The Bible says, “Believe and be baptized.” How can children make an act of faith?

1 min readUpdated 12 October 2022

The command to believe and be baptized was addressed to adult listeners only who, without faith, would not even see the necessity of Baptism. But children belong to their parents, and the parents may certainly give their children to God, professing faith on their behalf and promising to bring them up as Christians.

Radio Replies Volume 1 by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble MSC and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty

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Historical language and viewpoints in the original collection are preserved. For current official teaching, consult the Catechism and the Holy See.

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God & Faith1 min read

Christ said, “Suffer little children to come to Me . . . for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” He does not mention that they should be baptized.

That text has no reference to Baptism. Christ’s purpose there was to insist upon humility. He impressed the moral lesson that only such as cultivate the dispositions of a child before God will enter Heaven. But he never said that all children, even the unbaptized, will necessarily go to Heaven. He would contradict His own doctri…

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God & Faith2 min read

Christ allowed divorce for one reason. He said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, maketh her to commit adultery.” Matt. V., 32.

Christ allowed permanent separation if adultery be committed, but He does not allow divorce and re-marriage in the sense you intend. When He said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, maketh her to commit adultery, etc.,” the sense He intended was this, “Whosoever shall put away his wife (I am…

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Sacraments & Worship1 min read

Is it not blasphemy to use mingle mangle in baptizing children?

It would be. But no mingle mangle occurs in the baptism of children. Mingle mangle means a meaningless jumble of formulas. But every least item in the baptismal rite is full of meaning and significance. And it is to God’s honor and glory to use the holy ceremonies instituted by the Church of Christ with the authority of Christ. …

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