Dear Judie, thanks for all the things you do for the faith. There is a simple explanation of the seemingly contradictory statements between the doctrinal position of the Church regarding the necessity of Baptism, and the practical application of the position in specific cases where the doctrine may not have been able to be followed. Baptism is the ORDINARY means of removing the guilt of original sin. In other words, it is the method that God has prescribed for most of us, and it works as He designed it to work. There will always be exceptions. God is not ever surprised by this. His justice and love take all into account. He is free to act any way he chooses. He will save anyone he chooses. He doesn't have to explain it. And thank God that most of us are lucky enough to be able to use the ordinary means (the sacraments), and not need extraordinary considerations. Since God has so kindly given us these ordinary means, they are the focus of the Church's teaching. We need to promote them and not get caught up in the "what ifs". Are we judging God when we try to figure out the "what ifs"? Just let God be God, and the Church be the Church. I believe that in the end, we will be very satisfied with the results.

Howard

Agreed.

Judie Brown

COPYRIGHT 2016

Click here to send this Question and Answer to a friend