Can Muslims go to heaven?

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Michael2799

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Can Muslims, Hindus and people of other various faith traditions go to heaven so long as they live in accordance to their faith with sincerity and devotion? Would the fact that many people of the Islamic faith hold Mary with high regard help them at the time of their death?

:gopray2:
 
Only God knows ones heart. But, I don’t think God would judge them based on their faith,especially if it is full of error. For Muslims and Hindus, it is possible,but would be hard. A very sinful life without Jesus,I can’t see it possible.
 
Michael2799 said:
Can they go to Heaven without believing that Jesus is the Son of God?
:confused:
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Muslims do not believe in the Trinity as we do. Nor do Mormons. Nor do Jews. Yet we all believe in a Supreme Being who created and governs the universe. Muslims worship the one God to the degree that they know Him-------------------------------

But God can change an individuals mind and he can do it in the blinking of a eye, Actual grace is available to all. The purifying process is also available to all , all may not believe that but it does not alter the fact. So only God knows the depths of our heart, soul and thoughts , in the end only He will be each ones judge. Peace, Carlan
 
It is possible, but the criteria will be the same as all others, namely, that they die in a state of Grace. This would mean that the did not knowingly (something God alone judges) reject Jesus Christ. This rejection includes rejecting the Church that Jesus established. If a person never understood that Jesus is the Son of God, or that He established a Church as the ordinary means of salvation, and if he lived a life of humility seeking the Grace of God to the extent he knew, then it is possible that he would be part of that “other sheep not of this fold” that Jesus spoke. It is the uncertaintity and the number of ifs that compel us to evangelize, while not disparing of the rest of the world.
 
I truely believe that since only God can know the heart, then only God makes the final decision. He does not see as we see and does not judge as we judge.
I’m sure it would be extremely surprising to most to know who actually attains eternal life and who does not.
As for myself, rather than worry my mind over the destination of others, I spend my time praying about and working on my own relationship with The Almighty because there is so very much on which to pray and work! 😉
 
Through extenuating circumstances, people can come to discern the spirit of God and come to grow in peace and love and mutual respect. Brotherly love is a reflection of Christ’s spirit, even though the person might not know it.

In Saudi Arabia and other areas where Christianity is pretty much banned, Muslims are getting documents out into the free world that they are experiencing Christ, but in unusual ways. There are those who may not have such a dramatic encounter, but are nevertheless…on the path to Christ without realizing it. And this is not their fault.

So there are people who have not heard of Christ, but can discern God in their surroundings through nature (St. Paul, Romans) as well as reason and intellect without hearing the name of Christ.

The Koran speaks of Christ but he is not the same person, but a charicature derived from Mohammed’s contacts with Christians. So for Muslims who are experiencing the Holy Spirit, are following their conscience deep in their heart, know that lying, killing in God’s name is wrong, and do not live like that. For those who discern a different persona of Christ other than how the Koran defines their christ, those Muslims who want peace, have love in their hearts, and do not wish to harm other human beings…without the correct vocabulary…these people are on the walk to salvation, and they are bearing good fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures must always be read in the pastoral directives of the Church.

If you encountered someone who took care of the sick, was merciful, showed respect for God, did not take His name in vain…even if it is different wording, would you condemn such a person to hell?

We have to leave the work of salvation and final judgment in God’s hands. Human words can never fully explain God to all people, but the Holy Spirit can.

Trust in Christ’s mercy and have peace of heart.
 
According to the CCC 841, they are included in the plan of salvation.
"The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

I personally think many of them will end in Paradise after spending sometimes in the Purgatory.
 
Sam_777 said:
According to the CCC 841, they are included in the plan of salvation.
"The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

I personally think many of them will end in Paradise after spending sometimes in the Purgatory.
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It’s true that God desires all mankind to be saved. But the Bible doesn’t say that having Abraham’s faith is sufficient. If Abraham’s faith was sufficient, then Christ’s death was unnecessary. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the only way, and without belief in Him one is condemned.

It would seem to me that non-christians can be saved only if they abandon their various religious systems and become true believers in Christ.

**"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:18)

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14:6)**

What did Jesus actually mean by all of this? Does the Catechism interpret this to mean that belief in Christ is not necessarily a requirement for entry to heaven?
 
Michael2799 said:
It’s true that God desires all mankind to be saved. But the Bible doesn’t say that having Abraham’s faith is sufficient. If Abraham’s faith was sufficient, then Christ’s death was unnecessary. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the only way, and without belief in Him one is condemned.

It would seem to me that non-christians can be saved only if they abandon their various religious systems and become true believers in Christ.

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:18)

***“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ***
(John 14:6)

What did Jesus actually mean by all of this? Does the Catechism interpret this to mean that belief in Christ is not necessarily a requirement for entry to heaven?
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Ok, let’s examine this.

Suppose you have been taught that “Christ” is a liar and a fraud. Now, this is not true, correct? But if you reject Christ on this basis, you aren’t rejecting the real Christ. You are rejecting a ‘made-up’ Christ.

Now, suppose that you have been taught the above. You firmly believe that the Christ you have been told of is a liar and a fraud. (Let’s say you’re a Jew or a Muslim). Now, along with this, you are also taught that God is One, that He is Savior, Father, Supreme. You’re taught the 10 commandments. You are taught to love and serve One God.

Now, all of this is TRUE. It is incomplete (lacking Christ), but it is true. And because what it teaches is true and relates to the FATHER, by definition of the Trinity, it is also related to the Son.

So even if you were taught that Christ was a liar (and you rejected this ‘made up’ Christ), you are still accepting the truth of the Father. And since you can’t separate the Father from the Son, you are accepting the REAL Christ in accepting the real Father.

So IF you live according to God’s will, even if you have rejected the ‘made up’ Christ you were mistakenly taught, in your acceptance of the true Father you are really accepting His Son and so you MAY, through God’s grace, be saved.

Does that help to explain it a bit better?
 
Tantum_ergo said:
Ok, let’s examine this.

Suppose you have been taught that “Christ” is a liar and a fraud. Now, this is not true, correct? But if you reject Christ on this basis, you aren’t rejecting the real Christ. You are rejecting a ‘made-up’ Christ.

Now, suppose that you have been taught the above. You firmly believe that the Christ you have been told of is a liar and a fraud. (Let’s say you’re a Jew or a Muslim). Now, along with this, you are also taught that God is One, that He is Savior, Father, Supreme. You’re taught the 10 commandments. You are taught to love and serve One God.

Now, all of this is TRUE. It is incomplete (lacking Christ), but it is true. And because what it teaches is true and relates to the FATHER, by definition of the Trinity, it is also related to the Son.

So even if you were taught that Christ was a liar (and you rejected this ‘made up’ Christ), you are still accepting the truth of the Father. And since you can’t separate the Father from the Son, you are accepting the REAL Christ in accepting the real Father.

So IF you live according to God’s will, even if you have rejected the ‘made up’ Christ you were mistakenly taught, in your acceptance of the true Father you are really accepting His Son and so you MAY, through God’s grace, be saved.

Does that help to explain it a bit better?
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Since God is made up of three persons (trinity), it is possible to believe in Christ without knowing it. Accepting God is sufficient for salvation. Is that the Catholic Church’s position?
 
Michael2799 said:
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:18)

***“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ***
(John 14:6)
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Since Protestants believe that each can interpret for himself, let me shed some light for you as to the meaning of these two verses.

First, the John 3 verse is in the context of a person who knew Jesus, when Jesus was alive. Anytime “all”, “whoever” and such words arise, one still must consider the universe in which the comment was made. At the time, Jesus’ ministry was to the Jews of that day. He was seen and known for three years to all the people in Galilee and Judea. The verse, and the discourse, does not address those who neither believe, nor disbelieve (the two categories given), but rather remain ignorant.

The second verse deals with the nature of Jesus. Everyone that goes to heaven will do so because the Author of Life shed His life for their sin. All who come to the Father do go through Jesus.
 
Michael2799 said:
Can they go to Heaven without believing that Jesus is the Son of God?
:confused:
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I had always wondered about this point too, but my mother explained it to me once by comparing them to children that die before ever hearing the Truth about Jesus, if they’ve never heard the Truth, how can they be held accountable for their errors?
 
jrose90 said:
I had always wondered about this point too, but my mother explained it to me once by comparing them to children that die before ever hearing the Truth about Jesus, if they’ve never heard the Truth, how can they be held accountable for their errors?
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With today’s technology, it is very hard to not hear that Jesus is the Son of God. But, there are some out there, I would admit. Communist countries for one.
 
Tantum_ergo said:
Ok, let’s examine this.

Suppose you have been taught that “Christ” is a liar and a fraud. Now, this is not true, correct? But if you reject Christ on this basis, you aren’t rejecting the real Christ. You are rejecting a ‘made-up’ Christ.

Now, suppose that you have been taught the above. You firmly believe that the Christ you have been told of is a liar and a fraud. (Let’s say you’re a Jew or a Muslim). Now, along with this, you are also taught that God is One, that He is Savior, Father, Supreme. You’re taught the 10 commandments. You are taught to love and serve One God.

Now, all of this is TRUE. It is incomplete (lacking Christ), but it is true. And because what it teaches is true and relates to the FATHER, by definition of the Trinity, it is also related to the Son.

So even if you were taught that Christ was a liar (and you rejected this ‘made up’ Christ), you are still accepting the truth of the Father. And since you can’t separate the Father from the Son, you are accepting the REAL Christ in accepting the real Father.

So IF you live according to God’s will, even if you have rejected the ‘made up’ Christ you were mistakenly taught, in your acceptance of the true Father you are really accepting His Son and so you MAY, through God’s grace, be saved.

Does that help to explain it a bit better?
Click to expand...
That was a good explanation http://forums.catholic-questions.org/images/icons/icon14.gif.
 
FaithJoy said:
With today’s technology, it is very hard to not hear that Jesus is the Son of God. But, there are some out there, I would admit. Communist countries for one.
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It is more than just a matter of “hearing.” A person growing up will hear of many people who claim to be something they are not. Rather the question has to be whether they heard enough to be able to reject Christ, knowingly and willfully. Only God truly knows the human heart enough to know where the line is drawn. I seriously doubt noticing a Gideon Bible in a motel room a couple of days will suffice, for example. However, being raised Catholic and departing from the faith because the moral teaching is too hard to live up to? That is a whole other story. Somewhere in the middle God will judge the hearts of all.
 
pnewton said:
It is more than just a matter of “hearing.” A person growing up will hear of many people who claim to be something they are not. Rather the question has to be whether they heard enough to be able to reject Christ, knowingly and willfully. Only God truly knows the human heart enough to know where the line is drawn. I seriously doubt noticing a Gideon Bible in a motel room a couple of days will suffice, for example. However, being raised Catholic and departing from the faith because the moral teaching is too hard to live up to? That is a whole other story. Somewhere in the middle God will judge the hearts of all.
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God has already judged the heart of man. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) The Bible doesn’t say that we are judged on our “heart”. It doesn’t even say we are judged on our intent or desire to live a good life. We have all sinned. The wages of sin is death. We deserve to go to hell. The Bible says that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way out of this mess.
🙂
 
Michael,

Why did Christ refer to Himself as the Son of Man more often than He did, Son of God? Do you know?
 
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