I have tried to trace the fundamental source of the following article but in vain.
Quote
It has also been charged that the Donatists practiced infant baptism. The writings of both Augustine and Optatus - both strong opponents of the Donatists - disprove this charge. Both writers charge that the Donatists insisted on rebaptism of those who came to them from the "established" churches, and further insisted on baptism of believers only by total immersion. The Council of Milevi in 416 A.D. passed the following edict against the Donatists: "Whosoever denies that newly-born infants are to be baptized...let him be accursed." This edict proves that the Donatists denied the practice of infant baptism
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Unquote
The counter arguments against the above are
1) The Council of Milevi 416 was against Pelagius and his people, not against Donatists
2) Donatists performed Infant Baptism
Carthage Council 419
Canon 47. (Greek li.)
Concerning [the Donatists and ] the children baptized by the Donatists.
Concerning the Donatists it seemed good that we should hold counsel with our brethren and fellow priests Siricius and Simplician concerning those infants alone who are baptized by Donatists: lest what they did not do of their own will, when they should be converted to the Church of God with a salutary determination, the error of their parents might prevent their promotion to the ministry of the holy altar.
My understanding is that Only a small fraction of Donatists may have performed the Infant Baptism and they could be Maximianists or any other sects.
The strong evidence may have been the Preface of the Augustine's book vol 3 and vol 4 but they disappeared some hundred years ago. Pelagius performed Infant Baptism 3 times a year and therefore the claim that the Milevi Council against Anti-Infant Baptism was entirely directed against Pelagians is wrong.
Can anyone provide the source of the claim that Donatists rejected Infant Baptism?
Thanks for assistance in advance
Eliyahu
Quote
It has also been charged that the Donatists practiced infant baptism. The writings of both Augustine and Optatus - both strong opponents of the Donatists - disprove this charge. Both writers charge that the Donatists insisted on rebaptism of those who came to them from the "established" churches, and further insisted on baptism of believers only by total immersion. The Council of Milevi in 416 A.D. passed the following edict against the Donatists: "Whosoever denies that newly-born infants are to be baptized...let him be accursed." This edict proves that the Donatists denied the practice of infant baptism
baptistpillar.com - baptistpillar Resources and Information.
Unquote
The counter arguments against the above are
1) The Council of Milevi 416 was against Pelagius and his people, not against Donatists
2) Donatists performed Infant Baptism
Carthage Council 419
Canon 47. (Greek li.)
Concerning [the Donatists and ] the children baptized by the Donatists.
Concerning the Donatists it seemed good that we should hold counsel with our brethren and fellow priests Siricius and Simplician concerning those infants alone who are baptized by Donatists: lest what they did not do of their own will, when they should be converted to the Church of God with a salutary determination, the error of their parents might prevent their promotion to the ministry of the holy altar.
My understanding is that Only a small fraction of Donatists may have performed the Infant Baptism and they could be Maximianists or any other sects.
The strong evidence may have been the Preface of the Augustine's book vol 3 and vol 4 but they disappeared some hundred years ago. Pelagius performed Infant Baptism 3 times a year and therefore the claim that the Milevi Council against Anti-Infant Baptism was entirely directed against Pelagians is wrong.
Can anyone provide the source of the claim that Donatists rejected Infant Baptism?
Thanks for assistance in advance
Eliyahu