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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Chapter 15: The Irish Hear the Gospel  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
The baptismal renunciation faces west (realm of Satan) and then east (realm of Christ), includes naming and rejecting specific gods, and includes vows to “keep God’s holy will and commandments… all the days of your life”; what do these specific, public vows suggest early Christians assumed baptism meant, and how does that compare to how baptism is approached in your tradition?
Another way to ask: What do these public baptism vows—rejecting other gods and promising lifelong obedience—show people thought baptism meant back then? How is that different from how your church treats baptism?

Direct Answer These public vows suggest baptism was understood as a decisive transfer of allegiance: a renunciation of Satan and former gods, a confession of faith in Christ, and a lifelong commitment to obedience—with baptism connected to forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit. The transcript doesn’t describe your tradition, so comparison depends on how closely your practice includes public renunciation, vows, and expectation of lifelong obedience.

Support from Transcript:

  • Patrick ties east/west symbolism to Christ’s return and spiritual realms: east as “realm of Christ” and west as “realm of Satan.”
  • Candidates make a spoken renunciation: “I renounce Satan, his angels, and all of his ceremonies and works… I renounce Belanos, Luh, Terrenus, and Bedeath.”
  • They then publicly confess faith: “Do you believe in Jesus Christ…?” and accept Him as “Savior” and “Lord.”
  • Baptism is explicitly “in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sins.”
  • They vow lifelong obedience: “keep God’s holy will and commandments… all the days of your life,” and answer with “a resounding yes.”
Discussion Follow-ups Does your baptism practice include renunciation and vows, or mainly a symbol of something already assumed? How would it change preparation for baptism if candidates had to promise lifelong obedience publicly?

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