But whoever does not believe has already been condemned,

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As I read today’s gospel, I thought about a friend that was brought up in a household that never spoke about faith, etc. She’s not necessarily an atheist, she just doesn’t believe.
So when I do as pondering this verse:
“ but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,” I was wondering how that would be seen by someone like her, and also how I could explain it that wouldn’t end up sounding like rationalization (?)…
Thoughts?
 
Is that Mark 16:16? If so here’s the Douay-Rheims version:

[16] He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.

It doesn’t say “has already been condemned”, it says “shall” i.e. “will”.

IOW, they will be condemned on Judgement Day.

Does that help?

Re your friend: Pray and learn about the Catholic Faith: “But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
 
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Margaret_Ann said:
Is that Mark 16:16? If so here’s the Douay-Rheims version:
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No, the verse is John 3:18.
Douay Rheims reads:
“He that believeth in him is not judged. But he that doth not believe is already judged”

So the word, “already” is still problematic for me.
 
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jofa said:
As I read today’s gospel, I thought about a friend that was brought up in a household that never spoke about faith, etc. She’s not necessarily an atheist, she just doesn’t believe.
So when I do as pondering this verse:
“ but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,” I was wondering how that would be seen by someone like her, and also how I could explain it that wouldn’t end up sounding like rationalization (?)…
Thoughts?
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That cannot apply to all throughout all times … for we also know in other parts of the Gospel
that we should work so as to make non-believers become believers… … 🙂

Jesus was speaking to a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council… a non-believer!!! who being a Jewish Pharisee - should have been of all peoples - a Believer!

Jesus lashed into him… for the underlying reasons of why he and those of the Council - neither knew Scriptures - nor recognized Him . as they most surely should have.

The probability is that none of the Leadership ever changed their hearts - and ultimately went on with their plans to have the Messiah of even them… charged with Blasphemy and sentenced to Death.
 
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Afaik, Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea were the only rulers who believed in Our Lord. If there were others then they’re not named in Scripture.
 
Doesn’t mean shes condemned she has the rest of their life to live you don’t know what will happen.
You have judged her as going to hell. Jesus warns us clearly not to do that.

Some catholic Saints were horrible sinners and non believers - don’t assume.
 
BT3241 said:
You have judged her as going to hell. Jesus warns us clearly not to do that.
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Whoa! No, I definitely have not!
I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion, but I was actually asking how to properly explain a verse that also happens to be misused by some protestants of Calvinistic leanings.
 
Except that in this internet age, it has never been easier for someone seeking God, to find about Him. God knows the heart. Pray for your friend, the matter is between the person and God, only they know.
 
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