I often hear the question “What happens if a person is not aware of the good news of Jesus?”

[DamianZachary]

If, as the church teaches, it is part of human nature to love and to seek happiness, and a person without knowledge of Jesus may respond to these innate drives without knowing their source. God‘s grace is given independent of a persons recognition. If one lives according to the love of God implanted in one’s heart, one can be saved. However, this lack of knowledge is not a good thing. The world has been given a gift beyond measure in Jesus. To say that it’s possible to be saved without knowledge of him is not a suggested ignorance of him should be excepted. It is far better to know Jesus than not to. Knowing him and knowing where one comes from and where one is headed. A person may have a sense that there is more to life than here and now, but without Jesus a person is missing the full picture. Worse yet “some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, or exposed to final despair” (LG, 16). To work against this fate for anyone, the church urges every member to share the Gospel.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

1. Can somebody move this to Evangelization?
2. I don’t think anybody on this forum is opposed to everybody sharing the Gospel when they meet someone who isn’t aware of Jesus (which in Western society is a bit rare, most people are at least aware of him whether they choose to be Christians or something else).

 

[poche]

From the Baltimore Catechism;

Q. 632. Where will persons go who – such as infants – have not committed actual sin and who, through no

fault of theirs, die without baptism?

A. Persons, such as infants, who have not committed actual sin and who, through no fault of theirs, die without

baptism, cannot enter heaven; but it is the common belief they will go to some place similar to Limbo, where they

will be free from suffering, though deprived of the happiness of heaven.

Q. 650. What is Baptism of desire?

A. Baptism of desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our salvation.

Q. 653. Is Baptism of desire or of blood sufficient to produce the effects of Baptism of water?

A. Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to

receive the Baptism of water.

Q. 654. How do we know that the baptism of desire or of blood will save us when it is impossible to

receive the baptism of water?

A. We know that baptism of desire or of blood will save us when it is impossible to receive the baptism of water,

from Holy Scripture, which teaches that love of God and perfect contrition can secure the remission of sins ; and

also that Our Lord promises salvation to those who lay down their life for His sake or for His teaching.

Lesson 14: On Baptism

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Q. 632. Where will persons go who – such as infants – have not committed actual sin and who, through no

fault of theirs, die without baptism?

A. Persons, such as infants, who have not committed actual sin and who, through no fault of theirs, die without

baptism, cannot enter heaven; but it is the common belief they will go to some place similar to Limbo, where they

will be free from suffering, though deprived of the happiness of heaven.

Just to be clear, this is no longer the “common belief” nor is it the current official Church teaching regarding unbaptized children.

The current official Church teaching is that unbaptized children are entrusted to the mercy of God, with the hope that he will provide a path to salvation for them (in other words, with the hope that he will admit them to Heaven). CCC 1261:

1261 As regards children who have died without Baptism , the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires that all men should be saved, and Jesus’ tenderness toward children which caused him to say: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them,” allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism.

This is also referenced in the specific Catholic funeral rite for such children.

 

[poche]

The existence of Limbo has never been an official teaching of the Catholic Church.

 

[Polak]

Glad to see you say that isn’t an official church teaching, because the response to Q 632 in that Catechism seemed very harsh.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

There are a number of responses in the Baltimore Catechism that seem very harsh. Limbo is one, certain sections referring to non-Catholics are others. It is better to use the current catechism.

And yes, poche is right that Limbo has never been an official Church teaching. However, it was widely taught, particularly in Catholic schools, so people thought it was. I have also read that in the past there were often issues with burying unbaptized babies in Catholic cemeteries. A few centuries ago there was also a debate about whether babies could somehow be baptized in utero, presumably to protect against the then-likely possibility that they would be stillborn and couldn’t be baptized after birth.

 

[Polak]

By the way does this teaching you mentioned also refer to unbaptized people, who are unbaptised not through their own fault? Or just children?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

By the way does this teaching you mentioned also refer to unbaptized people, who are unbaptised not through their own fault? Or just children?

The teaching about unbaptized babies probably wouldn’t apply to anyone over the age of reason, which is age 7.

Past that age, the teachings about invincible ignorance might apply if the person lacked knowledge about the Catholic faith through no fault of their own.
Or the teachings on baptism of desire might apply if they wanted to be baptized, but weren’t able to accomplish it because of parental inaction or restrictions.

 

[poche]

It may seem harsh. I would suggest that Limbo might be a part of Heaven. But although it is a place of natural happiness, it is still a place of joy and happiness.