Is it true that the Roman Catholic church considers every baby baptized in the church to be catholic. Even if they don't follow the teachings of the church later?
2007-10-23 12:40:36 · 13 answers · asked by Bible warrior 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, that is a true one, according to Catholics. I can assure you, I am not Catholic, but my dear mother-in-law insists that we both still are, despite our completely leaving the Catholic church, not having our children baptized, and becoming Christians. Crazy, huh?
It's funny that they place such emphasis on making sure a baby is baptized when really, it is a symbol and nothing more. Oh, you should have heard the parents and aunts, and so forth when we did not baptize the girls. They actually told me that because of that they would not go to heaven if they were to die before. One has nothing to do with the other.
2007-10-23 15:13:51 · answer #1 · answered by lovinghelpertojoe 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes and no. I can only speak from personal experience. I was NOT raised Catholic, I was raised Christian. I didn't attend church for some period of time in my late teens.
I am getting married to a Catholic. Since I was officially baptized Catholic, the priest says that the church considers me "one of our own". I had my first communion as an adult right after. Since I was raised Christian and familiar with the Bible, I did NOT have to take any classes.
So yes, I think you are considered Catholic in general terms if you are baptized, but it may be considered on a individual basis as to how to prepare you for communion. Some people may need to go through more steps than others. Some churches may even not consider you Catholic until communion. Others may, even if you don't practice.
2007-10-23 12:54:46 · answer #2 · answered by reginachick22 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why do you think 90% of the population or more in most countries where they exist are listed as Catholic?
You can be the biggest reprobate in the world, and still be a good Catholic.
The whole concept of infant baptism was more about creating 'brand loyalty' and 'naturalized citizenship' in the Holy Roman Empire, than some spiritual concept.
In spite of what you might read, the fact is that Infant Baptism started very very late. It was only truly practiced on a wide-scale during the Black Death. This is when sprinkling and pouring became standard fare for those newly born, and those about to die.
Too bad it has absolutely nothing to do with the Baptism listed in the Bible. But this is typical of human tradition.
2007-10-23 12:53:16 · answer #3 · answered by realchurchhistorian 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The Catholic Church considers all children under the age of reason (generally about 7 years old) as members of the Catholic Church. However after the age of reason and the child(ren) are not in the Catholic Church they are no longer considered Catholic in terms of canon law. They do not take surveys or try to claim these children to pad their numbers. They do this because since children cannot commit a sin before the age of reason they could not become schismatic. But if a child who was baptized Anglican (for example) and dies at 2 years of age, the Catholic Church would consider the child save, of course not a candidate for sainthood.
I hope my answer helped.
Mike
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CatholicWorld/
2007-10-23 12:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by mike t 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, when you are baptized and then confirmed (usually at age 13) in the Catholic Church, you are considered Catholic forever. I was raised Catholic and have since then become a Latter Day Saint, and have nothing to do with Catholicism, other than attending a Catholic university.
2007-10-23 12:50:42 · answer #5 · answered by autumnstarsong 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, they hope the baby to follow the Catholic church. But Baptism is cleansing from the original sin. Catholics believe that babies are born sinners, which they are not, so baptism is a way to cleanse the infant of their sins.
It's a tradition that means nothing. You can't be truly cleansed unless you have the wisdom to know that's what you want.
Babies are the most innocent forms of life. So how can they be born sinners??? They can't. It's just another form of control from another form of religion because Baptism is NOT free!!! Oh yeah, you have to pay the Priest to "cleanse" your child. Shouldn't that be free???????????????????????
lb
2007-10-23 12:52:50 · answer #6 · answered by Shel 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The decision to follow Jesus is personal, your parents can't make that decision for you So if you were an infant when you are baptized it was for your parents belifes not yours. If you sign a contract you have to read it & believe it before you sign it, right? When you are baptized you are baptized into Jesus not the church. Peace & Love in Jesus name.Amen!!!!!!!!
2007-10-23 13:04:42 · answer #7 · answered by GREGORIOUSITY 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think so....I was baptized Catholic but am currently a member of a non-denominational Christian church. I don't think they would consider me to be Catholic.
And the real baptism I received came later...it was not of water but of the Holy Spirit!
2007-10-23 12:43:54 · answer #8 · answered by whitehorse456 5 · 5⤊ 3⤋
until they go to another denomination they are Christians baptized into te Catholic church - yes. it's the same with children, teens and adults too!
2007-10-23 12:43:11 · answer #9 · answered by Marysia 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
By the 'law of the Church', yes they are technically Catholics. That goes for any church that baptizes.
2007-10-23 12:43:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋