Infant baptism

[Matt510]

Right, I have a query that was put to me by a non-Christian friend of mine. I wasn’t really sure how to respond, but imagine that there’s a rather simple point that I’m not thinking of.

Basically, the discussion started out regarding the reasons behind, the benefits of, and the actual changes which take place during baptism. That part is straightforward.

However, my friend posed the question as to whether the baptism of an infant (and the responsability to the faith which accompanies this) could make it more difficult for a Catholic (or indeed a Christian in general) to enter heaven.

This is based on the idea of a baptised infant and a non-baptised infant. They could both live equally ‘good’ lives, but would the baptised infant have less chance of receiving the kingdom should they fall away from the Church, but live equally ‘well’ as an unbaptised person who lives their life without knowledge of Christ and his Church?

I hope that makes sense. It’s basically a question of what responsibility baptism holds, and how this can affect people. I think

 

[iamscifimike]

I would explain to your friend that according to our beliefs,Baptism as do all the sacraments, bestow Graces on the recipient that aid us in living out a Christian and moral life.

Also a baby growing up in a predominantly or even a significantly Christian area will undoubtedly come to a point of accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ and His Church. The baby who hasn’t been Baptised will likely not respond as favorably to the faith as it has not been taught to him or her.

While it is true that to he whom much is given, much will be expected, any child that grows up with or without Baptism will be viewed in the same light of Invincible Ignorance that your friend speaks of. God knows the heart and judges that.

If a man does not accept Christ because I neglected to evangelize him the blame is on me. so to If I neglect to teach my child og the Truth.

Tell me when the horse is dead… oh it is? how long? O dear.