...Do Catholics Advance the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth More Than Other Christians?

[WhiteDove]

So, do Catholics, as individuals, have a personal spiritual edge on their separated brethren? Are there manifest benefits from partaking in the Sacraments that are further advancing God’s Kingdom through the personal holiness of individual Catholics?

 

[Jim_ov_Cov]

WhiteDove:

So, do Catholics, as individuals, have a personal spiritual edge on their separated brethren? Are there manifest benefits from partaking in the Sacraments that are further advancing God’s Kingdom through the personal holiness of individual Catholics?

Faithful Catholics always operate as part of the Mystical Body, the Church. I do not believe that non-Catholic Christians advance the Kingdom of God in any way at all, as they belong to bodies that set themselves up in direct opposition to the Church Christ Himself founded.

 

[Dr.Colossus]

Anyone who teaches that Jesus Christ is Lord advances the Kingdom of God in some way ("Whoever is not against us is for us). However, Catholics have the advantage of direct access to the grace of God in the Sacraments. Any time the Sacraments are performed or received (most especially in the Holy Eucharist), God’s grace enters the world in a way far beyond the capabilities of the Protestants.

 

[shannin]

WhiteDove:

So, do Catholics, as individuals, have a personal spiritual edge on their separated brethren? Are there manifest benefits from partaking in the Sacraments that are further advancing God’s Kingdom through the personal holiness of individual Catholics?

NO.

As Catholics, we embrace the fullness of the faith but that alone does not give us a spiritual edge. I really think that when (& if) we get to Heaven, we’ll be surprised at how many Muslims, Buddhists, Protestants, etc. are there and how few Catholics. Catholics know the true faith, and that makes us more accountable. It’s hard to be a good Catholic but I wouldn’t give up my Catholic faith for the world.

It’s what is in our hearts at the time of death. Only God can determine where we go. We are not to judge.

Just my opinion…

Your Sister in Christ,
Shannin

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

WhiteDove:

So, do Catholics, as individuals, have a personal spiritual edge on their separated brethren? Are there manifest benefits from partaking in the Sacraments that are further advancing God’s Kingdom through the personal holiness of individual Catholics?

There are some things it is better for Christians not to know - IMHO, this is one of them.​

As long as Christ is Holy, we don’t need to waste time navel-gazing ##

 

[GrzeszDeL]

Nothing that any of us (Catholic, Protestant or other) are doing is “advancing the Kingdom” a thin fig’s width. When Christ brings the Kingdom it will be a pure gift which none of us will deserve in the least. To be sure, everyone in the Kingdom will be Catholic, but that is not to say that we Catholics will have any reason to brag about its arrival.

 

[StephiePea]

I’m sad to see the number one answer was that most catholics are “nominal”

God, let that change with me!

 

[Teresa9]

Dear friend

I fully expect to see all differing faiths in Christ and the One True God, in heaven, even those who lived all of their life denying God and perhaps with their last breathe, whisper ‘Father’ . I believe and trust in a merciful Father and as such I even expect to see me, a notorious and wretched sinner like I am, having my chance at salvation xx…there’s hope for all of us!!!

God Bless you and much love and peace to you

Teresa

 

[WhiteDove]

I see that 2 people have responded that they’d like my (name removed by moderator)ut. I didn’t vote on this Poll. I don’t know the answer. There seems to be truth in all of them.

 

[ichabod]

I voted for the “nominal catholics” option, but with individuals like JPII and Mother Theresa, is there really a question?

I see the Church making the difference, especially as we become more and more counter-cultural. Only as living examples of what the Church can we advance the Kingdom of Heaven.

Too preachy?