Is it a sin to believe that only Catholics go to heaven..?

[Robert_Burns]

Originally Posted by JuanCarlos
Extra Ecclesia Nulla Salus (outside the Church there is no salvation) is an infallible teaching of the Church. However, Feeneyism (only those physically baptized by water explicitly into the Catholic Church can be saved) is a heresy.

So, believe that the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation, and leave it to God to determine if one fits the mark of invincible ignorance.

Best answer to this question I’ve heard in long time.

Thanks.
Peace in Christ,
Joel

Robert: Agreed - But it should be stated that Extra Ecclesia Nulla Salus was around for Centuries prior to Father Feeney and his convoluted understanding of Baptism in that he rejected Baptism of Desire and of Blood which was soundly condemned by Pope Pius the XII. The Definition of Natural Law as outlined by St Thomas Aquinas in Summa Theologia as well does not contradict Extra Ecclesia Nulla Salus. One merely needs a deeper understanding of its truths.

Pax

 

[numealinesimpet]

Sorry - My post should have begun with the Words “I Think you have”

Let’s try again…

I think you have a faulty understanding of what is meant by there is no salvation outside the Catholic Religion.

When Catholics say we possess the fullness of Truth it means exactly that. That the Catholic Church begun by GOD (Jesus in the Second person of the Holy Trinity) and guided since Pentecost Sunday (By the Holy Ghost the third person of the Holy Trinity) means exactly that we have the Revelation of GOD. No other religion possesses that Trait. Period. We are not arrogant for recognising that JESUS is the Messiah. GOD revealed that fact to Mankind directly. Even the Jews who awaited the Messiah do not possess the fullness since they do not possess the teachings of the Messiah and the holy Ghost which was revealed by GOD the Father to them and to the Gentiles subsequently.

This fullness of Truth is the Deposit of Faith.

I agree in full.

Even Vatican II in opening up the possibility of salvation outside the Faith

The Vatican II documents are definitely not as clear as they could be. In the present instance, after very careful perusal, it can be said that they teach the Faith, but they most definitely leave one open to the belief that one can be saved “through” membership of a non-Catholic denomination. Now it is perennial teaching that one cannot be saved “outside the Faith”. the only question is, how does one get “inside” if one is, in the public forum, outside it during this life?

… admits that only those religions who SHARE in that TRUTH have that ability.

Yes, but that is only because of the Catholic Truths which they possess. They are saved, if they are at all, “in spite of” their non-Catholic practices. And before they pass the pearly Gates the other truths, even implicit, will have been revealed or accepted by them.

Heretics are deniers of truth.

Do you mind if I revise the Catholic meaning of heresy, which in a way is encouraging? The word comes from the Greek “herein” (pron 'herrain" = “to choose”.) By canon law 1324 (I think! Last time I looked it up was 1983!) only the person who actually makes the decision to leave the Catholic church, or to refuse to join with a full understanding of what it is he is rejecting, is a heretic. If he then produces offspring and baptizes them the children are Catholics – because there is only "One Faith, One Baptism (and one Church – on This Rock). Later in his life, the child may make a conscious and informed rejection. Then he may take on heretical ways. But he is still not a heretic in the Catholic sense until he has been personally admonished by the lawful authority in a formal court, and rejected their admonition. Then his “pertinacity” is proven and he can be called a heretic.

A False religion will contain man made falsehoods not of GOD. therefore - they are at the disadvantage because of that fact.

Agreed.

So if members of those religions attain salvation - they do so in spite of those errors. The truths which are wholly contained in the Catholic Church cannot be separated from the Catholic Church as they come from GOD and are sustained by GOD hence the power of the Papacy in infallibility from the Chair of st Peter.

Those religions outside of the Catholic religion may have members who are saved - but they are not saved out of the merit of that Religion itself - but rather - because those individuals embraced the truths from GOD and rejected the errors of men.

Exactly.

I think you need to understand the Theology of Vatican II. It is in the SHARED Truths

plus the invisible enlightenment, perfect contrition, and true will to obey and please God that will amount to embracing the ENTIRE Catholic Faith – see the Athanasian Creed, which is infallible

that their salvation is possible but there is no error in Catholicism. No other religion can make that claim.

Yes, I agree. I don’t think we disagree here. Perhaps my previous post was not sufficiently clear.

 

[Robert_Burns]

Let’s try again…
I agree in full.The Vatican II documents are definitely not as clear as they could be. In the present instance, after very careful perusal, it can be said that they teach the Faith, but they most definitely leave one open to the belief that one can be saved “through” membership of a non-Catholic denomination. Now it is perennial teaching that one cannot be saved “outside the Faith”. the only question is, how does one get “inside” if one is, in the public forum, outside it during this life? Yes, but that is only because of the Catholic Truths which they possess. They are saved, if they are at all, “in spite of” their non-Catholic practices. And before they pass the pearly Gates the other truths, even implicit, will have been revealed or accepted by them. Do you mind if I revise the Catholic meaning of heresy, which in a way is encouraging? The word comes from the Greek “herein” (pron 'herrain" = “to choose”.) By canon law 1324 (I think! Last time I looked it up was 1983!) only the person who actually makes the decision to leave the Catholic church, or to refuse to join with a full understanding of what it is he is rejecting, is a heretic. If he then produces offspring and baptizes them the children are Catholics – because there is only "One Faith, One Baptism (and one Church – on This Rock). Later in his life, the child may make a conscious and informed rejection. Then he may take on heretical ways. But he is still not a heretic in the Catholic sense until he has been personally admonished by the lawful authority in a formal court, and rejected their admonition. Then his “pertinacity” is proven and he can be called a heretic. Agreed. Exactly.plus the invisible enlightenment, perfect contrition, and true will to obey and please God that will amount to embracing the ENTIRE Catholic Faith – see the Athanasian Creed, which is infallibleYes, I agree. I don’t think we disagree here. Perhaps my previous post was not sufficiently clear.

Yes , for the most part I agree. The Merit lies in the Truths of Catholicism revealed by GOD to Catholicism , borrowed in part by other religions or revealed by Natural law but none of which contradicts a single Catholic Dogma. The Papacy was placed in Charge of the Church by Our Lord and is guided by the Holy Ghost. No other false religion can make this claim. The Merit lies in the Truths revealed to mankind by GOD and since the Catholic Church is guided by GOD the Holy Ghost and his Vicar the Pope - she can teach no error. That fullness of truth is always present in her.

 

[agent_grey]

Any man/woman that belives Comunion is symbolic has the mark of the beast.

 

[Robert_Burns]

Any man/woman that belives Comunion is symbolic has the mark of the beast.

I dont know about the “Mark of the Beast” but one thing is certain - they would be in Denial of the Dogma of the Real Presense thus placing themselves outside of the One True Faith.

 

[Purple_Junebug]

There have been alot of Catholics throughout history, and even some today who believe that only Catholics, exclusively, can go to heaven…

Are these Catholics living in sin…?

It is a sin to believe that you decide who goes to heaven or hell. Or to judge others in that way, only God knows who’s going to heaven. I think everyone, even non-Catholics have the opportunity to go to heaven, it depends on what they believe and how they live. But in the end, God decides, not us. I think it is still very important to evangelize people and get others interested in the Catholic faith, that’s all we can do in that regaurd.

 

[zab]

There have been alot of Catholics throughout history, and even some today who believe that only Catholics, exclusively, can go to heaven…

Are these Catholics living in sin…?

No, they are not living in sin simply because this is what they believe. Rather, they are living in ignorance.