Salvation of Unbaptized Infants

[meltzerboy]

I know this has been a frequent topic on the Forum. My particular question is regarding why the Catechism of the Catholic Church expresses HOPE in the salvation of unbaptized infants, who lack baptism through no fault of their own, rather than CERTAINTY of their salvation. I believe at least some Protestant denominations express certainty due to infants’ complete innocence except for original sin.

Is one reason due to the traditionally-held importance of baptism for salvation throughout the history of the Church? I realize there are several forms of baptism apart from the traditional Sacrament, including baptism of desire and baptism of blood, so is another reason because the infant does not fit under any of these categories, assuming the parents did not intend to baptize their child before its death? Might a third reason be that one can never say for certain who will be saved and who will not be saved by G-d’s mercy? And perhaps original sin counts as another reason as well.

What are your thoughts about this, based on Church doctrine?

 

[RileyG]

I can be wrong, but according to Catholic doctrine all children under the age of reason (7) would automatically go to heaven if they die. (This includes miscarriages, the aborted etc).

Is this what you are referring to?
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,"64 allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church’s call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.

God Bless +

 

[meltzerboy]

I can be wrong, but according to Catholic doctrine all children under the age of reason (7) would automatically go to heaven if they die. (This includes miscarriages, the aborted etc).

Is this what you are referring to?
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,"64 allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church’s call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.

God Bless +

Yes, that is the passage I was thinking of: it speaks of hope rather than certainty. I once heard Billy Graham say what you have stated, but I’m not so sure the Church believes this.

 

[fermat]

I can be wrong, but according to Catholic doctrine all children under the age of reason (7) would automatically go to heaven if they die. (This includes miscarriages, the aborted etc)

The church does not have such a teaching. There is not anything that would prevent you from holding this as a personal belief, but the church never says that anyone automatically goes to heaven. From church teaching, you can infer that someone could go straight to heaven, but there isn’t a formal doctrine that indicates this.

 

[RileyG]

The church does not have such a teaching. There is not anything that would prevent you from holding this as a personal belief, but the church never says that anyone automatically goes to heaven. From church teaching, you can infer that someone could go straight to heaven, but there isn’t a formal doctrine that indicates this.

Thanks for clearing that up. @OP, I’m wrong, ignore my post.

God Bless

 

[Neildown]

Well, if it is professed as a “hope” then there probably isn’t any current way for the Church to determine whether or not un-baptised children go to heaven or some place else. It would be foolhardy to declare something certain if there wasn’t any way of determining it via logic or revelation (thus its different from requirements of faith). We don’t know if its the case or not, but we hope.

 

[meltzerboy]

Well, if it is professed as a “hope” then there probably isn’t any current way for the Church to determine whether or not un-baptised children go to heaven or some place else. It would be foolhardy to declare something certain if there wasn’t any way of determining it via logic or revelation (thus its different from requirements of faith). We don’t know if its the case or not, but we hope.

Wouldn’t it be logical, though? How can an innocent baby not go directly to Heaven? Except for original sin, what sins have they committed? So maybe original sin is the reason.

 

[meltzerboy]

Thanks for clearing that up. @OP, I’m wrong, ignore my post.

God Bless

Too late! I already read it. In psychology, it’s called the perseverance effect, as when a jury is told to ignore the testimony of a witness.

 

[Cominghome89]

You ask a good question; here’s a couple quick thoughts.

I believe at least some Protestant denominations express certainty due to infants’ complete innocence except for original sin.

Well, yes, unbaptized infants are completely innocent, except original sin. We were created without original sin, but after the Fall, mankind inherited the consequences of original sin, one of which is spiritual death. Baptism removes the stain of original sin, so without it, the ordinary understanding is that the unbaptized person remains with the consequence of spiritual death.

I understand, and share, the concern on this point, and so does the Church. Since baptism is the ordinary way that original sin is removed and the grace of eternal life given, is it possible for God to work outside of the ordinary means and save the unbaptized, especially small children? Absolutely. But God’s ways of going beyond the ordinary means are mysterious, and so we cannot speak with certainty, but can have great hope in God’s mercy.

One other thought. You mentioned baptism of desire and baptism of blood. It is true that these don’t seem to be applicable to infants, but even if they were, we cannot say for sure if a certain person is saved by desire or blood, because only God knows that person’s heart at death. Even among the baptized (above the age of reason) no one can say for sure that a person was in a state of grace or a state of mortal sin. The Church states that the canonized saints are definitely in heaven (after a very long, prudent process involving the examination of life and the confirmation of miracles performed by the person after death).

I believe the Church’s language is very good, because it keeps us from being presumptuous, but also keeps us far from despair. We cannot assume that people are in heaven, because that prevents us from praying for their souls, and also risks us presuming that we can go to heaven, even if we don’t use the Sacraments and other means of grace that God has given us. Nobody should presume that he deserves God’s mercy no matter what. It is a treasured gift, not a right. On the other hand, we should not fear that anyone outside of the ordinary means of salvation automatically goes to hell. That gives us the burden of great worry, anxiety, etc. and also puts a limit on God’s mercy. We can never say “God can only save those who…(fill in the blank)” because God is far beyond our understanding. We must hope and pray for all people, and stick to the ordinary means for salvation in our own lives, and in what we believe and speak of to others.

This was a bit long, hopefully helpful and not too filled with rambling.

In Christ through Mary,
Frank

 

[The_Scott]

Hi Meltzerboy,

You may want to take a look at this article (which was written a couple days ago):

catholicdefense.blogspot.com/2012/06/where-do-unbaptized-babies-go-when-they.html

I think it summarizes quite well the difficulties when dealing with unbaptized infants. But the bottom line is that there is no certainty where they go when they die; we can only hope.

 

[meltzerboy]

You ask a good question; here’s a couple quick thoughts.

Well, yes, unbaptized infants are completely innocent, except original sin. We were created without original sin, but after the Fall, mankind inherited the consequences of original sin, one of which is spiritual death. Baptism removes the stain of original sin, so without it, the ordinary understanding is that the unbaptized person remains with the consequence of spiritual death.

I understand, and share, the concern on this point, and so does the Church. Since baptism is the ordinary way that original sin is removed and the grace of eternal life given, is it possible for God to work outside of the ordinary means and save the unbaptized, especially small children? Absolutely. But God’s ways of going beyond the ordinary means are mysterious, and so we cannot speak with certainty, but can have great hope in God’s mercy.

One other thought. You mentioned baptism of desire and baptism of blood. It is true that these don’t seem to be applicable to infants, but even if they were, we cannot say for sure if a certain person is saved by desire or blood, because only God knows that person’s heart at death. Even among the baptized (above the age of reason) no one can say for sure that a person was in a state of grace or a state of mortal sin. The Church states that the canonized saints are definitely in heaven (after a very long, prudent process involving the examination of life and the confirmation of miracles performed by the person after death).

I believe the Church’s language is very good, because it keeps us from being presumptuous, but also keeps us far from despair. We cannot assume that people are in heaven, because that prevents us from praying for their souls, and also risks us presuming that we can go to heaven, even if we don’t use the Sacraments and other means of grace that God has given us. Nobody should presume that he deserves God’s mercy no matter what. It is a treasured gift, not a right. On the other hand, we should not fear that anyone outside of the ordinary means of salvation automatically goes to hell. That gives us the burden of great worry, anxiety, etc. and also puts a limit on God’s mercy. We can never say “God can only save those who…(fill in the blank)” because God is far beyond our understanding. We must hope and pray for all people, and stick to the ordinary means for salvation in our own lives, and in what we believe and speak of to others.

This was a bit long, hopefully helpful and not too filled with rambling.

In Christ through Mary,
Frank

Not long or rambling at all, but a very thoughtful, informative answer to my question. Thank you.

 

[Neildown]

Wouldn’t it be logical, though? How can an innocent baby not go directly to Heaven? Except for original sin, what sins have they committed? So maybe original sin is the reason.

Apparently not if the Church is hesitant about making it dogmatic. Considering how in-depth the Church has been on so many other doctrines it doesn’t make sense that one as ‘apparently’ obvious as that would be left untouched at this point in history.

I do agree with you that it would probably have to do with original sin though. That’s the only thing I can see hindering the proposed idea at this point - but I haven’t been particularly indulgent, thus far, in this specific issue, so I may be missing something else.

 

[AdamP88]

I can be wrong, but according to Catholic doctrine all children under the age of reason (7) would automatically go to heaven if they die. (This includes miscarriages, the aborted etc).

Is this what you are referring to?
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,"64 allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church’s call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.

God Bless +

In this section of the Catechism, what is phrased by the Church as “hope” is, essentially the understanding that these children will gain salvation through Christ. The reason it is put down as hope rather than absolute certainty is because the Church cannot say for sure sure, except in the case of those who are saints, who is or is not saved.

Hope this helps.

 

[TEPO]

Wouldn’t it be logical, though? How can an innocent baby not go directly to Heaven? Except for original sin, what sins have they committed? So maybe original sin is the reason.

But according to the RCC, there were multitudes of Jews who went directly to heaven after Jesus rescued them from purgatory. These Jews were the first Saints…! They were never Baptized either.

So really, if the stain of original sin can be removed from one, it can certainly be removed from another such as a baby. These things do happen and have always been a fundamental Catholic teaching.

 

[thistle]

I know this has been a frequent topic on the Forum. My particular question is regarding why the Catechism of the Catholic Church expresses HOPE in the salvation of unbaptized infants, who lack baptism through no fault of their own, rather than CERTAINTY of their salvation. I believe at least some Protestant denominations express certainty due to infants’ complete innocence except for original sin.

Is one reason due to the traditionally-held importance of baptism for salvation throughout the history of the Church? I realize there are several forms of baptism apart from the traditional Sacrament, including baptism of desire and baptism of blood, so is another reason because the infant does not fit under any of these categories, assuming the parents did not intend to baptize their child before its death? Might a third reason be that one can never say for certain who will be saved and who will not be saved by G-d’s mercy? And perhaps original sin counts as another reason as well.

What are your thoughts about this, based on Church doctrine?

The answer is the Church does not know with any certainty what happens to unbaptised infants which is why the Church entrusts them to the mercy of God.

CCC 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. All the more urgent is the Church’s call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.

 

[1ke]

I would say, metzerboy, you have a firm grasp on the Church’s teaching on the matter.

The virtue of hope-- however-- is something slightly different than “I hope I win the lottery.” The theological virtue of hope is centered on placing our trust in Christ’s promises. See: vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P66.HTM

Regarding baptism, here is what we know:

1. Baptism is necessary for salvation (see here)
2. There may be ways God operates outside the normative method of the Sacraments to bring salvation to the unbaptized.
3. The Church can only teach as doctrine what has been definitely revealed to her through Divine Revelation. The fate of the unbaptized and any operation outside the Sacraments has not been revealed to the Church.
4. The virtue of hope enables us to trust that God will work it all out because he is both perfectly just and perfectly merciful.

 

[1ke]

I can be wrong, but according to Catholic doctrine all children under the age of reason (7) would automatically go to heaven if they die. (This includes miscarriages, the aborted etc).

This is not accurate. The Church as no teaching such as you describe. In fact, the opposite-- we cannot know what happens to unbaptized infants and we are therefore not to neglect their baptism.

 

[1ke]

Wouldn’t it be logical, though? How can an innocent baby not go directly to Heaven? Except for original sin, what sins have they committed? So maybe original sin is the reason.

Yes, original sin is the reason.

Our souls require sanctifying grace to enter heaven. Baptism is the mechanism by which sanctifying grace is infused into our souls (Adam and Eve had sanctifying grace-- original holiness-- and when they sinned they lost this original holiness and grace in their souls. We are born without it).

God may choose to infuse sanctifying grace outside the operation of the sacraments, but the only way we have been given to ensure SG in our souls is through the sacraments as revealed by Christ.

Sanctifying grace is the central point of all of this. Without it you cannot see God face to face (beatific vision = heaven). Divine Revelation tells us this grace comes through the sacraments. But, the creator of all that is certainly could operate in some other way for those who did not receive baptism through no fault of their own. But if he does, he did not reveal it to us. Therefore the Church cannot teach this as doctrine.

We simplly do not know. But we hope-- as in theological virtue of hope.

 

[fhansen]

The “problem” is simply that the Church has been shown the way to salvation-Jesus said one must be born of water and spirit; she’s always held that Baptism is necessary. So she admits to uncertainty where Gods’ prescriptions cannot be fulfilled rather than feeling free to bypass what she’s received via revelation. However, since, also via revelation, shes knows that God is limitless in His power, knowledge, love, mercy, and justice, she also speculates that He may well bypass His own prescriptions to man.

 

[meltzerboy]

Yes, original sin is the reason.

Our souls require sanctifying grace to enter heaven. Baptism is the mechanism by which sanctifying grace is infused into our souls (Adam and Eve had sanctifying grace-- original holiness-- and when they sinned they lost this original holiness and grace in their souls. We are born without it).

God may choose to infuse sanctifying grace outside the operation of the sacraments, but the only way we have been given to ensure SG in our souls is through the sacraments as revealed by Christ.

Sanctifying grace is the central point of all of this. Without it you cannot see God face to face (beatific vision = heaven). Divine Revelation tells us this grace comes through the sacraments. But, the creator of all that is certainly could operate in some other way for those who did not receive baptism through no fault of their own. But if he does, he did not reveal it to us. Therefore the Church cannot teach this as doctrine.

We simplly do not know. But we hope-- as in theological virtue of hope.

Thank you, 1ke. As I’ve noticed in several of your other posts, I can always count on you for a profound and edifying understanding of Catholic teaching.