Why are non-Catholic baptisms valid?

[Elzee]

If only a priest (apostolic succession) can validly consecrate, why are baptisms performed outside of the Catholic church (non apostolic succession) viewed as valid? (for example, RCIA candidates who were baptized in their previous churches are recognized as valid)

Also, are there certain requirements about a non-Catholic baptism that must be met before it’s deemed ‘valid’ (by an ordained minister, only certain religions, done in the ‘name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’ as opposed to ‘in the name of Jesus’ only, etc.)

 

[Brendan]

Because a Baptism isn’t a concecration. A layperson can Baptize.

Baptism is a funtion of the Holy Spirit, not of the minister. Even St. Constantine was baptized on his deathbed by a heretic Arian, but that didn’t affect the validity of the Sacrament.

The only requirement for a valid Baptism is that water be used and the person be Baptized with the Tritarian formula “In the name of the Father, and of the Son…”

The ordination status of a Protestant minister is meaningless, as the have no valid ordinations. They , from the Church’s perspective, baptize as laypeople. But that has no bearing on the Sacrament itself.

 

[WanderAimlessly]

Brendan:

Because a Baptism isn’t a concecration. A layperson can Baptize.

Baptism is a funtion of the Holy Spirit, not of the minister. Even St. Constantine was baptized on his deathbed by a heretic Arian, but that didn’t affect the validity of the Sacrament.

The only requirement for a valid Baptism is that water be used and the person be Baptized with the Tritarian formula “In the name of the Father, and of the Son…”

The ordination status of a Protestant minister is meaningless, as the have no valid ordinations. They , from the Church’s perspective, baptize as laypeople. But that has no bearing on the Sacrament itself.

That is why, I believe, Mormon and JW baptisms are not valid. They do not use the Trinitarian formula.

PF

 

[Catholic2003]

Historically, one consideration was whether the baptisms that were performed by Judas were valid. Once it was decided that they were, it was hard to imagine anyone else whose baptisms would not be considered valid.

 

[MaggieOH]

WanderAimlessly:

That is why, I believe, Mormon and JW baptisms are not valid. They do not use the Trinitarian formula.

PF

That is correct and it is the same for those who are baptised as Oneness Pentecostals, as well as Christadelphians.

Maggie

 

[Elzee]

I realize that baptism is not a consecration, but I guess my point is (a question raised by a fundamentalist friend of mine) is why are baptisms outside of the church recognized, but other sacraments (confession, the consecration involved with the Holy Eucharist, Annointing of the Sick) only valid if performed by priests. I guess I didn’t word my question very well initially. . And, in the case of Confirmation - a Bishop performs this. Is there any scriptural basis for these differences? (‘Tradition’ won’t cut it in this case when talking to her. If possible, I need to talk from Scripture).

Thank you!

 

[Gratias_Grace]

LisaP:

I realize that baptism is not a consecration, but I guess my point is (a question raised by a fundamentalist friend of mine) is why are baptisms outside of the church recognized, but other sacraments (confession, the consecration involved with the Holy Eucharist, Annointing of the Sick) only valid if performed by priests. I guess I didn’t word my question very well initially. . And, in the case of Confirmation - a Bishop performs this. Is there any scriptural basis for these differences? (‘Tradition’ won’t cut it in this case when talking to her. If possible, I need to talk from Scripture).

Thank you!

Hi LisaP!

Christians believe in the trinity. The trinity isn’t in the Bible. you can tell your fundamemantal friend that if he/she is babtized in the name of the** Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit** his/hers Church believe in a none-Biblical dogma.

None-catholic baptism are valid because it’s baptism into the trinity. It’s in the creed! "… We believe in óne babtism … "

When the Church use the other sacraments we are already baptised. Baptism is **the basis ** for the other sacraments. Without baptism, no confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Annointing of the Sick.

That’s why a person not baptised are to be baptised and confirmed at the same day, when that person want to become catholic. A person already baptised, however, enter the Catholic Church by the sacrament of Confirmation.

G.Grace

 

[deborah1313]

A few points:

1. Mormon Baptism is not valid to the RCC because the LDS church has a very, very different belief in the nature of God. They believe that God was once a man and worked his way up to status as a god over many eternities. That is total anathema to any other Christian denominations. I live in Salt Lake City, and this is what was explained to the catechumens and candidates. The Mormons DO use the trinitatian formula (I was once Mormon), but their concept of God bears little resemblance to God.
2. The JW’s are not Christians. They may seem to say mostly the right words, but they DO NOT believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was a complete, timely, and effective sacrifice. And they DO NOT believe that Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Mary, foster son of Joseph the Carpenter is God the Son. They DO NOT believe that he is co-equal with God. Therefore, they are not Christians.
3. An already-baptized person joins the Roman Catholic Church through the Confession of Faith, which occurs before confirmation and before Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass. (It was a beautiful experience the night I joined the Church. I’ll never be sorry I joined!!!)

deborah