Yes, I realise that Catholics are generally more devout than other religions, but why should anybody get different treatment in Heaven? Is everbody equal in Heaven or are they not? Answers with chapter and verse appreciated.
2007-05-07 07:00:10 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
*Is Catholic*
Yes it is true. People in heave are not equal.
The deacon above is misinformed.
While all who are in heaven have the beatific vision/ have undergone theosis, the degree to which one sees God / is united with God is dependent upon one's merits. There is different treatment and special privileges.
Before I get to the references, I would like to remind our deacon that Mary is Queen of Heaven and is above all the angels and all the Saints. The angels themselves are ordered into choirs which are of different ranks. This is sure proof that there is a hierarchical order to heaven.
This is covered in the Council of Trent 6th Session
CANON XXIV.-If any one saith, that the justice received is not preserved and also increased before God through good works; but that the said works are merely the fruits and signs of Justification obtained, but not a cause of the increase thereof; let him be anathema.
CANON XXVI.-If any one saith, that the just ought not, for their good works done in God, to expect and hope for an eternal recompense from God, through His mercy and the merit of Jesus Christ, if so be that they persevere to the end in well [Page 48] doing and in keeping the divine commandments; let him be anathema.
CANON XXXI.-If any one saith, that the justified sins when he performs good works with a view to an eternal recompense; let him be anathema.
CANON XXXII.-If any one saith, that the good works of one that is justified are in such manner the gifts of God, as that they are not also the good merits of him that is justified; or, that the said justified, by the good works which he performs through the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ, whose living member he is, does not truly merit increase of grace, eternal life, and the attainment of that eternal life,-if so be, however, that he depart in grace,-and also an increase of glory; let him be anathema.
Here are various scriptural passages. There are more.
Eph 4:7, 12, 1 Cor 12:11, 2 Peter 3:18, Rev. 22:11,
St Augustine Teaches in Ep. 167, 3, 13 that "The saints are clothed with justice, the one more, the other less"
Also see
St. Thomas Summa Theologica
http://www.newadvent.org/summa/2112.htm#4
2007-05-08 16:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by Liet Kynes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church doesn't teach any such thing. The only "privilege" in heaven is being in the eternal presence of God, and that privilege belongs to everyone who is there.
2007-05-07 07:15:10 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
More Devout?????? NO!
If anything, their special place should be in a
'Time Out' chair!
2007-05-07 07:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
eh? uh, no. If there is any place where we will all be equal, it's heaven where we are all loved as children of God.
2007-05-07 07:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They think so, and they are no more devout than any other sky fantasy.
2007-05-07 07:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by bocasbeachbum 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
specially the ones with transplant.
2007-05-07 07:34:29 · answer #6 · answered by Hamzeh 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
tell ya what.. i'll save you a special seat!!
2007-05-07 07:12:04 · answer #7 · answered by Sister Matylda 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋