> 1.  The connection between physical circumcision and water baptism is
quite indirect.  This connection only comes via the following linkage in the
passage: 1) physical circumcision is emblematic of spiritual/heart
circumcision ("the circumcision of Christ").  2) Spiritual/heart
circumcision has a relationship to spiritual baptism.  3) Spiritual baptism
is depicted in water baptism.  What we have then is the following: physical
circumcision -> spiritual circumcision - spiritual baptism <- water baptism.

The differences in our views is that while you've correctly noted the
connection, it is not indirect, but direct because of the rules of logic.

If A = B and B = C, then A = C.  That's a direct identification or
connection.


Chad Bresson
Xenia, OH