[RnMomof7]

The phrase "without which" here refers to the birth of water and Spirit. The Catechism says that baptism "actually brings about" this birth, but it DOES NOT say that this is the only manner with which this birth can occur (the Holy Innocents have ALWAYS been considered Christian martyrs and saints, though they were never baptized).

Come on wag, you know what it says in Catholic doctrine. making doctrine from silence is where cafeteria catholics come from..

The church clearly teaches that baptism is a necessity for salvation, which is why infants are baptized..

[Legatus]

The church clearly teaches that baptism is a necessity for salvation, which is why infants are baptized..

Remember the overarching principle here: We are "bound" by the Sacraments, GOD is not.

[wagglebee]

Come on wag, you know what it says in Catholic doctrine. making doctrine from silence is where cafeteria catholics come from..

I'm not making a doctrine from silence, I'm pointing out that the Catechism says that the birth of water and Spirit is necessary for salvation AND that Baptism brings this. The Church clearly recognizes that salvation can occur without traditional baptism as evidenced by the Holy Innocents.

The church clearly teaches that baptism is a necessity for salvation, which is why infants are baptized..

Again, the Church clearly teaches that birth of water and Spirit is necessary for salvation (this comes directly from the Gospel of John) AND the Church teaches that this birth IS brought about by Baptism. If the Catechism had said that the birth is ONLY brought about by Baptism it would be a different story, but it doesn't say that.