Are protestants brothers and sisters in Christ?

[lanman87]

I’m not talking about denominations. I’m talking about non-Catholics who have a genuine faith in Christ and seek to serve Him. Would you consider them brothers and sisters in Christ?

 

[Lenten_ashes]

yes

 

[MichaelP3]

I’m not talking about denominations. I’m talking about non-Catholics who have a genuine faith in Christ and seek to serve Him. Would you consider them brothers and sisters in Christ?

According to the current Catechism, Yes. Although some (Even on this forum declaring I am bound to hell) think otherwise while using some very interesting linguistics to defend that view!

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

Virtually all Protestants have a Baptism that is recognized by the Church as valid. Why wouldn’t they be?

 

[Vonsalza]

I’m not talking about denominations. I’m talking about non-Catholics who have a genuine faith in Christ and seek to serve Him. Would you consider them brothers and sisters in Christ?

As long as they’ve been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then yes.

 

[lanman87]

Okay, Let me ask a different question.

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

 

[Dorothy]

The Lord forgives those who sincerely repent. He knows what is in their heart.

For a Catholic the grace available in the Sacrament of Confession is very helpful.

 

[Debbie_Kono]

Okay, Let me ask a different question.

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

I think the question becomes what constitutes mortal sin? I’m pretty sure Bapists don’t believe contraception is mortal sin. Nor skipping Church without good cause. And even divorce and remarriage being adultery?

I don’t know if a lay Catholic could say that if a Non-Catholic repents, confesses his sin to God and pastor if he is then ok. We of course believe John 20 and God gave that power to the asposles and their successors.

Do you live near a parish with FSSP priests Ianman? If so, please consider contacting them.

 

[lanman87]

I think the question becomes what constitutes mortal sin? I’m pretty sure Bapists don’t believe contraception is mortal sin. Nor skipping Church without good cause. And even divorce and remarriage being adultery?

I don’t know if a lay Catholic could say that if a Non-Catholic repents, confesses his sin to God and pastor if he is then ok. We of course believe John 20 and God gave that power to the asposles and their successors.

Do you live near a parish with FSSP priests Ianman? If so, please consider contacting them.

I’m not trying to find out the official answer of the RCC. I’m trying to determine what the Catholics on this forum will say to those questions.

And let’s say that the Baptist doesn’t consider it to be mortal sin (cause Baptist don’t believe there is a difference in the levels of sin from a spiritual perspective) but it is a sin the RCC believes is mortal.

 

[thephilosopher6]

Okay, Let me ask a different question.

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

It can be reasonably hoped that yes, God would forgive the Baptist if he makes an act of contrition. God forgives us each time we make an act of contrition, although that doesn’t take away our obligation to go to confession. It is my understanding that, since Baptist are indeed Christians, the obligation would technically apply to them as well as it does all Christians. But, since they are ignorant of its spiritual effects, God holds nothing against them. If they become conscience of it, and realize its spiritual effects, they should convert to Catholicism ASAP and go to confession. It is hard to judge the state of any ones soul, especially those of non-Catholics, and more so non-Christians. We can only leave it up to the mercy of God.

 

[thephilosopher6]

I think the question becomes what constitutes mortal sin? I’m pretty sure Bapists don’t believe contraception is mortal sin. Nor skipping Church without good cause. And even divorce and remarriage being adultery?

Baptist are ignorant in the matter of contraception. If they use it, they would certainly be taking part in a grave matter, but if they are truly ignorant, there would be no mortal sin on their part.

As for not going to Church on Sunday and holy days of obligation, that rule only applies to Catholics. Non-Catholics have no obligation there and so would not be commiting mortal sin.

And as for marriage, as far as I am aware, most Baptist believe divorce and remarriage is sinful, and generally do not do such.

 

[USMC_Convert]

Okay, Let me ask a different question.

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

First a Baptist or anyone other than a Catholic is not bound by the same things Catholics are bound by. We have the fullness of truth so we are held to a higher standard, see Luke 12 the sevant who knows his masters will but does not obey receives a severe beating while the servant that does not know will receive a lesser beating or basically that, not a direct quote…

So while all are called to the truth and light of Christ’s true Church if they have no doubts that they are supposed to be where they are and not in the Catholic Church then they are fine.

God always forgives especially those who are truly contrite. I suggest picking up a copy of “7 Secrets of Confession” (I believe the author is Vinny Flynn but not positive) not just for Catholics but for Protestants who are reading this as well, it is an amazing work, it explains a lot and it gives great incite into God’s Divine Mercy.

The example I love to use is the Muslim woman in Iraq. She never really hears about Christianity, maybe she hears her husband and others talking about Christians, Americans and whatever but she never has access to the truth of Jesus much less the full truth of the Catholic Church. She is a good Muslim, a devout Muslim and lives her life accordingly. I tell you she will most likely receive Gods mercy and love and access to heaven before those here in America who claim to be Christian but don’t make time for God. Who claim to love God but never seek Him, who claim to know God but do not follow the His teachings. I tell you those who do such things are traveling the well worn road to hell.

Those who have access to the truth are required to act on it and to the degree of truth which you have access to is how God judges your actions.

Interchange Muslim with any other religion, and simply swap out not knowing Christianity with never truly being exposed to the truth and light of the Catholic Church and you will have a good idea of how God works.

To think otherwise is an insult to God’s Divine Justice and His Divine Mercy.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

God is the one who forgives based on what is in a person’s heart. If the repentance is sincere, then He forgives.

We have no way of knowing what is in a particular person’s heart so we cannot know for sure if said particular person was forgiven. However, I don’t think God reserves his forgiveness just for Catholics so I see no reason why he would not forgive a Baptist or any other person who was truly sorry and tried to make amends and not do the bad thing again.

 

[steve_b]

Okay, Let me ask a different question.

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

2 Questions

What are your thoughts on the following

• 1 Jn 5:16 “If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God**(“1jn5 RSVCE - Faith Conquers the World - Every one - Bible Gateway”)] will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.”
• What is one to do then, for forgiveness of mortal sin, if prayer isn’t recommended?
• John 20:23, Jesus breathes on His apostles (ordains them) and gives them the ability to forgive or retain sins. One could ask, Why do that Jesus, and confuse things that are so simple, if all one has to do is go directly to God/Jesus, ask forgiveness, bypassing any priest?

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Okay, Let me ask a different question.

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

The reason I ask is that I see that happen fairly often in Baptist churches.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

A informed Catholic is expected to go to confession when he or she can.

A Baptist, we believe, is lacking the total deposit of the faith. So he or she is expected to do the best they can with what they have. And btw, they often do IMO, and many are great Christians.

So yes, generally speaking, the baptist in your scenario would be forgiven. Because as the CCC says, God is not bound by sacraments.

 

[USMC_Convert]

If you mean it has not been revealed in public revelation then yes you are correct, however we can conclude that if there are those in heaven that were not Catholic on earth (given through private revelation) then God has another means to forgive souls other than Confession. While confession is the main vehicle and intended tool for the forgiveness of sins it does not mean it is the only tool at God’s disposal.

I have a truck, I use it most often, I also have a Harley, I can use it as I please, I may also use a train, bus, plane, boat, bicycle, roller skates, a horse or even my own two legs to get where I want to go.

 

[steve_b]

To whom much is given, much is expected.

A informed Catholic is expected to go to confession when he or she can.

A Baptist, we believe, is lacking the total deposit of the faith. So he or she is expected to do the best they can with what they have. And btw, they often do IMO, and many are great Christians.

So yes, generally speaking, the baptist in your scenario would be forgiven. Because as the CCC says, God is not bound by sacraments.

the context.

**1257 **The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament. The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.

That said,

• Baptism is the beginning. It’s not the be all to end all, except for the one who receives baptism on their deathbed. Outside of that, one needs to maintain sanctifying grace in their soul till their death.
• Even one who is baptized and dies in mortal sin, goes to hell. 1035 ]

 

[USMC_Convert]

Lol, thanks for keeping me on track! So ultimately I believe the answer is yes, once baptized according to the way given and used in the Catholic Church yes.

I’d go further to say that even those who are not baptized would be our brothers and sisters but I’m not sure if that is in keeping with the Church.

 

[Peter_J]

Would you consider them brothers and sisters in Christ?

In my experience, I never even hear it questioned except when I’m on the Internet.

 

[Debbie_Kono]

If a Baptist is baptized and lives a faithful life but then stumbles and commits what you would call a mortal sin but then repents of his sin, confesses his sin to God and others (be it his Pastor or a fellow believers) and does his best to make amends for his sin… Is he forgiven that sin?

If a person hears the Gospel and rejects it…is he forgiven? He’s a model citizen, but like Gandhi, he doesn’t care for the “bad” Christians he knows or has heard about.

I ask this in all sincerity. At what point are we no longer culpable? How much “truth” are we culpable for?