Tizaz
Statute 28
Overview
This statute describes the initial examination of candidates for baptism and lists occupations or circumstances that must be examined, abandoned, or rejected.
1Statute 28: Concerning newcomers who wish to be baptized and the occupations they must give up.
2Newcomers who are to be baptized, so that they may hear the word, shall be brought to the teachers before all the people enter. The teachers shall ask them why they have sought the Faith. Those who brought them shall testify concerning whether they are able to hear the word.
3They shall examine them concerning their manner of life and circumstances: whether a man has a wife, or a woman has a husband; or, if he is a slave, whether his master has permitted him to hear. If his master does not testify for him, he shall go away. If his master is an idolater, they shall hear from him and determine whether it was with his master’s permission, so that no scandal may arise.
4If a man has a wife, or a woman has a husband, they shall determine whether the man lives with his wife and the wife with her husband. If a man is not living with a wife, he shall be instructed not to be a fornicator, but either to marry according to law or to remain as he is in obedience to the law. If a man has a demon, he shall not hear the word of instruction.
5Concerning the occupations and crafts, besides the occupations of those whom they bring for exhortation.
6If anyone is a pander, he shall be rejected. If anyone makes images or practices divination, they shall teach him not to make an image; if he will not give up making images, he shall be rejected. If anyone causes others to go to the Circus, he shall give this up or be rejected.
7If anyone teaches children the work of this world, it is good for him to give it up. Yet if there is no other occupation by which he can live, he shall be excused. Anyone who causes others to go to idolatrous sacrifices shall give this up or be rejected.
8If anyone hunts or teaches hunting, teaches fighting or war, or is a driver of horses, he shall give this up or be rejected. If anyone is a priest of the gods or a guardian of the gods, he shall give this up or be rejected.
9They shall not receive a soldier of the prince. If they have already received him and he is commanded to kill, he shall not do it; if he does not leave off, he shall be rejected.