Does Baptism deny babies their human rights?
Summary
This episode explores the debate sparked by former President Mary McAleese’s upcoming book, which argues that infant baptism violates human rights due to the lack of consent. Host David McCullagh discusses the issue with Father Willie Purcell, who defends the practice as a lifelong gift and community commitment, and Clare Moriarty, a philosopher who critiques the "trap" of assumed religious identity. The segment also features street interviews in Cork, revealing mixed public opinions on whether parents should decide or if children should be allowed to choose their faith later in life.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Mary McAleese's book on baptism
Vox pop: Public views on infant baptism consent
Introduction of Father Willie Purcell
Father Purcell on the naming analogy and family support
Parental motives and the concept of 'plastic Catholics'
How sacraments can re-engage lapsed parents
Canon law vs. theological understanding of baptism
Consent in other life decisions like education
Transition to Clare Moriarty
Clare Moriarty on the limits of the consent framework
The social difficulty of opting out of faith
Critique of insincere religiosity and outsourcing faith
Personal anecdote on confirmation pledges and smoking
The stigma of leaving the church
Father Purcell on formal processes for leaving the church
Adults entering the church via OCIA
Listener texts and the impact of ethnic Catholicism
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