Replies

I'll repeat to you what I just wrote to Dutchboy88:

I should have put a disclaimer on Ann's article. The makes *many* statements I do NOT endorse. I realize I called her a "wise woman", so I brung it on myself.

Please give me a small penance (like, I could genuflect on my sore left knee" and then permit me back into the land of FR respectability, I beg you.

By the way, on your particular question: The Catholic Church, reecognizing that, as John (first chapter) says, Christ is the light who enlightens everyone, teaches that there exists a "Baptism of desire" whereby God can enlighten, in a mysterious way, even someone who has neer heard His name.

These things are beyond us, and known to God alone. It does not negate the Command he gave us, which is to preach the Gospel to all nations, and baptize them....

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..."

I can see that (Baptism of desire) relating to an adult, like the thief on the cross. But it seems to me like a stretch to use to refer to unborn babies. Although I understand that nothing is impossible to God. What would be the difference between baptism of desire for an unborn baby or just calling it a special dispensation of God’s grace? Either way the baby would go to heaven, wouldn’t he?

""In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...""

Absolutely..."...He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it." Wonderful words.