Anonymous
04/23/2022 23:23
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Here’s a definition of salvation:
In Christianity, salvation (also called deliverance or redemption) is the "saving [of] human beings from sin and its consequences, which include death and separation from God" by Christ's death and resurrection,[1][a] and the justification following this salvation.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation_in_Christianity
In Christianity, salvation (also called deliverance or redemption) is the "saving [of] human beings from sin and its consequences, which include death and separation from God" by Christ's death and resurrection,[1][a] and the justification following this salvation.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation_in_Christianity
Anonymous
04/23/2022 23:19
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Here’s an explanation of the relevant portion of the Catechism: The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the phrase, "Outside the Church there is no salvation", means, if put in positive terms, that "all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body", and it "is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church".[43]
It should go without saying that salvation is a prerequisite to entering heaven. The exception is those who have had no exposure to Christ. They usually are considered to go to purgatory.
It should go without saying that salvation is a prerequisite to entering heaven. The exception is those who have had no exposure to Christ. They usually are considered to go to purgatory.
Anonymous
04/23/2022 23:16
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Because salvation and accepting Jesus are not synonymous with a moment in time when what is splashed on your head.
Huh? You’re not getting it. Being baptized is, according to Catholics, the moment when Original Sin is washed away. That’s the be all/end all of achieving salvation, but it is a necessary starting point. You cannot accept Jesus without being baptized.
A quick google search tells me that what you just described is not the teaching on the Catholic Church. Can you point to a source that says baptism is a prerequisite to heaven?
It’s not baptism on its own. It’s salvation. Baptism is needed for salvation, which in turn is needed to go to heaven.
Read this: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_Ecclesiam_nulla_salus
Anonymous
04/23/2022 23:09
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Because salvation and accepting Jesus are not synonymous with a moment in time when what is splashed on your head.
Huh? You’re not getting it. Being baptized is, according to Catholics, the moment when Original Sin is washed away. That’s the be all/end all of achieving salvation, but it is a necessary starting point. You cannot accept Jesus without being baptized.
A quick google search tells me that what you just described is not the teaching on the Catholic Church. Can you point to a source that says baptism is a prerequisite to heaven?
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:27
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Because salvation and accepting Jesus are not synonymous with a moment in time when what is splashed on your head.
Huh? You’re not getting it. Being baptized is, according to Catholics, the moment when Original Sin is washed away. That’s the be all/end all of achieving salvation, but it is a necessary starting point. You cannot accept Jesus without being baptized.
Sorry, that should say that it is NOT the be all/end all of achieving salvation, but it is a necessary starting point.
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:27
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Because salvation and accepting Jesus are not synonymous with a moment in time when what is splashed on your head.
Huh? You’re not getting it. Being baptized is, according to Catholics, the moment when Original Sin is washed away. That’s the be all/end all of achieving salvation, but it is a necessary starting point. You cannot accept Jesus without being baptized.
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:22
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Because salvation and accepting Jesus are not synonymous with a moment in time when what is splashed on your head.
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:18
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Matthew 10:22 — He who endures to the end will be saved.
Do Catholics ignore this?
Do Catholics ignore this?
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:16
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Maybe not everything is so transactional. Maybe it’s not just a means to and end.
Then what is it?
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:16
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Catholics don't talk in terms of being saved - that's evangelical Christian stuff. Catholics are baptized, then eventually go to confession and holy communion, then have last rites on their death bed, then go to heaven.
You’re telling me Catholics don’t talk about salvation? Are you kidding me? But even beyond that — there are clearly conditions that they believe you have to fulfill in order to go to heaven. If you don’t fulfill those conditions, you cannot go to heaven. Correct?
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:15
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Catholics don't talk in terms of being saved - that's evangelical Christian stuff. Catholics are baptized, then eventually go to confession and holy communion, then have last rites on their death bed, then go to heaven.
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:13
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Maybe not everything is so transactional. Maybe it’s not just a means to and end.
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:08
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Here’s another question: why is it Catholic practice to have a Priest administer confession as part of Last Rites, if not to purify one’s soul of sins, to ensure your soul is pure when you die and that you therefore die in a state of grace — which, in turn, makes you eligible to enter heaven?
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:05
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?
Yes. If that is not true, then what is the significance of being saved? What is the purpose of telling anyone to accept Jesus? What is the relevance of salvation? Why should I want to be saved?
Anonymous
04/23/2022 22:04
Subject: Does Baptism mean that you those who are not Baptized won't go to heaven?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't wrap my mind around this. If we commit to the Creed that "all those who believe in God shall not perish but have eternal life," what happens to those who are not Baptized? I guess that is the whole basis for proselytizing, to make sure everyone can go to heaven, right? But if I have problem believing that God is so vengeful and would really fault babies for their parents' decisions, then it seems hypocritical to baptize my child. I don't want to commit to something in a ceremony that I don't fully endorse.
Where does that leave me? Anyone else struggle with this?
My spouse is Catholic and insisted our kid be baptized. I went along with it because I see no real harm in it. The kid is an adult now and is not at all religious. Frankly, I don't see what difference it makes one way or the other.
It doesn't make any difference to you and it had no effect - or not the desired one - on your kid. But it meant something to your wife at the time. In her mind, the kid would've gone to heaven if it died while still a kid.
Again, the kid doesn't get into heaven. Something called the soul does. But you are right, maybe the point is for the living to have comfort that baptism gets their loved ones into heaven regardless of whether it does or not.
As I understand it, baptism is just symbolic anyway. Washing away the "sins." Like a helpless baby (who can't consent to this ritual) has any sins.
The Catholic Church at least certainly does not consider baptism symbolic. Original sin is quite serious in the Catholic Church.
If it is not symbolic, what are the implications of not being baptized?
For the Catholic Church, the implication is not going to heaven.
How is this not obvious? This is the core tenet of Catholicism, at least.
Other people who say they are Catholic on this thread have said differently.
Are you saying that Catholicism maintains that the only people in heaven are those who have been baptized?