Would "Inclusivism" work here?

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jmstrem

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Hi,

My wife, children, and I are Catholic. Our extended family is not, but I think they may be curious about the faith.

One potential barrier, especially for my father in law, is a notion that he has heard (probably from non Catholic Christians) that anyone outside the Christian faith cannot be saved. I think he has a perception that the Church would think his parents (who were Buddhists from Asia) are condemned, and he resents this.

However, I know that the Church teaches that salvation is possible for those not in the visible Church. Does the term “inclusivism” capture this?

If so, can you offer scriptural evidence for inclusivism?

Thank you!!!
 
Hi,

I’m afraid that the term “inclusivism” brings up other issues that would complicate rather than give clarity. The Church considers herself as “the universal sacrament of salvation” which covers everyone who has ever lived-even though they may not know this. While it is normatively necessary to be a Catholic to be saved (see CCC 846; Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 14), there are exceptions, and it is possible in some circumstances for people to be saved who have not been fully initiated into the Catholic Church (CCC 847).

See: catholic.com/library/Salvation_Outside_the_Church.asp

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
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