Catholic to Reformed

[JasonG]

What is the process of a Catholic joining the Reformed faith? I was baptized and confirmed as a Catholic. Would I have to undergo another baptism? Are there any Catholics on here who become Reformed? Also what Reformed groups hold closest to the Reformation? Thank you

 

[rmwilliamsll]

PCA will rebaptize RC's depending on session and your desires.
see
http://www.pcanet.org/history/pca/2-079.html

 

[StAnselm]

They all claim to be closest to the Reformation. Most, I think, accept Roman Catholic baptism as valid. Indeed, as far as I know, most do not require you to hold to "Reformed" beliefs - just as long as you profess faith in Jesus Christ. Even then, that's if you want to be a member. Hopefully, they will welcome regardless of what you believe.

 

[CoffeeSwirls]

To get back to the question, I suppose the root is whether or not you or the church you visit feels that your previous baptism is valid. That could potentially become an emotional minefield. A needless minefield.

Reformed views will (for the most part) reject the notion of baptismal regeneration, and for good reason. I suggest not being rebaptized unless you are certain that the original baptism is not truly baptism.

THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH
[size=+1](1646)[/size]

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Of Baptism.

I. Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible Church, but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, or his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life: which sacrament is, by Christ's own appointment, to be continued in his Churchy until the end of the world.

II. The outward element to be used in the sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the gospel, lawfully called thereunto.

III. Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person.

IV. Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized.

V. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it, or that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.

VI. The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinancy the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.

VII. The sacrament of Baptism is but once to be administered to any person.

 

[rmwilliamsll]

i'd propose that the PCA report i linked to above.
plus it's minority report at:
http://www.pcanet.org/history/pca/2-093.html

form the basis for an intelligent informed discussion on the issues.


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