www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Serious Canonical Problem!

"If there is no Catholic connection from either of your parents, and your Grammy had you baptized as a child (Bless her for her devotion to bringing a baby into the Church!!!), then I suppose technically that you would be of the "Western tradition" and you "should be" Roman Catholic."

Be careful! Parental consent is necessary for baptism of a child. Grammy cannot just go run off and have all her heathen grandkids baptized, otherwise there would be a lot of null and voids. You cannot baptized all the "house of ..." if the parents don't permit it.

Didn't you watch All in the Family when Archie Bunker baptized his grandchild without the consent of Meathead and Gloria? This occured secretly after their minister refused to baptize since there was no parental consent.

There was parental consent:) thx.

Robert,

As others on this board have already said, there is NO CANON LAW requiring Protestants to join the Latin Church. A few canon lawyers have expressed this as an OPINION, but it is not the binding law of the Church. Protestants are free to join whatever sui iurus Church that they choose.

Unfortunately, it is a widespread myth that Protestants have to become Roman Catholic. Many Protestants who were intent on becoming Eastern Catholics were diverted from doing so by having this myth thrown in their face. But this is just that: a myth, based on opinion.

If Dan Lauffer is reading this thread, perhaps he can comment on this from his own experience. I seem to recall that Dan was confronted with this myth as well before his reception into the Byzantine Church?

Robert, no matter what anyone tells you, you are definitely Byzantine Catholic. There is no question about this. Please do not allow the personal opinons of a few canon lawyers seperate you from your Church family. You are one of us, and belong with us.

Anthony

Dear Anthony,

Robert is very close to the Basilian Order.

Perhaps, then, you may wish to revise your contention he is wholly one of us?

Alex

I think you have me confused with someone else. Sorry.

And Dragani, I appreciate you comments, thank you.

In Christ,

Robert

Dear Robert,

Sorry, I must have!

But wasn't it funny?

Alex

Alex:

The funnier part of it is that it is so unbecoming of you to easily forget!

AmdG

Dear Amado,

Forget what?

Alex

So does this mean that a children cant be baptized without parental permission, what if he is in danger of death? or if the parenst aren't catholic/orthodox but the baby deserves the sacraments?

Dear Joe T.

I don't think Robert is old enough to remember "All in the Family"

With Every Best Wish;
Stefan-Ivan

We have to be real careful. Baptism is not some magical anointing. It is the sacrament of initiation into the community of the baptized (thus, the need for 'godparents' who assume responsiblity not only for the physical well-being of the child, but also his/her religious education). Thus, the person to be baptized is being brought into the community of believers, with sponsors.

There seems to be this idea that unless one is "baptized" in water and with the formula, then one's salvation is in danger. The general theology is: a child of believers should be given baptism in case of danger of death. I.e., DON'T wait for the priest or deacon. A child of non-believers may be given baptism if in danger of death, but one must be aware that the child, should he/she survive, would NOT become a member of the faith-community. The child would become a member of the parents' community, whatever it may be. But still "blessed" with the intentions of the Christian community.

I sometimes believe that we Christians can get too involved with the "magical" aspects of baptism or the other sacraments. For me the reality is the Presence of God. I cannot conceive of a situation in which an individual human being is going to enter the Kingdom or NOT enter the Kingdom based upon some ritual. Christ seems quite clear on this: whoever calls upon the name of the Lord is saved. Anyone who comes into life is going to call upon the Creator for help. (It's innate in every human being!!). And unless there is some reason to suggest that the person is rejecting God and His Graces, then that person is viable for salvation. We, the baptized, have got to be there to help them along.

But, in the long run, the fact remains: God loves His creation and His children and wants all to come home to the Kingdom. Our job is not to judge anybody, but rather to open the doors and guide everyone home to the Father.

Blessings to Everyone!!!