The Pope has declared Protestant churches impostors without access to salvation does it seems fair?

Question

Yes cause he says that the only church with direct historical links to the original apostles is the Catholic church and that Jesus only founded one church. The torch cannot be passed outside the catholic church so for 500 year or so protestants have been going to Hell or staying in limbo with no ticket to heaven.

Answer 1

How does the Pope explain the hundreds of years between when Jesus lived and the beginning of the catholic church by Emperor Constantine

Answer 2

Agreed..i read that also in the paper. Catholicism, whether ppl like it or not, is the TRUE Christian faith. If the Catholic church didn't come about there wouldn't be all these other denominations of Christianity. Now I know Christians of other denominations will argue "if there's a will there's a way", but reality and logical thinking says otherwise.

If the Catholic Church didn't collect and achieved Jesus's teachings he would just another countless criminal cruised by the Romans with its fantical followers. Anyway, without getting 2 much into this...the Roman Empire created the Catholic Church as a political move to save the Empire...the question u have to ask yourself is "Did the Roman Empire really fall or did it take on different face?" Think about it....all the pontiffs and senators were appointed to Bishop's and Priests during the transition. But that's WHOLE other discussion in itself.

Answer 3

He was being a naughty old pope if he said the only church with direct historical links to the original apostles is the Catholic Church.

What he should have said is that the only churches with direct historical links to the original apostles are the catholic churches. Plural, with a small 'c'. This includes the protestant 'catholic and apostolic' churches such as the Church of England.

They are the churches which hold to a 'catholic' line of direct apostolic succession of ordained ministers.

(People who want a pope but would like a different one, can always join the coptic church, and see what the pope of Alexandria has to say about things)

Answer 4

If you are a Catholic, what the Pope says is doctrine--he (if you are a true Catholic) is the vicar of Christ or "Dominus Iesus".
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1641666,00.html

Pope Benedict XVI rejects the erroneous interpretation of the council by liberals. His pronouncement is not a break from the past but rather a renewal of church tradition. In other words, this is what Catholicism has believed all along.

"Christ established here on earth only one church [all others] cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense because they do not have apostolic succession" (ie the ability to trace their bishops back to Christ's original apostles)

Answer 5

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.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 819: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p3.htm#819

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

The be conscious Christian ability Follower of Christ. so as to be a Follower of Christ, you need to properly known him because of the fact the top of the Church on condition that's what's taught interior the Bible. The Catholic Church claims that the Pope is the top of the Church. as a result via definition, Catholics won't be in a position to be seen Christians. the main stunning designations for Catholics is Paptist meaning Follower of the Pope. additionally, the Catholic Church claims that their faith is going all of the previously to the unique team of believers and that Peter replaced into the 1st Pope. besides the undeniable fact that, the assumption of one individual being Head of the entire Church did no longer come into existence until 4 hundred years after Peter died. as a result, he ought to no longer have been the 1st Pope. In precis, Catholics are no longer Christians. they are employing the call of Jesus as a merchandising gadget to sell their own faith.

Answer 7

The Pope said no such thing! First of all, the statement didn't come from the Pope, though He approved it before it was released. Secondly, the Pope did NOT say that non-Catholics are not Christian, OR that non-Catholics are not saved. Why don't you READ it before commenting on it?

To correct some of the other misconceptions posted here ... The Catholic Church existed for several hundred years, by that name, before Constantine was born. Constantine's only contribution to Catholicism was to legalize it after centuries of persecution. The Anglican Church has no apostolic succession. It was founded by Henry VIII, who was certainly not a successor of the apostles.

Answer 8

I doubt the Pope said that. The pope tries to follow the words of Jesus, so I dont' think he would speak bad things. If people in Protestant churches follow the things that Jesus adviced humanity to do, which are good things about being good human beings, I don't think that they would lose salvation.

Answer 9

Its wrong for him, or anyone else that thinks that way, to voice that. I have always been taught that thats the very thing that will get you into trouble. Theres alot of controversy on the different religions, but what most people, even alot of christians can't get through their heads is that its whats between you and God that matters. If you go to a certain church and feel it isn't helping you, then you should seek another one. Eventually you will find where you know God wants you to be. That goes for everyone.

Answer 10

Did you actually read what the Pope said?

He did NOT say that Protestants can not go to heaven.

I wonder how many hundred more times this is going to be asked and answered today?

Does anyone ever do a question search before asking?

Peace be with you.

Answer 11

the church is made up of those who follow Jesus and allow him into their heart. even are willing to give their lives to him the pope is just a man what is says is not more important than a new born babe.. I do not think it is him though so much as the vatican made up of ageing men with few brain cells left between them.