Will water-sensitive aliens be accommodated at baptism

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So, if there is ever an alien discovered that is damaged by coming in contact with water (like the one in that movie “Signs”), Will it be ok to baptise the little baby aliens with something else like maybe sand that gets poured over their heads? I have heard that the Church says that all creatures, including extraterrestrials are welcome to join up and become Catholics. Just wondering and thinking ahead.
 
What if we’ve come to that bridge already and “they” are not telling us?
 
Okay, answering your question a little less dismissively:

CS Lewis points out that, if there are other rational beings in the universe, it is not necessary to assume that they’re Fallen, in which case baptism would be unnecessary.

But let’s say they are Fallen, and that baptism is necessary to remove Original Sin from them. I’d assume that the church would allow an exception, and use something less caustic, like oil, to baptize them.
 
Well, it also seems that an omniscient God might not have established baptism if there were hydrophobic beings.
 
po18guy said:
Well, it also seems that an omniscient God might not have established baptism if there were hydrophobic beings.
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It could also be possible that their society has its own unique version of baptism that doesn’t involve water. Water is symbolic to us as something that cleanses, but it would have a completely different meaning to them. Maybe their alien description of Hell isnt of unquenchable fire but of an endless ocean.
 
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You know, interest in, and/or fascination with extra-terrestrial beings only came into popularity in the post WWII science-fiction movie age.
I was there.
 
SPBlitz said:
I’d assume that the church would allow an exception, and use something less caustic, like oil, to baptize them.
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I wouldn’t assume that. The Church holds that the valid matter for baptism is natural and true water. This is a de fide teaching of the Church. I remember in either a Canon Law or sacramental theology class that Pope Gregory IX declared invalid baptism using beer and the council of Trent rejected Luther’s claim that any liquid could be used.

I know this is a light hearted thread, but the Church is pretty clear on valid matter and form of the sacraments so if they require some level of gluten in hosts I doubt that they’d just suddenly change and allow switching water for oil.
 
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Actually, i just realized that it is very rare, but still possible, for a person to be allergic to water (they break out in a rash at the touch of it). Does anyone know what the church’s policy is in such a case?
 
SPBlitz said:
Does anyone know what the church’s policy is in such a case?
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I imagine that the pouring would be done to minimise - but not avoid entirely - contact.

Historically baptism by aspersion (that is, sprinkling) was practiced, but the current Code of Canon Law removed it and only allows effusion (pouring) and immersion. I’m not sure if dispensations can be sought?
 
Cacao_bearskin said:
So, if there is ever an alien discovered that is damaged by coming in contact with water (like the one in that movie “Signs”), Will it be ok to baptise the little baby aliens with something else like maybe sand that gets poured over their heads? I have heard that the Church says that all creatures, including extraterrestrials are welcome to join up and become Catholics. Just wondering and thinking ahead.
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Water in all its three forms? Or only liquid?
 
Water is the valid matter for baptism. The Church doesn’t have the power to change this.

An alien isn’t descended from our original parents and wouldn’t necessarily have any need for a baptism.
 
It reminds me of a story from the Poisonwood Bible, where a Catholic and a Baptist are evangelizing in pre-modern Africa. The Baptist attracts many with his preaching, but they always go to the Catholic to be baptized. When the Catholic asks someone why they come to him, he is told that the Baptist baptizes at the river with full body immersion, and there are alligators in the river!

If there is a need, a way to meet it will be found that avoids any danger. We cannot guess what it will be without knowing more about why water is dangerous.
 
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