Space does not permit the extensive answer this question deserves, so I recommend that readers obtain a copy of Karl Keating's book Catholicism and Fundamentalism, in which Mr. Keating devotes an entire chapter to this question. Still, I'll attempt an adequate defense of the Church's teaching on the subject of infant baptism.

This is one of the more absurd charges made against the Church. Catholics are strongly encouraged to read the Bible. Such has always been the Church's stand.

This is yet another heresy from the Protestant Revolt called sola scriptura (scripture alone). It was condemned by the Council of Trent (1545-1563), the ecumenical council called to refute the errors of Martin Luther.

Such a notion is offensive to scripture, history, and reason. This idea is a heresy, called indifferentism by the Church.

No, we cannot be saved by faith alone. This is a heresy begun by Martin Luther in the year 1517.

The implied objection in question refers to what Christ said in Matthew 23:9:

"And call no man father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven."

Although the name Catholic is not applied to the Church in the Bible, Christ and the apostles had the concept of catholic in mind, as catholic comes from a Greek word meaning universal. The Catholic Church is certainly universal; that is, for all people.

There are several ways by which we know that God exists… and we can prove it. Of course, for those who already believe, and for whom no explanation is necessary, we can know God exists because He has revealed Himself to us (Hebrews 1:1-2).

But what of proofs for His existence? Well…