What do you think of Karl Rahner?

[ej1111]

I know Rahner came up with the concept of the “hidden Christian,” i.e. someone who does not know about Christianity but who is a good person within their own religious system and is really a Christian but doesn’t know it yet. This would enable good people of other religions to be saved. In my opinionIt is the most awesome concept ever (almost).

 

[Emerald]

ej1111:

I know Rahner came up with the concept of the “hidden Christian,” i.e. someone who does not know about Christianity but who is a good person within their own religious system and is really a Christian but doesn’t know it yet.

The concept is actually called “the Anonymous Christian”.

This would enable good people of other religions to be saved. In my opinionIt is the most awesome concept ever (almost).

Gee, I wonder why God hadn’t thought of it already…

John, you say you don’t care for what you call the “rigorist” concept of the dogma that there is no salvation outside the Church. Now there are many, many effective ways to approach this discussion, but let me ask you this:

When it comes to abortion, do you hold a rigorist anti-abortion stance?

 

[spiritblows]

ej1111:

I know Rahner came up with the concept of the “hidden Christian,” i.e. someone who does not know about Christianity but who is a good person within their own religious system and is really a Christian but doesn’t know it yet. This would enable good people of other religions to be saved. In my opinionIt is the most awesome concept ever (almost).

Yes, I agree. This is also refered to as ‘inclusivistic’ theology. It only makes sense. It’s a big breakthrough for the Church, and ties together everything, in my mind.

 

[spiritblows]

John Higgins:

Those who believe in Christ are saved by Him through his Church. As the Catechism says, non-Catholic Christians are in a certain “imperfect communion” with the Catholic Church.

John

Yes, I agree with this. This thoughtful explanation really helped me in my conversion because it just didn’t make sense otherwise to me.