Christians: How do you feel about the Pope calling some Christian churches false?

Question

Seems the Pope is reiterating that if you're not Catholic, you're not saved. How do you feel about that?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070710/ap_on_re_eu/pope_other_christians;_ylt=AmmZy4i7Yj81OaetkbHQE2z9xg8F

Answer 1

I'm a former Catholic,but in any event he is simply restating what has always been the position,namely that Christianity is not a do-it-yourself kit. Authority is based on disciplic succession. I'm surprized at the attitude - the old "primacy" issue - toward the Eastern Orthodox Church, which has preserved disciplic succession from Paul on. And also the seeming rejection of the Anglican Church,which has been drawing closer since Vatican II. As to the rest of it,maybe you're impressed with home-made Christian variants or mutations - fundies - but I'm certainly not.
Why would an athiest care about something like this,by the way? I mean,if you're not a Christian of some sort,why would it be an issue for you?

Answer 2

I fear that the Pope's comments will rekindle the old Protestant/Catholic debate at the very least. I cannot understand why, at a time like now, with as much turmoil there is across the world that the Pope would choose to make this statement. The judgement of men is made by Christ through God, not by a man...whatever title he wears.

Answer 3

He never said that. Read it again.

What he is saying is that some Protestant ecclesial communities do not meet the Catholic definition of what a church is.

He never says anything about folks not being saved. Quite the contrary, he says, " the ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery, are not Churches in the proper sense; however, those who are baptized in these communities are, by Baptism, incorporated in Christ and thus are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Church. Baptism in fact tends per se toward the full development of life in Christ, through the integral profession of faith, the Eucharist, and full communion in the Church."

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000806_dominus-iesus_en.html

Answer 4

Catholics do not worship idols Saints, Mary or the Pope and they do not value tradition over scripture. Scripture actually tells us to value tradition in Paul's letters to the Thessalonians and at numerous points in the old testament. Are you one of those "Christians" who ignores that part of the Bible because Catholics do not. Jesus Christ was a Jew and the Jewish religion values tradition. Jesus also told his followers to emulate him as much as they can and since He followed tradition all Christians should. Catholics are Christians get over the bigoted rant from your minister.

Answer 5

I believe he basically said the other churches were "wounded" or without authority, not about individuals being saved. From a logical point of view, he claims that there is only one church. That one church must have apostolic authority.

From my point of view. his flaw is in the claim that he holds that authority. This may be shown in many ways. The simplest is that the ancient church fell into apostasy and the priesthood authority was removed from the earth.

Answer 6

Why would it take the pope to say so...

I'll do it:

ALL the christian and catholic churches are false - they are part of religion and religion has been eliminated from Spirituality by Universal Truth...

Here's the simply Solution for christianity and religion...

Have UnConditional Love and Peace by accomplishing this:
Create Your Relationship with Our Creator.

Answer 7

i don't think he said specifically if you're not catholic you're false. if he did? he's wrong. i could pick apart that fake church and it's non biblical teachings and make it false.

Jesus said 5 of 7 churches are false so it's not a new concept. how many christian so called churches teach ishtar/easter in place of passover? when ishtar is a pagan goddess of fertility and has nothing to do with Jesus' shed blood or our salvation? that's just one false doctrine taught as truth by fakes.

Answer 8

He should be more concerned with the pedophile catholic priests than protestants.


What does the Catholic Church and Sears have in common?

Both have boys pants half off.

Answer 9

That has always been the official stance of the Catholic Church and I have had Catholics tell me that to my face...

Answer 10

Since I don't agree with HIS theology, I'm not surprised that he doesn't agree with mine. He can say whatever he wants, I don't really care. It's between me and God, not me and the Pope.