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From the Catholic Encyclopedia under “Doubt” (and note the final sentence, which explicitly references doubtful baptism):[/color]
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“It frequently happens, however, that the solution of a practical doubt is not attainable, while some decision is [/color]
necessary[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
. In such cases the [/color]
conscience[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
may obtain a "reflexive" [/color]
certainty[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
by adopting an approved opinion as to the lawfulness of the action contemplated, apart from the intrinsic merits of the question. The question has been much discussed among different [/color]
schools[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
of [/color]
theologians[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
whether the opinion so followed must be of greatly preponderating authority in favour of liberty in order to justify an action the lawfulness of which appears intrinsically doubtful, whether it must be merely more probable than the contrary one, or equally probable, or merely probable in itself, even though less so than its contrary. (See [/color]
MORAL THEOLOGY[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
; [/color]
PROBABILISM[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
.) The fast, however, is the theory now generally accepted for all practical purposes; and the principle that [/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]lex dubia non obligat[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
--i.e. that a law which is doubtful in its application to the case in hand does not bind--is universally admitted. It must be observed, however, that where the question is one not merely of positive law but of securing a certain practical result, only the "safer" course may be followed. No opinion however probable, is allowed to take precedence of the most certain means of securing such ends; e.g. in providing for the validity of the [/color]
sacraments[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
, in discharging [/color]
obligations[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
of [/color]
justice[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
, or in avoiding injury to others. Thus doubtful [/color]
baptisms[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]
and ordinations must be repeated conditionally.”[/color]