Ok lou, let me try one more time, pure and simple, if you live in a outside world and you have no way of even knowing of the Catholic faith, how can God not except you for something that is no way your fault. And if you believe in the Catholic Church and the teachings why dont you believe what it says in the CCC. That post we were talking about. We must believe that tbe Pope is guided by God and that is what the Pope said.
Rinnie, let me clarify; when you say an “outside world and have no way of knowing the Catholic faith,” am I to understand you mean, let’s say a remote island? Do you not believe that with God all things are possible? God is omnificent, omnipotent, most just, most loving. Do you believe he would not bring the Gospel to someone who is following the natural law written upon his heart, seeking to do the will of God? Of course He would. Pope Pius IX addresses your inquires better than I. Pope Pius IX, Singulari Quadem, 1854: But, just as the way of charity demands, let us pour forth continual prayers that all nations everywhere may be converted to Christ; and let us be devoted to the common salvation of men in proportion to our strength, ‘for the hand of the Lord is not shortened’ (Isa. 9:1) and the gifts of heavenly grace will not be wanting those who sincerely wish and ask to be refreshed by this light. Truths of this sort should be deeply fixed in the minds of the faithful."
Pope Pius IX, Singulari Quadem, 1854: Nothing more excellent has been given by the providence of God to man than the authority of divine faith; that this is for us, as it were, a torch in the darkness, a guide which we follow to life; that this is absolutely necessary for salvation; for, ‘without faith… it is impossible to please God’ [Heb. 11:6] and ‘he that believeth not, shall be condemned’ [Mk. 16:16].
What does scripture tell us about those who remain in darkness. "Whom he predestinated, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Rom. 8:30)
"I am the good shepherd: and I know mine, and mine know me. … My sheep hear my voice. And I know them: and they follow me. …And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring. And they shall hear my voice: And there shall be one fold and one shepherd.” (Jn. 14, 27, 16)
"If our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel… should not shine unto them.” (2Cor. 4:3-4) And those to whom it is preached and remain in unbelief are not His sheep. “But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep.” (Jn. 10:26) I hope this helps in answering your question rinnie.
