Author Topic: Infants Baptised by Non-Catholics (Read 4025 times)

Dolores · « **on:** March 13, 2014, 02:33:59 PM »

The Sacrament of Baptism does several things, among them are the cleansing of original and personal sin and imparting of membership in the Catholic Church.

As we all know, some non-Catholics, both heretics and schismatics, baptize infants. Assuming such baptisms are valid, does that mean that the infants are Catholic, despite what their parents say, until they reach the age of reason and reject the Church by accepting the heretical of schismatic group?

To put it another way: a Catholic couple has their baby baptized in a Catholic church on the same day as a Lutheran couple in a Lutheran church (assume the Lutheran baptism was valid, which it can be according to Church teaching). Both children received the Sacrament of Baptism, so shouldn't both receive all of its effects, including cleansing of sin and membership in the Church, until such time that he or she actually rejects Church membership?

Matto · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2014, 02:37:49 PM »

I believe the answer to your questions is yes. From what I understand the children baptized by heretics are Catholics until they reach the age of reason and accept heresy.

Frances · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2014, 04:33:12 PM »

:dancing-banana:
Since there IS only ONE Church, assuming the baptism is valid, yes, Baptised children who have not attained age of reason are Catholic. Before waxing too optimistically, keep in mind most Protestants do not possess the correct intention to do as the Church directs. Many use erroneous forms, ie. "In the name of Jesus..." Sadly, modern children lose their innocence frightfully young.

songbird · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2014, 07:08:21 PM »

What is the Intent of the Lutherans, when baptizing? Is their intent to remove Original Sin or initiation? That is just as important as the Word, Form, and Matter.

Tiffany · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2014, 08:10:28 PM »

I know the proper words must be used but the intent just has to be to baptize?
How does the age of reason change things? If the baptism is valid they are still baptized Christian?