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Author Topic: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire  (Read 41309 times)

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Offline DecemRationis

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Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
« Reply #285 on: April 02, 2023, 01:14:02 PM »
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  • I do agree that we can't necessarily throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater, and reject BoD SIMPLY because it's been used and abused to undermine EENS dogma.

    I've always separated the two concerns, which are nearly always conflated ... by both sides . . . 

    No one denies that BoD eventually became the dominant or prevailing theological opinion, but mere unanimity of opinion does not constitute a note of dogma and revelation.  As we saw, St. Augustine's mistaken opinion regarding the fate of unbaptized infants was unanimously held for nearly 700 years.  

    Lad,

    Thank you for the thoughtful post. 

    You make a good point that it is important not to conflate BOD and EENS. The original issue concerning St. Benedict Center and Fr. Feeney concerned whether an explicit desire to enter the Catholic Church (recognized as such) was necessary, and this is reflected in the Holy Office Letter of 1949. It did not originally involve BOD, which was recognized in a very limited form by the position which the HOL addressed and condemned, for whatever value one wants to put upon the "condemnation" in the HOL. It's ironic in some ways, since almost everyone, to a man, would recognize a baby baptized in a Prot Church to be in a state of potential salvation without  a desire to enter the Catholic Church. I think reflected upon that point would be profitable, but I'll leave that thought for now.

    Now, here's the thing with what you say about the Augustinian view of the fate of unbaptized infants: it's somewhat speculative. We  didn't have catechisms, or official compendiums of the Catholic faith until the late 16th century. So you have to take the word of, for example, the CE when it says that.

    But now we can look at those catechisms now and see that I think all of them issued post-Trent reference BOD.  So we know, through a handy and definitive way of identification, that BOD is the prevailing and dominant Catholic view since Trent. I'm not disputing your conclusion,  just noting its assertion to "prevailing and dominant" is subject to uncertainty that compromises the weight or value to be put upon the point.
    Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath proposed to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to the shewing of his justice, for the remission of former sins" 

    Apoc 17:17 For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled.

    Offline Angelus

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #286 on: April 02, 2023, 04:33:38 PM »
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  • You really tried the ellipses trick?  :facepalm:  Unbelievable.  This Canon is about the Sacrament of Confession.  This exposes the abject dishonesty of most BoDers right here.

    Of initial justification, Trent teaches:
    1) there can be no initial justification without regeneration or rebirth (as Our Lord taught that one must be born again to enter the kingdom of Heaven)
    2) regeneration / rebirth Trent defines as ridding the soul of any sin or stain of sin so that there's nothing left that would prevent the soul from immediately entering Heaven

    Here's the entirety of Canon 30:
    Canon 29, right before it is already in the section of Canons on Confession:
    Canon is speaking of repentant sinners (which you ellipsesed out).  Where exactly did I say that temporal punishment is removed from "every repentant sinner" (the part that you conveniently excised from the Canon)?  You accuse me of heresy by removing key sections that prove otherwise.  Shame.

    In Session 6 (the one on Baptism), Chapter III, we read:
    In Session 5 (on Original Sin), Chapter V, we read:
    There can be no initial justification without rebirth, and rebirth is defined as being made completely new "in such a manner that absolutely nothing may delay them from entry into heaven.

    Let's look at this again. Below, in bold, is Canon 30 from the Trent "Decree on Justification" (in Session 6). This Canon, the one I originally quoted, is from the "Canons on Justification," not as you mistakenly claim "Canons on Confession [Penance]," which are in Session 14.

    "Canon 30.  If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema." (http://www.thecounciloftrent.com/ch6.htm)

    Read Canon 30 again carefully. Nowhere in that canon will you find any exclusive reference to any Sacrament (Penance or otherwise). Canon 30 refers to the general concept of "the grace of justification." However, you are correct that Canon 30 is definitely relevant to the Sacrament of Penance as well as to the "desire for [the bath of regeneration]."

    Justification occurs when an alienated soul is brought into friendship with God. Justification can occur (1) in the Sacrament of Baptism, (2) in the "desire for [the bath of regeneration]," or (3) in the Sacrament of Penance (what Trent calls, in Session 6, Chapter 14, the "second plank." All of these three things can bring about "the grace of justification" in the soul. But not all of them affect the debt of temporal punishment in the same way.

    Canon 30 from the "Canons on Justification" anathematizes your claim that no temporal punishment can remain after the justification that is produced specifically from "desire for [the bath of regeneration]," aka Tridentine BoD. After "desire for [the bath of regeneration]," the debt for temporal punishment remains, as St. Alphonsus said in quote posted by you earlier in this thread. 

    In the justification that results from the Sacrament of Penance, you are, again, incorrect (and again, your statement is anathematized by Canon 30) because the Sacrament of Penance, while justifying the sinner, it does not remit all temporal punishment for sin.

    However, in the justification that results from the Sacrament of Baptism, you are correct (and I never claimed otherwise) that no temporal punishment can remain after that type of rebirth. It is, after all, Catholicism 101 that the Sacrament of Baptism has the unique ability to remit both eternal and temporal debt.

    I do not claim to speak for all formulations of "BoD." I am only referring to that formulation of BoD to be found in Trent Session 6, Chapter 4 that is referred to as "the desire for [the bath of regeneration]. Trent describes that form of BoD as one potential pathway to "justification" (not "salvation") with the caveat that BoD is not equivalent to the Sacrament of Baptism because BoD justifies but does not remit the temporal debt for sin, while the Sacrament of Baptism both justifies and does remit all temporal debt for sin as well.


    Offline St Giles

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #287 on: April 02, 2023, 05:10:38 PM »
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  • I was about to ask regarding the need for the sacrament of confession, where does that leave the lerfect act of contrition, or circuмstances where no priest is available to hear the confession, but it looks like the above post addresses the confusion about the subject of the canons.
    "Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect."
    "Seek first the kingdom of Heaven..."
    "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment"

    Offline trad123

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #288 on: April 02, 2023, 05:43:41 PM »
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  • Read Canon 30 again carefully. Nowhere in that canon will you find any exclusive reference to any Sacrament (Penance or otherwise).


    "Canon 30.  If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema."




    http://www.thecounciloftrent.com/ch5.htm



    Session V,

    Concerning Original Sin,

    First Decree

    5.  If any one denies, that, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is conferred in baptism, the guilt of original sin is remitted; or even asserts that the whole of that which has the true and proper nature of sin is not taken away; but says that it is only rased, or not imputed; let him be anathema. For, in those who are born again, there is nothing that God hates; because, There is no condemnation to those who are truly buried together with Christ by baptism into death; who walk not according to the flesh, but, putting off the old man, and putting on the new who is created according to God, are made innocent, immaculate, pure, harmless, and beloved of God, heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ; so that there is nothing whatever to retard their entrance into heaven. But this holy synod confesses and is sensible, that in the baptized there remains concupiscence, or an incentive (to sin); which, whereas it is left for our exercise, cannot injure those who consent not, but resist manfully by the grace of Jesus Christ; yea, he who shall have striven lawfully shall be crowned. This concupiscence, which the apostle sometimes calls sin, the holy Synod declares that the Catholic Church has never understood it to be called sin, as being truly and properly sin in those born again, but because it is of sin, and inclines to sin.



    2 Corinthians 4:3-4 

    And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them.

    Offline AnthonyPadua

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #289 on: April 02, 2023, 05:53:30 PM »
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  •  ways, since almost everyone, to a man, would recognize a baby baptized in a Prot Church to be in a state of potential salvation without  a desire to enter the Catholic Church. I think reflected upon that point would be profitable, but I'll leave that thought for now.
    Don't mean to derail the thread. But if an infant is baptised in the orthodox church and dies before the age of reason, are they saved? (Just a question I had on my mind)


    Offline Pax Vobis

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #290 on: April 02, 2023, 06:58:41 PM »
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  • Quote
    Read Canon 30 again carefully. Nowhere in that canon will you find any exclusive reference to any Sacrament (Penance or otherwise).
    :facepalm:  "Repentent Sinner" = sacrament of confession.


    The purpose of baptism is not for repentent sinners, it is to join the Church.  Canon 30 is definitely talking about confession's justification, not baptism's.  The rest of your post is scattered thoughts based on this foundational error.

    Offline Pax Vobis

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #291 on: April 02, 2023, 07:00:46 PM »
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  • Quote
    But if an infant is baptised in the orthodox church and dies before the age of reason, are they saved?
    Yes, and this applies to protestants or even pagan households.  If the child did not reach the age of reason, then they could not embrace heresy/paganism, so they would die a catholic.  In theory.

    Offline Angelus

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #292 on: April 02, 2023, 08:03:44 PM »
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  • :facepalm:  "Repentent Sinner" = sacrament of confession.


    The purpose of baptism is not for repentent sinners, it is to join the Church.  Canon 30 is definitely talking about confession's justification, not baptism's.  The rest of your post is scattered thoughts based on this foundational error.
    Trent Session 6:

    ----------
    CHAPTER VI.

    The manner of Preparation.
    Now they (adults) are disposed unto the said justice, when, excited and assisted by divine grace, conceiving faith by hearing, they are freely moved towards God, believing those things to be true which God has revealed and promised,-and this especially, that God justifies the impious by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; and when, understanding themselves to be sinners, they, by turning themselves, from the fear of divine justice whereby they are profitably agitated, to consider the mercy of God, are raised unto hope, confiding that God will be propitious to them for Christ's sake; and they begin to love Him as the fountain of all justice; and are therefore moved against sins by a certain hatred and detestation, to wit, by that penitence which must be performed before baptism: lastly, when they purpose to receive baptism, to begin a new life, and to keep the commandments of God. Concerning this disposition it is written; He that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him; and, Be of good faith, son, thy sins are forgiven thee; and, The fear of the Lord driveth out sin; and, Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; and, Going, therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; finally, Prepare your hearts unto the Lord.

    -------------

    The purpose of baptism to be washed from past sin, both original and actual (if relevant to that individual). The Novus Ordo rite of Baptism follows the Novus Ordo theology of baptism is "to join the Church."



    Offline AnthonyPadua

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #293 on: April 02, 2023, 08:05:28 PM »
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  • Yes, and this applies to protestants or even pagan households.  If the child did not reach the age of reason, then they could not embrace heresy/paganism, so they would die a catholic.  In theory.
    Alright thanks. I had assumed so but wanted to be sure, assuming their baptism was valid of course.

    Offline Pax Vobis

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #294 on: April 02, 2023, 08:53:58 PM »
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  • Quote
    The purpose of baptism to be washed from past sin, both original and actual (if relevant to that individual). The Novus Ordo rite of Baptism follows the Novus Ordo theology of baptism is "to join the Church."
    No and yes.  The purpose of Baptism is based on the first question the priest asks the adult or godparents of the child: 

    Q1 - "What do you ask of the Church?"
    A1 - "Faith".

    Q2 - "What does Faith provide?"
    A1 - "Everlasting life."

    The purpose of Baptism is Faith.  It is not the remission of sins, which is a byproduct of the sacrament.  You cannot enter heaven without Faith, which is why Christ said that water and the Holy Ghost is required.  The Holy Ghost provides supernatural Faith, after the catechumen studies the faith (i.e. religion) and has the necessary (human) faith and desire to enter the Church.

    You are correct that the novus ordo's change from Faith to "joining the Church" is a watering-down of the ideal purpose and understanding of Baptism.  But it's not invalid.

    Thus, again, a BOD'er can desire Baptism (i.e. true Faith), not yet receive it in the sacrament, but can receive remission of sins/justification.  But nowhere does Trent teach that justification is equal to the Faith received in the sacrament, i.e. Supernatural Faith/Wedding garment/baptismal character.  Maybe it's the same?  Not sure.  The Church has never clarified this.

    Offline Ladislaus

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #295 on: April 03, 2023, 11:25:17 AM »
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  • Read Canon 30 again carefully.

    I see you've read it for the first time without the ellipses.  Canon 29 is transitioning over into being about Confession.  Trent never refers to un-baptized as "sinners" but reserves that term for those who have lost justification after Baptism.  Nor has anyone said that "every sinner" has all temporal punishment remitted due to being restored to a state of justification ... that part you conveniently dishonestly omitted when accusing me of heresy.  You deliberately omitted it because you knew it undermined your bogus argument.

    Certainly not EVERY sinner has temporal punishment remitted.

    But those who experience their initial justification most certainly do.

    Trent is quite clear.  Initial justification = rebirth or regeneration, stating that no one can transition from the fallen state to the state of justification without a rebirth.  Rebirth Trent then defines as meaning that all temporal punishment is removed.  Very straightforward.


    Offline Ladislaus

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #296 on: April 03, 2023, 11:33:09 AM »
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  • Trent Session 6:

    ----------
    CHAPTER VI.

    The manner of Preparation.

    See where it says "Preparation"?  In order to properly receive the Sacrament, it's necessary to have repented of your past sins.  This is a prerequisite for being justified in the Sacrament, but it's the Sacrament itself that blots out all sin, original and actual, as well as all temporal punishment due to sin, ex opere operato.  If someone were still intent upon continuing in grave sin, then they would not be justified even when receiving the Sacrament.  But if they have the proper dispositions, then the initial justification conferred in Baptism wipes away all sin.  Similarly, if someone had no natural faith in the Church or if someone did not intend to receive the Sacrament, they would receive the character but no justification.  Let's say I just walked by and randomly baptized some infidel.  I would commit a sacrilege since the individual would receive the Baptismal character, but no justification due to lack of proper dispositions.  But IF they were justified in Baptism or in their initial justification, they are reborn.

    Initial Justification = Rebirth
    Rebirth (as the term inherently suggests) = a total cleansing of anything that would prevent entry into Heaven (including temporal punishment due to past sins)

    It couldn't get simpler than that.

    You've effectively denying Our Lord's teaching that no one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven without being "born again" (and Trent defines the term "born again" very clearly).

    Offline Ladislaus

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #297 on: April 03, 2023, 11:42:06 AM »
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  • I was about to ask regarding the need for the sacrament of confession, where does that leave the lerfect act of contrition, or circuмstances where no priest is available to hear the confession, but it looks like the above post addresses the confusion about the subject of the canons.

    That's actually a part that's very often left out in explaining perfect contrition to the faithful.  It's often said that you can be restored to a state of justification MERELY by perfect contrition.  This is untrue.  There must also be an intention to receive the Sacrament "in due time".  It basically means that the next opportunity you have, you'll go to Confession.  You are not required to run out and wake up a priest at 3AM to immediately confess as soon as you've made a perfect act of contrition.  You can just think, "I'm going to Confession on Sunday before Mass."  And of course if there's no priest available, this does not impact the INTENTION to go to Confession.  You intend to go as soon as you can (reasonably) have access to a priest.

    Imagine someone who makes some act of contrition, where they're truly sorry for their sins, but then think, but I don't really want or intend to go to Confession anytime soon (perhaps because they're embarrassed of the sin).  That would impede their justification.  It's a pretty serious omission in most Trad "teaching" on the subject about "perfect contrition".

    In fact, the original preparatory text of Trent actually had it that perfect contrition alone restored to justification, but the Pope intervened and ordered it, undoubtedly inspired by the Holy Ghost, to add the requirement to intend to go to Confession.  Pope argued that there can be no forgiveness of sin and restoration to justification without reference to the power of the Church to forgive sins.  This is actually another big problem for those who claim that Prots and other non-Catholics can be justified by "perfect contrition" ... even when they don't believe in and even despise the Sacrament of Confession and don't believe that the Church has the authority to forgive sins.

    Offline Angelus

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #298 on: April 03, 2023, 02:15:45 PM »
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  • Initial Justification = Rebirth
    Rebirth (as the term inherently suggests) = a total cleansing of anything that would prevent entry into Heaven (including temporal punishment due to past sins)

    It couldn't get simpler than that.

    You've effectively denying Our Lord's teaching that no one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven without being "born again" (and Trent defines the term "born again" very clearly).

    Here is a quote from the section discussing BoD in Ott's Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma.

    "Baptism of desire works ex opere operantis. It bestows sanctifying grace, which remits original sin, all actual sins, and the eternal punishment for sin. Venial sins and temporal punishments for sin are remitted according to the intensity of the subjective disposition. The baptismal character is not imprinted, nor is it the gateway to the other sacraments."

    Ott's book was a standard pre-VII textbook for Catholic seminarians. It agrees with that I said. 

    Again, BoD (properly understood) does not work like the Sacrament of Baptism. 


    Offline Pax Vobis

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    Re: The Catechism of the Council of Trent does not teach Baptism of Desire
    « Reply #299 on: April 03, 2023, 03:13:12 PM »
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  • Quote
    Here is a quote from the section discussing BoD in Ott's Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma.

    "Baptism of desire works ex opere operantis. It bestows sanctifying grace, which remits original sin, all actual sins, and the eternal punishment for sin. Venial sins and temporal punishments for sin are remitted according to the intensity of the subjective disposition. The baptismal character is not imprinted, nor is it the gateway to the other sacraments."
    That's all fine and dandy but Trent doesn't explain any of this.  So Ott's explanation is purely speculative.