In the Gall of Bitterness

I noticed an AP article ( linked via title bar ) written by Frances D’Emilio where the Catholic Church is contemplating revising their stance on the fate of babies who have died without having been baptized. I’m not a Catholic and have always considered the position they take on the topic as rather cold hearted. Why would an all loving Father in Heaven deny any of his children the opportunity to meet with him face to face if they are without sin? The idea that little children are born with some horrible sin, one that would exclude them from returning to Father’s presence is a reflection of a perverted heart, not the will of Father.

Quoting from the article:

“Since both Pope Benedict XVI and his predecessor, John Paul II, have urged the theologians to study the limbo question, a document is widely expected to be made public.”
{. . .}

“Any document on limbo would likely reflect Benedict's nature, as a career theologian, to spell out the Church's stand on limbo in a well-developed theological argument.”

I would have hoped that since the Pope is the mouthpiece of the Catholic Church that he would ask God for the answer to such doctrinal issues rather than hand it off to a group of men who spend hours upon hours reading and interpreting the scriptures. It makes much more sense to me, call me ignorant if you will, to go to the source. If you want to know God’s will all you need to do is ask Him.

When I began reading the Book of Mormon and eventually joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that issue was covered completely and fell within what I considered would be “the Lord’s way”. Prophets approach our Father in Heaven with questions which have a bearing on the entire world and ask for His direction; we, likewise are entitled to approach Him in the attitude of prayer to council us on individual matters. Those with the faith of a mustard seed are provided the means to obtain the mysteries of Heaven; why is it that the Pope hasn’t heard of this, the Catholic Church?

In the Book of Mormon, Moroni 8: 8 – 16 gives the world an answer as to the baptism of little children.

“8 Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.
9 And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11 And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.
12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!
13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.
16 Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.” ( emphisis added )

I am thankful in the knowledge that God has not forsaken his children here on the earth, that He has given us living prophets to relay His doctrine. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon which, having been translated by God’s chosen Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., testifies of the truthfulness of the Gospel and acts as a second witness to the divinity of Jesus as the Christ. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.