Comments on: An Unusual Baptism

By: Glenn

Glenn — Thu, 17 May 2007 04:46:17 +0000

This is absolutely amazing, and some very interesting questions — especially about the exceptions made by the witnesses needing to see full immersion and the “what if” about the temple endowment. I would expect that they would be allowed to take out endowments even if only one of them was a believer — I imagine there is temple work done for deceased anscestors who choose to not accept it on the other side — that might lead to a similar justification in this case, but I would hope it would fall the inclusive rather than exclusive side of the fence.

But what really strikes me about this is how ultimately insignificant all the outward ordinances are when compared to the real faith and devotion that takes place in the heart — and I suspect that the love these sisters have for each other and the things they put up with in sharing every aspect of life will ultimately transcend any differences that might arise in their choice of religion.

Very cool post kevin.

By: Susan C.

Susan C. — Wed, 16 May 2007 16:14:10 +0000

For those that have never seen these amazing women, they are conjoined so that they are facing opposite directions. Reba’s spina bifida and smaller size requires that she be on a rolling stool or some other raised instrumentality to ambulate. If she is performing, she would be sitting on the stool and facing her audience; Lori would be facing the curtain or back of the house. This makes it easier (and I use that word for lack of a better one, because nothing about their life is easy)for the non-engaged twin to “tune out” what the other is doing.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Wed, 16 May 2007 14:11:24 +0000

Threadjack: Since when does someone “take out” a gift. The sooner we consign that abomination to the dustbin where it belongs the better.

Let’s try “receive” instead.

By: annegb

annegb — Wed, 16 May 2007 13:35:59 +0000

That just looks so uncomfortable. I’ve seen the documentary about those girls. It’s amazing what people can overcome, or I guess, live joyfully in spite of?

By: Meg

Meg — Wed, 16 May 2007 03:02:42 +0000

Ooh, I’ve seen something about them before… I think in a documentary I watched in a class in high school. Cool story.

By: Kevin Barney

Kevin Barney — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:53:51 +0000

You’re right, Susan, I misread the bit about the blanket at first.

By: A Turtle Named Mack

A Turtle Named Mack — Wed, 16 May 2007 01:06:17 +0000

So, what would the options have been had both been baptized? …each kneeling beside the other for their respective baptisms; complete immersion of both, twice; or, perhaps, two priesthood holders reciting a baptismal prayer with a single immersion? There may be others, not sure which would be preferable in such an extreme example.

By: Susan M

Susan M — Wed, 16 May 2007 00:54:01 +0000

I don’t think the non-performing twin is actually hidden by a blanket. I think she meant it’s as if she were behind a blanket to the audience—the audience is just there to see the performing twin.

One said in the article that when she’s visiting with friends, the other twin can totally tune them out. That may be what went on during the missionary discussions.

I saw them on a documentary awhile back, when they were younger. I can’t remember much of it now, but it was fascinating.

By: Kevin Barney

Kevin Barney — Tue, 15 May 2007 20:11:23 +0000

They're famous enough to have their own Wikipedia entry. They've apparently been in a couple of documentaries. I believe it was the smaller of the two that was baptized, and from what I can gather that would be Reba, who has spina bifida. So I'm thinking I may have gotten the names reversed in the original post. I'm hoping someone who actually knows will confirm this.

By: Kevin Barney

Kevin Barney — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:46:42 +0000

Oh, wow, I didn’t even think down the line about the temple! Good issue spotting, guys. That is definitely a complicating situation. I certainly hope that some sort of reasonable accomodation could be made.