Catholocism states that to enter heaven you must be baptised. But what happens to innocent babies that are tragically killed on their way to the baptism? Do they go to hell? Because they can't get into heaven?
2006-08-28 11:30:19 · 11 answers · asked by GobleyGook 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
According to Catholic teachings, everyone is born tainted from original sin. Because of this, baptism is necessary for salvation. However, it's hard to believe that an newborn child could possibly be consigned to hell. This led to theologians in the middle ages coming up with the idea of limbo - a place between heaven and hell where souls go when they are neither good enough for heaven nor bad enough for hell. For years, the church taught that this is where unbaptised children go.
However, in the last few years the church has initiated a theological panel to analyze the idea of limbo and decide whether or not it should still be part of catholic teaching. It is generally thought that this council will reject the idea of limbo, especially as it applies to unredeemable dead infants.
Support for this school of thought comes from several things. First off, in 1984 when he was working as a theologian, the current pope stated,
"Limbo has never been a defined truth of faith. Personally, speaking as a theologian and not as head of the Congregation, I would drop something that has always been only a theological hypothesis."
Secondly, Pope John Paul II initiated the commission in 2004 after expressing his hope that salvation is given to unbaptised children.
Thirdly, the teaching of limbo has been virtually abandoned since Vatican II.
The panel has been debating this now for 2 years, it's hoped they will decide soon and the teaching of limbo will be consigned to . . . well, limbo. *grin*
2006-08-28 11:48:28 · answer #1 · answered by lightholder 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to Heaven.
There are a number of different types of Baptism, according to Catholic teaching. One is called Baptism of Desire. There are others.
In a situation where someone desires sincerely to follow Christ and become Baptized but are interrupted by an accident before they can accomplish it, are anyway. It is assumed an innocent infant still in their state of purity, simply by a lack of exposure to or committing personal sin, would accept the offer of salvation and thus are.
The Church does not teach that innocent infants go to Hell.
2006-08-28 11:33:27 · answer #2 · answered by Augustine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church believes that Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have heard the Gospel and have had the opportunity of asking for Baptism.
Therefore
- Those who die for the sake of the faith with being Baptized are baptized by thier death for Christ. This is called Baptism of blood.
- Those who die while preparing for Baptism are assured salvation. This is Baprism of desire.
- Those who die never hearing of Christ but have sought the truth and does the will of God as they understand it can be saved. This is also Baptism of desire.
- Children who have died without Baptism are entrusted to the mercy of God.
With love in Christ.
2006-08-28 17:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't be so legalistic. I"m uncertain the style you are able to have been shown as an toddler interior the Latin ceremony yet according to threat in yet another ceremony of the Catholic Church? uncertain approximately that. in case you have been to "return" to the Catholic Church you does no longer might desire to be re-baptized considering your Catholic baptism (and any baptism executed genuine) is valid. you apart from mght does no longer be shown returned in case you have been already shown. God won't fault you for lack of understanding ok? If a individual who's of sound recommendations willfully turns removed from God, unrepentant, it is one which will visit hell. you do no longer look to slot that type based on the very constrained tips you have provided right here.
2016-11-05 23:43:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THe age of Accountability is closer to 10 or 12
2006-08-28 11:37:11 · answer #5 · answered by mnm75932 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If their parents wanted the baby to be baptized, it will go to heaven. Because it received the baptism of desire.
The Catechism says this "For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament." (CCC 1259)
2006-08-28 11:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by Maurus B. 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i'm not catholic and don't put anything against because i'm mormon and yes mormons are cristian but don't catholics believe that baptisim is the representation of death and resurrection but also a cleansing of sins? if you do believe it is a cleansing of sins don't you wonder why babies need to be baptized? babies haven't been living long enough to know good from evil let alone have committed sins so why shouldn't they be able to enter heaven they're perfect.. just a thought for ya. :)
2006-08-28 11:39:07 · answer #7 · answered by tropicana484 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
God would never punish an innocent child by sending them to hell for something they had nothing to do with.He is a loving God. He doesn't sit there waiting to punish people especially helpless babies.
2006-08-28 11:41:47 · answer #8 · answered by tea cup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under Catholicism...I wouldn't know....
In my belief system an innocent (regardless of religious ties) is never punished...then again, I'm not a Christian...just a happy lil Pagan!
2006-08-28 11:36:28 · answer #9 · answered by Wiski 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Death, n. : To stop sinning suddenly.
2006-08-28 11:35:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋