On Being Saved and Nonbelievers

[Dobbs]

I know that Catholic doctrine explicitly sates that “those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do this will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience–those too may achieve eternal salvation” (Lumen Gentium, 16).

In other words, persons who have never heard of Christ may indeed achieve heaven. However, when talking to Protestant Fundamentalists, they often say that only Christians (or even worse, only Christians of their denomination) can obtain salvation, and that people who have never heard of Christ (i.e. persons in remote places) are doomed for Hell. They often cite passages from the Bible to the effect of: “the only way to salvation is through Christ” or “the unbelievers will be cast to Hell.”

What can I say to these people? Is there any good scriptural evidence for the Catholic perspective?

Dobbs

 

[Fr_Ambrose]

Dobbs:

IIn other words, persons who have never heard of Christ may indeed achieve heaven. However, when talking to Protestant Fundamentalists, they often say that only Christians (or even worse, only Christians of their denomination) can obtain salvation, and that people who have never heard of Christ (i.e. persons in remote places) are doomed for Hell. They often cite passages from the Bible to the effect of: “the only way to salvation is through Christ” or “the unbelievers will be cast to Hell.”

What can I say to these people? Is there any good scriptural evidence for the Catholic perspective?

Dobbs

There is very good scriptural evidence, from Saint Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

“…for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
Romans 2:14-16

 

[Dobbs]

Thanks a lot, Fr. That’s a great passage.

Dobbs

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Gods laws are written on mans hearts. We we all be judged by the Law. No one is exempt. God Bless