The Catholic Catechism and Vatican 2 stated that there might be extraordinary circumstances where a non Christian will get to heaven. Not sure exactly what it says, but something to that extent. I don't want to get out my Catechism and seach for it right now. Do you as a Catholic concur and if so, how do you come to terms with the numerous Biblical references that says Christ is the only way to the Father in addition to the pre-Vatican 2 stance that disagreed with this.
2006-07-15 19:15:50 · 27 answers · asked by coopertaylor2003 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Catholic Church believes that those who die never hearing of Christ but have sought the truth and does the will of God as they understand it can be saved. This is called the Baptism of desire.
With love in Christ.
2006-07-16 14:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
U bible peeps put there just reead this text: James 2: 14-26
Basically a faith without good works is a dead fiath and hence useless. James 2:24 - So u see, a person is acknowledged by works and not faith alone. So u need both good works and faith. For a non-catholic if he follows the laws that are written in the hearts of man - good works, he gets into heavens. I believe christ said this in a parable about separating the sheeps form the goats.
How can catholics not be christians? The Catholic Church founded by Christ is not christian but the protestant church founded by Man is christian...love the logic. Aniwaes to all those with questionsa about mary and statues please visit catholic answers website. It explains everythin. Just study history and the texts of the early church fathers ( few hundred AD)...u find thier teachings consistent to that of the catholic church. Furthermore Christ did appoint Peter as Pope and promised that the church (catholic church) will not fall to the forces of Hell...so if the Catholic church is accused of ebing led astray, that is the same as saying Christ is a liar.
2006-07-18 23:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by Dark Lord 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a former Catholic and I never remember the nuns teaching that. They did teach it was hard to get into heaven except for priests, and that purgatory is more than likely the place you'll end up. However, I have learned since then that that isn't true. Jesus is the way to heaven.
Romans 10:9-10 says, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." If you don't have Jesus, you can't get to heaven under any circumstances. So you are correct...He is the only way.
Salvation is having sins forgiven, not by priests, but by the Lord, eternal life, reconciliation to the Father, and an encounter with God. It will change your life.
2006-07-15 19:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by steves_wifey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Roman Catholic Church has been rife with dogma for centuries. You're an unfortunate party to the folly of the church, which has been duping people like you, unfairly, for centuries. Salvation, Heaven, is won by NOTHING you or I can do as human beings. This may seem contrary to the teaching of the church and it probably is. By grace ALONE we are saved. It's biblical and apart from the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Which raises a question... At least in the mind of Martin Luther, and therefore, in your mind also. Who is any man to decide the way to Heaven? It is by grace alone, the meer acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, that we gain entrance to the community of Heaven. Not by works, nor chastity, nor anything we can do as humans, but by grace alone. You've read the Book, the God inspired word. Where do you find the references to anything otherwise? You don't. Welcome to the wonderful world of Protestantism, hopefully Lutheran, also known by some as "Catholic Lite". God bless.
2006-07-15 19:39:04 · answer #4 · answered by Johnny P 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am catholic, but disagree with that theory.
Many people do not know God . Are they doomed?
If they do not know right from wrong, does that send them to hell?
I have often thought about this.
Does a new born baby that dies at an early age go to hell?
How does one know that a person dying has not accepted Christ on their death bed.
I think we should leave the judging to God and do what is right to assure our own place in heaven.
We are not supposed to worship false God's. Is this not what the catholics think of the Pope?
I have a problem with that too.
2006-07-15 19:23:05 · answer #5 · answered by cheeky chic 379 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholocism teaches you must keep the sacraments as well as believe in Jesus. So they add to the work of Jesus which is not needed. Jesus did all we need to be saved and we are saved by faith through grace not by works it is the gift of God lest any man should boast.
For the idea that someone may get into heaven apart from Jesus you are right that just isn't going to happen I don't care what vatican or any pope says, Jesus is the only way.
2006-07-15 19:21:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was a former catholic, and more often that not catholic teachings are in clear defiant of what the Lord Jesus Christ has taught his followers. e.g. idolatry, catholics still use idols, relics and other mediator. but it seems to me that what you are worried about is that there are non christians who maybe saved and go to heaven, but the answer is yes, those are the people who were never been reached by the words of God, however they will be judge according to the laws of their heart, surely they know whether what their doings are good or bad. did you know that catholisms is a non-biblical religion? did you know what was the meaning of the words written on the popes hat (VICARIVS FILLI DEI) it literraly means that he is Christ replacement as lord and savior, while if you count that very words it will translate as the name of the beast, 666 (roman numerals). will you still cling to that religion? now that you know that it is not the true one and it will not lead you to salvation?
napjacker_66
2006-07-15 19:51:05 · answer #7 · answered by raddie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Christ is the way to heaven, if you have heard the Gospels and accept him. It is possible for a non-christian to get into heaven if he or she has not heard ANY part of the Gospels. Proof of this can be found in Romans 2:12-16
2006-07-15 19:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A non christian can go to heave, but they don't have the tools that the catholics have to make more easy gain the heaven. Try to know more about Catholicism, because I experienced that only the people how don't know so much about catholic faith and don't participate in it, easily change their minds. I am happily catholic and I Recommend you to try to close to the catholic activities and talk with people how knows well this faith, like your favorite priest.Good luck!
2006-07-15 19:30:24 · answer #9 · answered by Ednat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pope's came along and validate other religions. The current Pope is trying to reconcile with Islam. the last Pope said Buddist are going to heaven, and he tried to say evolution is good. The evidences shows Catholicism is insecure and in the face of John14:6.
2006-07-15 19:22:50 · answer #10 · answered by tim D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋