday, I arrived in formal dress. When I went to the service, I was
greeted quite warmly; more so than I thought I would be. I found it a little bit
uncomfortable, being someone who doesnt socialize much, but I suppose it was
better than them becoming angry with me.
It began with a prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. It was a fairly expressive
prayer in my opinion, not as reverent as prayers I have heard before. After the

prayer, a man asked the congregation to remember people with various needs in
each of their own prayers. Shortly after, a hymn was sung. After the hymn, the
same man started into a long lesson. He asked everyone to turn to the appropriate
section in their bibles. I didnt bring a bible, but I got one from the pew in front of
me. The lesson, in which faith in Christ was emphasized greatly was also expressive.
It felt as though the man was less an authority than he was a friend. He had a lot of
conviction in his voice, but I detected a bit of love as well.
I also noticed that the audience was fairly vocal in their agreement with him,
often saying Amen. I joined in a couple of times, finding it somewhat entertaining
and engaging. A couple more hymns were sung, one, which I feel as though I heard
somewhere else at some other time in my life, was from only the choir, and another
prayer was offered.
Value Theory
Value Theory explains why people value the things they do, and the extent to
which they value them. Such values include personal and cultural value, economic
value, intrinsic value, instrumental value, and absolute value.
Analysis
Baptists seem to be such fervent believers in Christ because his teachings
give them hope and happiness. They want some direction in their lives, and they
feel as though what they are taught in the Baptist church is what they are looking
for. It gives them a sort of assurance about life and death. Theyre quite enthusiastic
about their beliefs and express them frequently, demonstrating that they find joy in
their services and teachings.

When speaking of their belief in the Bible, and their strict adherence to
scripture, it seems to be because of the similar direction it gives them. They appear
to like getting instruction from God via the Bible. Also, when one considers the
methods by which teachers teach during the services and the rhetoric they use, the
firm but friendly tone does seem to encourage the strong beliefs I witnessed at the
service.
Reflection
This project felt as though it would be a fairly simple one, but I had not
stopped to think about the fear I might experience as I attended the service. The
idea was not too frightening, but I did feel more and more anxiety as the time grew
nearer.
I learned that Baptists are fairly accepting. Though I did not make it known to
them I was of a different religion, I felt as though they would not have cared that
much.
Im not sure there was much of an attitude change. I went in with only the
completion of this assignment in mind, and I came out with the information I needed
to do so. I do realize that I know more about a group I am not part of, but that does
not seem to register on an emotional level with me.
The application of theory did seem to help a bit. I often find myself asking
why, and having some tools and methods to bring about explanations was quite
interesting.
By taking what I have learned during this project, I might be able to realize
the incredible potential within all people, regardless of what they believe in or find

important. I might also be better able to talk to people of other faiths without
turning the conversation into an argument.
References
Beck, Rosalie (Response to 'The Ordination of Women Among Texas Baptists' by Ann Miller). "Perspectives in
Religious Studies". Journal of the NABPR. Baylor University, Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Traffanstedt, Chris. "A Primer on Baptist History". Archived from the original on 3 February 2010.
Briggs, John. "Baptist Origins". Baptist History and Heritage Society.Archived from the original on 5 January
2010.
Freedom as a Value: A Critique of the Ethical Theory of Jean-Paul Sartre. Open Court Publishing. 1988.
Dewey, J (1939). Theory of Valuation. University of Chicago USA.