Expert: Charlie B - 6/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I fully believe in the sacraments but I also believe that I was too young when they were performed. Protestants perform their one sacrament of baptism at the time when they willingly accept Jesus and when they want to do it. I know I had this choice at confirmation but I was forced to go through the class. I just accepted at the time because I had already gone through the class, not because it was in my heart. I am just wondering if the timing of confirmation would be better as a personal decision rather than a group event when you turn a certain age.

Thank you for your time and insight, Alicia

ANSWER: Alicia,
Thanks for your question.  Unfortunately, my and your opinions about the timing of the confirmation, whether we would make it a personal decision rather than a group event when you turn a certain age, is not in our decision-making authority.  

It sounds like your being "forced" through the class has left a bitter taste in your mouth, and that's what you should work to rid from yourself.  Thanks again for your question -

Charlie
www.breedingtrust.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I do agree with you. Whose authority is it? Is there a way that this can be petitioned or reformed? I am trying to keep my Mother Catholic, she is turning Protestant and this is one of the major problems that she has. The timing of the sacraments and the children not really being ready. I would really like to be able to tell her why it is done the way it is but I cannot. Thank you for your time. Alicia

Answer
Alicia,
The authority belongs to the Catholic church in Rome.  If your mother is leaving the church for Protestantism, your explanation will not slow or stop her from doing so, don't you think?

Here's what I recommend:  there are two OUTSTANDING audio CDs available at www.lighthousecatholicmedia.com in
- Tim Staples, The Bible Made Me Do It and
- Stephen Ray, Finding the Fullness of Faith

Buy those two CDs (they are very inexpensive), then the next time you on a drive with your mom, pop it in and the both of you give it a listen.  I promise she'll think twice about leaving the Catholic Church.  After all, that is your main goal isn't it? ..and not trying to change a procedure for Confirmation?

charlie
www.breedingtrust.com