J
JAMarcella
Guest
My concern is not about the necessity of Baptism, but the urgency with which we give it to infants.
Section 1037 of the Catechism states that God predestines no one to hell; for this a willful turning away from God (mortal sin) is necessary. We know that mortal sin (CCC 1855) destroys charity in the heart of man by preferring an inferior good to him. An infant, who is not predestined to hell in the first place, can not willfully turn away from God and commit mortal sin. Therefore, an infant who dies without Baptism will not go to hell.
In addition, Section 1261 of the Catechism claims that the Church entrusts infants who have died without Baptism to the mercy of God. Based on the above paragraph, that trust is well placed.
My conclusion is that Baptism, though necessary for those who have willful control of their actions, is not urgently necessary for infants, so infants can wait until a later age where they can request Baptism and enjoy the memory of being Baptized.
Please comment on where I’ve missed something. The Catholic community generally holds the opposite view of what I’ve written. I’ve really struggled with this topic, so any clarification is greatly appreciated.
Section 1037 of the Catechism states that God predestines no one to hell; for this a willful turning away from God (mortal sin) is necessary. We know that mortal sin (CCC 1855) destroys charity in the heart of man by preferring an inferior good to him. An infant, who is not predestined to hell in the first place, can not willfully turn away from God and commit mortal sin. Therefore, an infant who dies without Baptism will not go to hell.
In addition, Section 1261 of the Catechism claims that the Church entrusts infants who have died without Baptism to the mercy of God. Based on the above paragraph, that trust is well placed.
My conclusion is that Baptism, though necessary for those who have willful control of their actions, is not urgently necessary for infants, so infants can wait until a later age where they can request Baptism and enjoy the memory of being Baptized.
Please comment on where I’ve missed something. The Catholic community generally holds the opposite view of what I’ve written. I’ve really struggled with this topic, so any clarification is greatly appreciated.