Q. 632. Where will persons go who -- such as infants -- have not committed actual sin and who, through no fault of theirs, die without baptism?A. Persons, such as infants, who have not committed actual sin and who, through no fault of theirs, die without baptism, cannot enter heaven; but it is the common belief they will go to some place similar to Limbo, where they will be free from suffering, though deprived of the happiness of heaven.
From the Baltimore Catechism No. 3. This was the standard pre-conciliar text for religious education.
Limbo is the only sensible explanation of the fate of children departing without baptism. "Unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
But on the other hand, God is certainly able to care for the children who die like this, and the truth is, we don't know exactly. We speculate, based on what the teachings of the church are, but God will do what God wants to do. So we leave their fate in the merciful hands of the one who said, "Let the children come to me," and, "That it was better to tie a millstone around your neck and cast yourself into the sea than harm one of these."
I do not believe it's a misplaced trust.
"Limbo is the only sensible explanation of the fate of children departing without baptism."
Your response basically echos the teaching I received regarding Limbo. I don't recall being told "but it is the common belief" and I doubt if that was included in discussing Limbo.
I have moved past a time when fear of God was emphasized over a God who loves everyone of us, and yes, God wants us live according to his commandments.
Considering unbaptized children, I just can't fathom a loving Father refusing them an eternity with Him. Regardless of anything which disputes that, the will of the Almighty takes precedence.
I hasten to say that we cannot always assume we know the mind of God.
Despite what a catechism taught on the subject, I said that, considering unbaptized children, I just can't fathom a loving Father refusing eternity with Him.
The concept of limbo was devised in the 13th century, not when Jesus walked the earth but several centuries later. St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) believed that even babies would be consigned to hell if they were not baptized.
We now learn that the Cathollic Church is prepared to abandon the idea of limbo, the theological belief that children who die before being baptized are suspended in a space between heaven and hell. I recommend researching Pope Benedict's words on the subject.
Anyone who finds peace in following their church's teaching without questioning anything is, in some way I suppose, fortunate. They don't have to think anything out.
There are many who don't fit into that mold. They respect their own thought processes---what is logical and what is not---no matter what other human beings, today and in the past, may decide is fact. Intelligence is a gift from God, just as is a beautiful voice, a talent in the arts, a born-in ability to master a musical instrument. No one has the right to deny what God gave us.
For those who accepted the Catholic Church's previous position on limbo, I would like to know if they hold to it, or quickly alter their opinion based on Pope Benedict's teaching.