- Feb 5, 2002
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Msgr. Charles Pope
Question: What is the Catholic teaching regarding life after death for the unborn (miscarriage, stillborn, abortion) and children up to age 7.
— Richard Mackin, Maine
Answer: The common view among Catholic theologians in regard to the unborn or little children who are not baptized prior to their death is that they are with the Lord in heaven. There is no settled dogma on this matter taught by the Church because God has not revealed what happens to them. However, the judgment of reason can make some feasible conclusions based on God’s justice — namely, that such infants or little children do not deserve the punishment of hell and, regarding the need to be baptized, are not held responsible for what they could not reasonably know or do. God, therefore, must somehow supply for what is lacking. Does he offer them a choice and thus supply their baptism, or does he simply “wave them through”? We are not sure. However, given his respect for our freedom, it seems likely that he quickens (or matures) their intellect and offers them the choice of salvation. But these details are speculative.
As for children under 7 who were baptized, it is unclear if any purgation is needed. We do not ascribe sufficient reason to them such that we hold them morally responsible for sins; however, as we all know, little children can be very irascible and need discipline. It may be that some purgation is needed for this tendency that little children have. Here, too, we can only speculate based on reason.
Are nonessential cosmetic surgeries immoral?
Continued below.
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Question: What is the Catholic teaching regarding life after death for the unborn (miscarriage, stillborn, abortion) and children up to age 7.
— Richard Mackin, Maine
Answer: The common view among Catholic theologians in regard to the unborn or little children who are not baptized prior to their death is that they are with the Lord in heaven. There is no settled dogma on this matter taught by the Church because God has not revealed what happens to them. However, the judgment of reason can make some feasible conclusions based on God’s justice — namely, that such infants or little children do not deserve the punishment of hell and, regarding the need to be baptized, are not held responsible for what they could not reasonably know or do. God, therefore, must somehow supply for what is lacking. Does he offer them a choice and thus supply their baptism, or does he simply “wave them through”? We are not sure. However, given his respect for our freedom, it seems likely that he quickens (or matures) their intellect and offers them the choice of salvation. But these details are speculative.
As for children under 7 who were baptized, it is unclear if any purgation is needed. We do not ascribe sufficient reason to them such that we hold them morally responsible for sins; however, as we all know, little children can be very irascible and need discipline. It may be that some purgation is needed for this tendency that little children have. Here, too, we can only speculate based on reason.
Are nonessential cosmetic surgeries immoral?
Continued below.
Are nonessential cosmetic surgeries immoral?
A reader asks: “Botox, facelifts, tummy tucks, ‘mommy makeovers,’ etc., are very popular. People who have had accidents or illnesses have a legitimate need for reconstructive surgery. But is it sinful to undergo nonessential cosmetic surgeries and procedures because we want to look...
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