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Although in so saying I am not rejecting that there are well intentioned and pious individuals who are outwardly living a Christian lifestyle and morality. ,
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There are many such non-catholics, who accept Jesus as Messiah and strive to imitate Christ. They will join whatever church will best help them in their mission to serve God.
Those who have discovered Catholicism will generally say it’s the ‘best fit’ for them. They also will testify that their understanding of Christianity is vastly improved by the Church’s D & D’s, and proper understanding/receiving of sacraments.
However, if you attempt to convince them they weren’t Saved before their discovery of Catholicism … they know otherwise. Salvation is not exclusive to the Catholics … although it is best experienced/lived thru the Church.
Many Protestants have written of their pilgrimage from Protestant faiths into Catholic Church. But, I haven’t seen many who proclaim their salvations came only after entering Catholicism.
Scott Hahn is exhibit #1. He is grateful for his Protestant years, and believes they have made him a better Catholic.
Finally, with regards to ecumenical efforts of Church in past and present. No one wants the Church to give away its D & D’s. But, doesn’t it trouble you that it hasn’t obtained unity with Eastern Church … after almost 1000 years ? Perhaps it’s because it has taken the ‘hardline’ approach for too many of these years.
I would like to see the Church promote Matt Chps 5-7 more in its ecumenical efforts. I think the Protestant & Eastern faiths would be swept back into the fold if some Sermon on Mount ecumenical efforts got a grassroots start within the laity.
We do know that the Catholic leadership often responds to movements of faith/action within the Universal membership. If Catholic laity/priests will work towards a unified Springtime of Harvest …JP2 believed better ecumenical results would surely follow. I see it already starting … but, we need you on board.