valid baptism

[MulusChristi]

Greetings Dread,
I agree with the concensus here that you are baptized. All Christians as part of the common priesthood of believers, can baptize and marry one another (that’s why the Church recognizes nonCatholic Christian marriages as sacramental). I think it is sometimes useful to think of a medical analogy. Baptism is a form of spiritual medicine. Just as physical medicine will work on an uncomprehending patient, so it can also work if administered correctly by someone who doesn’t understand all the details of the medicine’s action. Similarly, infant baptism works and Christian baptism works (if done in the form you described), even if the minister has an imperfect understanding of the sacrament.
Sean O L:

DreadVandal wrote:

Another scenario: A mother is delivered of a child who is in immediate dander of death. The doctor is a Jew. He knows that the Catholic mother would want her child to be baptized. He pours the water and says the words of Baptism. Presto! The child is a Catholic.

“Be not afraid.”

Unfortunately, I don’t think this case is correct. I believe only baptized Christians can validly baptize. A Jewish doctor does not have that commom priesthood, not being a baptized Christian. In this case, we commend the child to the mercy of God.

 

[MulusChristi]

Greetings All,
I was incorrect about Jews and baptism. Here is canon law on the issue, thanks to Deacon Cameron (forums.catholic-questions.org/member.php?userid=25194):

Anyone with a right intention can baptize in the case of necessity (canon 868 §1). The trinitarian formula and washing with true water must be used by the person though (canon 849).

Some conservative rabbis, however, have concluded that a Jew cannot have a right intention. In a particular case, one would have to speak with the individual who appears to have administered the sacrament. In general, Jewish chaplains faced with baptism may ask a Catholic on staff. Others will have no problem formulating the right intention.

I guess I’m not ready for the “Who wants to be an apologist quiz show” yet! There’s a reason I read these forums.