ST III, q. 68, a. 7Of Those Who Receive Baptism
Whether the intention of receiving the sacrament of Baptism is required on the part of the one baptized?
Objection 1not Aquinas's viewST III, q. 68, a. 7, obj. 1
It seems that the intention of receiving the sacrament of Baptism is not required on the part of the one baptized. For the one baptized is, as it were, "patient" in the sacrament. But an intention is required not on the part of the patient but on the part of the agent. Therefore it seems that the intention of receiving Baptism is not required on the part of the one baptized.
Objection 2not Aquinas's viewST III, q. 68, a. 7, obj. 2
Further, if what is necessary for Baptism be omitted, the Baptism must be repeated; for instance, if the invocation of the Trinity be omitted, as stated above (Q[66], A[9], ad 3). But it does not seem that a man should be rebaptized through not having had the intention of receiving Baptism: else, since his intention cannot be proved, anyone might ask to be baptized again on account of his lack of intention. Therefore it seems that no intention is required on the part of the one baptized, in order that he receive the sacrament.
Objection 3not Aquinas's viewST III, q. 68, a. 7, obj. 3
Further, Baptism is given as a remedy for original sin. But original sin is contracted without the intention of the person born. Therefore, seemingly, Baptism requires no intention on the part of the person baptized.
On the contraryan authority Aquinas citesST III, q. 68, a. 7, s.c.
According to the Church's ritual, those who are to be baptized ask of the Church that they may receive Baptism: and thus they express their intention of receiving the sacrament.
I answer thatAquinas's own answerST III, q. 68, a. 7, co.
By Baptism a man dies to the old life of sin, and begins a certain newness of life, according to Rom. 6:4: "We are buried together with" Christ "by Baptism into death; that, as Christ is risen from the dead . . . so we also may walk in newness of life." Consequently, just as, according to Augustine (Serm. cccli), he who has the use of free-will, must, in order to die to the old life, "will to repent of his former life"; so must he, of his own will, intend to lead a new life, the beginning of which is precisely the receiving of the sacrament. Therefore on the part of the one baptized, it is necessary for him to have the will or intention of receiving the sacrament.
Reply to Objection 1ST III, q. 68, a. 7, ad 1
When a man is justified by Baptism, his passiveness is not violent but voluntary: wherefore it is necessary for him to intend to receive that which is given him.
Reply to Objection 2ST III, q. 68, a. 7, ad 2
If an adult lack the intention of receiving the sacrament, he must be rebaptized. But if there be doubt about this, the form to be used should be: "If thou art not baptized, I baptize thee."
Reply to Objection 3ST III, q. 68, a. 7, ad 3
Baptism is a remedy not only against original, but also against actual sins, which are caused by our will and intention.