PS Thomas, Extracts from Summa Theologica

Question 1

What were Aquinas’ response to the ‘objections’ regarding the necessity of immersion for Baptism?

Answer 1

1) A difference in method does not change the essence of Baptism.
2) no matter how washing is done the body of a man, or some part thereof, is put under water, just as Christ’s body was put under the earth.
3) The head is the most important part of the body especially in relation to the senses, hence if immersion is not possible pouring water over the head is fine.

Question 2

What reasons did Aquinas’ give to deny the reiteration of Baptism?

Answer 2

1) Baptism is spiritual regeneration, where a man dies to the old life and begins to lead a new life. You can only be begotten once.
2) We are baptised in Christ’s death and Christ died but once.
3) Baptism imprints a character, which is cannot be removed, and is conferred with a certain consecration.
4) Baptism is conferred principally as a remedy against original sin; so original sin is not renewed so Baptism should not be reiterated

Question 3

What were Aquinas’ response to the ‘objections’ regarding the necessity of immersion for Baptism?

Answer 3

1) Baptism derives efficacy from Christ’s Passion, so subsequent sins do not cancel the virtue of Christ’s Passion, so they do not cancel out Baptism. Penance is the appropriate way to deal with subsequent sins.
2) John’s baptism was not in relation to Christ’s redeeming work thus different.
3) Heretics who were not baptised in the Trinity needs to be rebaptised because the baptism is not conferred in the name of the Trinity.
4) Tradition does not allow rebaptism on the grounds of doubt
5) Baptism represents Christ’s death and Passion differently from the Eucharist. Man can only be born once, but he eats many times.