Do only Catholics go to heaven?

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OldeThom

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Asked a million times over I’m sure, as well as it’s close cousin, “Are only Catholics saved?”. This question is not, “Are there only Catholics in heaven”, to which the overwhelming answer is “Yes” - there is only one “universal” faith in Heaven, so in that sense, all people in Heaven are “catholic”. I have read through the CCC on this topic and it is not clear. I know Vat II softened the stance a bit, which many within the Church still reject, and many a Catholic theologian responds who ultimately, “it is a mystery”. I ran across this quote from Fr Bill McCarthy and wondering if this is a global Church view or just his,

Respectfully,
Thom
The answer is similar to other questions, such as, “Are there only saints in heaven?” The answer is, “yes.” Or, similar to another question, “Is there sin in heaven?” And the answer is categorically “no.” Jesus says, “We are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). And the author of Hebrews urges us to strive for that holiness without which no one can see God (cf Heb 12:14). And the book of Revelation tells us that nothing unclean can enter heaven (Rev 21:27).
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So up in heaven, there is going to be no sin and no heresy. We shall all be like Jesus, but we shall see Him as He is; and He is the head of the body – His Church. There will be one body that is one Church, and one spouse. Those who had been Moslems shall be Moslems no more, for they shall see the Triune God in all of His brilliance. Those who have protested against Mary being their mother will, in fact, honor her eternally as their mother. Those who previously had settled for division in the body will be divided no more. And those who have, here on earth, adopted any heresy, will have it resolved before the perfect wisdom that is God.
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Technically speaking, all those who have sincerely followed the light as it was presented to them, be they Moslem, Buddhist, or Baptist can get into Purgatory. But there they shall be purified. Everything that they saw through a glass darkly will now be revealed in all its brilliance. They shall be transformed into perfect lovers, and their faith shall have its fullest expression. As they enter heaven, they shall be part of the one, holy, universal, covenanted body of Christ that shall share Trinitarian life with them forever. Mary will be Queen of Heaven and they shall acknowledge her. And Jesus Christ, the faithful spouse, will have one bride at the banquet eating table – His Church – His one, holy, Catholic or universal Church. Eternally, there will be one body and one God, one spouse and one bride. Division will be swallowed up in unity, heresy will be swallowed up in eternal truth, sin will be swallowed up in holiness, and death will be swallowed up in everlasting life.
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OldeThom said:
I ran across this quote from Fr Bill McCarthy and wondering if this is a global Church view or just his
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This quote does properly reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church.

There will be no theological error in Heaven. People who were Baptists on earth will no longer believe the Eucharist is only a symbol. People who were Muslims on earth will no longer deny the doctrine of the Trinity.
 
What did you see in this article that is different than the information contained in the CCC or the various papal documents on this subject?
 
davidv said:
What did you see in this article that is different than the information contained in the CCC or the various papal documents on this subject?
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It is easy to gloss over this question as tiresome and potentially argumentative and then respond with another question. However, my query it in response to this article and is imperative to a line of thought and discourse in which I am presently engaged.

Respectfully,
Thom
 
OldeThom said:
So … then a non-Catholic can be saved?
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Yes, it is possible. They are saved by their connection (however tenuous) to the one, true Church which God Himself established as necessary for salvation.
 
Randy_Carson said:
Yes, it is possible. They are saved by their connection (however tenuous) to the one, true Church which God Himself established as necessary for salvation.
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What “connection” is that? I am assuming it is Christ.

Respectfully,
Thom
 
OldeThom said:
What “connection” is that? I am assuming it is Christ.
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Whatever connection it is, its existence can only be judged by God. Our place is to endeavor to bring all to the fullness of the truth, which is found in the Church. Always remember: There might be a lot of folks in Heaven who’ll be just as surprised to see you there as you are surprised to see them.

👍

– Mark L. Chance.
 
OldeThom said:
So … then a non-Catholic can be saved?
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Of course. Non-Catholics, atheists, agnostics, and cranky Catholics like myself can be saved. Christ’s blood of salvation was shed for all. It’s that simple. All means everyone.

The only catch is that at some point, a soul has to say yes to God’s invitation to an eternity of love with Him. Souls can say yes at any time without our permission. Besides, who are we to underestimate the power of God?

Blessings,
grannymh
 
mlchance said:
Always remember: There might be a lot of folks in Heaven who’ll be just as surprised to see you there as you are surprised to see them.

👍

– Mark L. Chance.
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Without a doubt! I am banking on it … 🙂
 
OldeThom said:
So … then a non-Catholic can be saved?
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All people are saved by accepting and cooperating with God’s saving grace. The Church acknowledges that this may be possible for non-Catholics. She does not go any further and attempt to say how, or how likely, because these things have not been revealed to her.
 
VociMike said:
All people are saved by accepting and cooperating with God’s saving grace. The Church acknowledges that this may be possible for non-Catholics. She does not go any further and attempt to say how, or how likely, because these things have not been revealed to her.
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Thanks Mike! (as always)

Respectfully,
Thom
 
Trishie said:
Jesus answers the question in Matthew 25, verses 31-46
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Actually, not really as Sacred Tradition has amplified this and further defied what this context is saying. This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture - I depend on it often. Isn’t it odd, and disheartening, how so many use this passage for their own particular end and miss it’s meaning?

Respectfully,
Thom
 
If you find yourself in heaven you will be Catholic and it will have been through the one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church Jesus founded for that very reason.
 
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