I read this today and was shocked, What is your take? This was document approved by the the Pope himself:
"Christ 'established here on earth' only one church," the document said. The other communities "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" because they do not have apostolic succession -- the ability to trace their bishops back to Christ's original apostles. And only the Catholic Religion can offer salvation.
2007-07-10 07:36:36 · 5 answers · asked by mstaxlady 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Here is the full text of the new document that states nothing new: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html
Most Christian denominations believe that each of them is the fullest version of the Church of Christ.
While the Catholic Church also believes that she is "the highest exemplar" of the mystery that is the Church of Christ, she does not claim that non-Catholic Churches are not truly Christian. The Catholic Church teaches:
Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.
Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church.
All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him.
With love in Christ.
2007-07-10 18:25:09 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is an age-old solid dogma of the Catholic Church. What the Pope has reasserted is nothing new. It has been spoken of by many Popes and saints. There is no salvation outside the Roman Catholic church. That is the truth.
2007-07-11 12:33:14 · answer #2 · answered by Pat 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Let me first say that I amCatholic and do NOT agree with this doctrine. Catholic's do not hold the only keys to salvation. That's ridiculous.
But, I do not know why everyone is so shocked. This has been the way it was for as long as I know and only reiterated my the Vatican II council. When Catholic's pray the Nicean Creed we say " I believe in one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church". Did no one pick up on this until now?
2007-07-10 14:53:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No one, who only knows the teaching and "tradition" of the Roman cult will ever enter heaven.
2007-07-10 14:39:49 · answer #4 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no i did not.and no it is not the only one.
2007-07-10 14:50:10 · answer #5 · answered by Curious M. 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋