Mark 9:40, Protestantism, and Heresy

[aphisherofmen]

I really need help understanding this passage. So many people have tried to convince me that you don’t need to be Catholic and Mark 9:40 and parallel verses all suppot that. I can agree that protestant’s are “for Christ” and for the most part do good work…but they also detract in some way by presenting the partial truth - do they not? Does this verse justify the existence of thousands of denomenations teaching different things, or are they stretching it out of context?

I’ve heard there is a similar parallel to moses calling the 70 and the 2 who didn’t make it but still had the spirit poured on them…

Any thoughts would be greatly appriciated.

Pax Christi,

-Justin

 

[RyanL]

aphisherofmen:

So many people have tried to convince me that you don’t need to be Catholic and Mark 9:40 and parallel verses all suppot that.

Does a person need to be Catholic to be saved? Normatively, yes. Extra ecclesiam nulla salus.

Can a non-Catholic be saved? Extra-ordinarily, yes. Please read the link above, as I think it will answer many of your questions.

I can agree that protestant’s are “for Christ” and for the most part do good work…but they also detract in some way by presenting the partial truth - do they not?

Yes, they do. Christ started a Church, and to the extent that they teach (1) He did not and/or (2) the Catholic Church isn’t the Church Christ founded, they are against Christ’s Church (which is His body - “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”)

Does this verse justify the existence of thousands of denomenations teaching different things, or are they stretching it out of context?

It does not justify thousands of denominations. Those who would attempt to justify teaching contrary doctrines with this verse are stretching it out of context - however, they are not doing so intentionally (therefore it is not a willful rebellion against God, i.e., grave sin).

Christ prayed that we may be one, just as He and the Father are one. We should seek unity. Christ said to the Apostles that he who rejects them reject Christ - I’m pretty sure Jesus meant it.

God Bless,
RyanL

 

[aphisherofmen]

Yes, they do. Christ started a Church, and** to the extent that they teach (1) He did not and/or (2) the Catholic Church isn’t the Church Christ founded, they are against Christ’s Church** (which is His body - “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”)

Good point!