The Age Of Reason

[ICTHUS]

I recently heard that many Reformed Protestants reject the idea of the age of reason citing that man has always been sinful, even since birth.

So how is this doctrine/idea to be justified?

[Unshackled]

Since protestants are very sure of the gravity of sin, I cannot understand your statement. Where did you hear it and in what context?

[cmotherofpirl]

Like babies commit sin - Right!

They are confused.

We are born with original sin, the sin that resulted from Adam and Eve disobeying God.

It is an imputed sin ( or loss of original grace), not one that we actually committed.

We are not sinful from birth, but carry the stain of original sin.

Big difference.

Baptism washes away this sin, making the soul a thing of spotless beauty. If you are past the age of reason and have committed actual sins , Baptism washes this away as well. This is why Jesus died, to wash away sins and open the gates of heaven.

The reformers seemed to hae missed that point.

THe Church has ALWAYS taught that little kids don't really sin before the age of reason which the Church says is about age 7. This is when a liitle kid is really catching on to right and wrong.

Some of the reformers believed mankind is basically damned ( like Calvin) and only a few can be saved and God has already predestined them. If you are not part of that group known only to God, you are doomed.

Pleasant thought.

[Katholikos]

I recently heard that many Reformed Protestants reject the idea of the age of reason citing that man has always been sinful, even since birth.

So how is this doctrine/idea to be justified?

I think you may be referring to the Calvinist doctrine of "Total Depravity" which holds that even mankind's reason was contaminated by the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve. Many (but not all) Protestants believe that there ain't no aspect of man which isn't depraved -- body, mind, and soul -- and that his depravity is only "covered only" by the righteousness of Christ when he "gets saved."

I can't defend it (being an ex-Baptist, in a denomination steeped in Calvinism). It was the personal opinion of John Calvin.

With the Catholic Church, I believe man is only a little lower than the angels , but fallen from grace, and his soul is regenerated, filled with Sanctifying Grace as if the Fall in the Garden of Eden had never happened, washed whiter than snow, when he is baptized.

(Most) Protestants do hold to the belief in the age of reason, which is the age of accountability for personal sin. It's believed to be around six or seven in most denominations.

Ave Cor Mariae, Katholikos

[Chrysologus]

The "age of reason" isn't a religious doctrine, it's just a psychological idea. It's the time when children become aware. Some Protestants don't baptize people unless they've reached this age, and, in the same way, we don't usually confirm or give first communion to people until they've reached this age.

[cmotherofpirl]

The name given to that period of human life at which persons are deemed to begin to be morally responsible. This, as a rule, happens at the age of seven, or thereabouts, though the use of reason requisite for moral discernment may come before, or may be delayed until notably after, that time. At this age Christians come under the operation of ecclesiastical laws, such as the precept of assistance at Mass on Sundays and holydays, abstinence from meat on certain days, and annual confessions, should they have incurred mortal sin. The obligation of Easter Communion literally understood applies to all who have reached "the years of discretion"; but according to the practical interpretation of the Church it is not regarded as binding children just as soon as they are seven years old.

Catholic Encyclopedia

[M.SIGGA]

St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa discribed the overwhelming evidence of Original Sin by the reality of infant death. His words were something like if babies were born pure and new, sinless like Adam and Eve, then why do they die? - Adam and Eve were completely pure creations and were therefore immortal. It's because they have taken on the sin of their first parents, and (Bible Quote) the wages of sin is death." Sounds kinda morbid, but it really helps me explain the Doctrine to Protestants.

[M.SIGGA]

Well how do we really know that babies are as innocent as they look???

Do you remember when you were a baby? what went through your head?

They could be sinning all the time and you don't even know it!!!

They do laugh at people all the time, and they are always wanting stuff that isn't there's right!?!

I hope you know that I'm kidding (and I obviously don't have any kids of my own)

:lol: