You were baptized?My sister told me that yes, Father baptized me shortly after birth. My mother was a Protestant of a faith that deplored infant baptism, so they had a quarrel about it. The Bishop held out his hand to lift the Speaker to his feet. The Speaker chuckled. Imagine. A closet Catholic and a lapsed Mormon, quarreling over religious procedures that they both claimed not to believe in.
The Speaker reflects on being baptized shortly after birth, despite his mother's Protestant beliefs that opposed infant baptism. This revelation highlights a family conflict, particularly between his mother and father, regarding their differing views on religious practices. The irony of the situation is emphasized, as the Speaker remarks on the absurdity of a closet Catholic and a lapsed Mormon disputing over a ritual neither truly believes in.
This moment encapsulates the complexities of personal faith and family dynamics, showcasing how religious background can influence relationships. Orson Scott Card's portrayal points to a broader commentary on the nature of belief and the sometimes contradictory actions individuals take within their faith traditions.