Ignorance .. not sinning?

[HNA444]

I know that in order to commit a mortal sin one has to KNOW that it is a mortal sin. So, for instance, the situation in Iraq now, where Muslims are killing the Christians in Iraq… my priest said that God would have mercy on them because they do not know they are committing a sin. According to their teaching, what they are doing is right. I just have a hard time understanding how those who are ignorant but do bad things would have a better chance of getting to Heaven, than say someone who is Catholic and maybe missed church couple times, etc. Because, isn’t ultimately our goal to get to Heaven? Can someone explain this more to me.

 

[Orleans_Attny]

I know that in order to commit a mortal sin one has to KNOW that it is a mortal sin. So, for instance the situation in Iraq now, where the Muslims are killing the Christians in Iraq… my priest said that God would have mercy on them because they do not know they are committing a sin, according to their teaching, what they are doing is right. I just have a hard time understanding how those who are ignorant but do bad things would have a better chance of getting to Heaven, than say someone who is Catholic and maybe missed church couple times, etc. Because, isn’t ultimately our goal to get to Heaven? Can someone explain this more to me.

This sort of question is not something that I’d ever wonder because I’m rather too distracted with my own faults - but I’ve heard similiar questions before, and I’ve read similiar questions here. As I consider my answer, it seems that I keep coming back to a few basic points:

1. Who gets into heaven is God’s business, not mine.
2. Personally, however, I want everyone to get into heaven.
3. I suspect that each of us is judged according to our own actions and in light of our own knowledge and capabilities. And since our experiences and faculties vary so greatly, wouldn’t our actions and culpability vary greatly?
4. If I’m lucky enough to squeak through the gates, I’ll be bowled over with gratitute. I’d never be able to look at another person and say, “Really?!?!? I guess they’ll just let anyone in.”

But, frankly, I don’t know how to explain my thoughts on this sort of question to someone. Prodigal Son? St. Paul? St. Augustine? My own miserable evils? The fact that I don’t give much thought about who gets into heaven?

Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Mt. 7:13-14

I’m too worried about my own way. And I simply won’t get distracted by whether others do or don’t get into heaven. It’s above my paygrade.

Pax,
OA

 

[HNA444]

This sort of question is not something that I’d ever wonder because I’m rather too distracted with my own faults - but I’ve heard similiar questions before, and I’ve read similiar questions here. As I consider my answer, it seems that I keep coming back to a few basic points:

1. Who gets into heaven is God’s business, not mine.
2. Personally, however, I want everyone to get into heaven.
3. I suspect that each of us is judged according to our own actions and in light of our own knowledge and capabilities. And since our experiences and faculties vary so greatly, wouldn’t our actions and culpability vary greatly?
4. If I’m lucky enough to squeak through the gates, I’ll be bowled over with gratitute. I’d never be able to look at another person and say, “Really?!?!? I guess they’ll just let anyone in.”

But, frankly, I don’t know how to explain this sort of question to someone. I don’t care to know. Prodigal Son? St. Paul? St. Augustine? My own miserable evils?

I simply won’t despair over who does or doesn’t get into heaven. It’s above my paygrade.

Pax,
OA

I’m not really asking who gets into Heaven or if I will get into Heaven. I guess basically what i’m wondering is why is it so important to live by the words of God? Sorry if that sounds bad, but don’t know how else to word it.

 

[RSD]

I’m not really asking who gets into Heaven or if I will get into Heaven. I guess basically what i’m wondering is why is it so important to live by the words of God? Sorry if that sounds bad, but don’t know how else to word it.

It is important to live by the words of God because He made us, He knows what He intends for us. It’s sort like following the manufacturer’s directions for use.

 

[Orchanian]

I recall Jesus saying that, if someone led another into sin, the first would be punished severely but the second not so severely. So they would still face punishment. (Don’t remember scripture/verse Also, Paul writes that we have no excuse for not knowing God as we need only look around and see proof of Him. (That’s in Romans somewhere, sorry can’t quote verse)

I think the bottom line is that, if we know what God expects of us and we don’t do it, we can’t really say that we love God. We should be forever striving to serve Him - to become saints.

Some people choose violence and justify it with religion. That doesn’t mean that they don’t know what is truly right. That’s not to say that some aren’t “brainwashed”. Consider those who might be naive and are caught up in “religious feminism”, worshiping Goddesses and participating in “white witchcraft”, rejecting God the Father for God the Mother. Some people know better, others are tragically misguided. God knows the difference - he knows people’s hearts. Just because someone quotes scripture doesn’t mean he is serving God. Think of Satan - he knows the Bible!

Follow God and do right because it pleases God, because you know it’s the right thing to do, because you want to be holy and perfect when you come into His presence in the next life. Don’t worry about whether it’s “fair” for someone to be able to sin out of ignorance. Be grateful that you know what pleases God so that you can be more pleasing to Him. Focus on Him and all will be good.

 

[Bookcat]

I know that in order to commit a mortal sin one has to KNOW that it is a mortal sin. So, for instance, the situation in Iraq now, where Muslims are killing the Christians in Iraq… my priest said that God would have mercy on them because they do not know they are committing a sin. According to their teaching, what they are doing is right. I just have a hard time understanding how those who are ignorant but do bad things would have a better chance of getting to Heaven, than say someone who is Catholic and maybe missed church couple times, etc. Because, isn’t ultimately our goal to get to Heaven? Can someone explain this more to me.

God will judge them according to their lights etc…but we do no know what those are…God does.

They do not “have a better chance of getting to heaven”. One gets to heaven via Jesus Christ and his Church…and not knowing him …has them at a “disadvantage” (hence one reason for the great importance of evangelization) …though Jesus can save them and give them graces in ways we do not see…or know…

Christians have the great grace of Knowing Jesus of Nazareth. Of true life in him…they have his Sacraments etc… (though we will be held more to account …tis true). And we need to proclaim him to others…so they can have “true life” in him.

As to moral “ignorance” read: vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a6.htm#IV

 

[HNA444]

I recall Jesus saying that, if someone led another into sin, the first would be punished severely but the second not so severely. So they would still face punishment. (Don’t remember scripture/verse Also, Paul writes that we have no excuse for not knowing God as we need only look around and see proof of Him. (That’s in Romans somewhere, sorry can’t quote verse)

I think the bottom line is that, if we know what God expects of us and we don’t do it, we can’t really say that we love God. We should be forever striving to serve Him - to become saints.

Some people choose violence and justify it with religion. That doesn’t mean that they don’t know what is truly right. That’s not to say that some aren’t “brainwashed”. Consider those who might be naive and are caught up in “religious feminism”, worshiping Goddesses and participating in “white witchcraft”, rejecting God the Father for God the Mother. Some people know better, others are tragically misguided. God knows the difference - he knows people’s hearts. Just because someone quotes scripture doesn’t mean he is serving God. Think of Satan - he knows the Bible!

Follow God and do right because it pleases God, because you know it’s the right thing to do, because you want to be holy and perfect when you come into His presence in the next life. Don’t worry about whether it’s “fair” for someone to be able to sin out of ignorance. Be grateful that you know what pleases God so that you can be more pleasing to Him. Focus on Him and all will be good.

You are right, thank you!

 

[HNA444]

God will judge them according to their lights etc…but we do no know what those are…God does.

They do not “have a better chance of getting to heaven”. One gets to heaven via Jesus Christ and his Church…and not knowing him …has them at a “disadvantage” (hence one reason for the great importance of evangelization) …though Jesus can save them and give them graces in ways we do not see…or know…

Christians have the great grace of Knowing Jesus of Nazareth. Of true life in him…they have his Sacraments etc… (though we will be held more to account …tis true). And we need to proclaim him to others…so they can have “true life” in him.

As to moral “ignorance” read: vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a6.htm#IV

I will read that, thank you!