How does Catholicism justify this seeming dichotomy of doctrine?

Question

The Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism explains: "For it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained."

At the same time, the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 16, November 21, 1964, states “…The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day…”

Not meant to bash Catholicism (though perhaps challenge it). But can someone explain how these two statements fit together without representing a contradiction?

I acknowledge I am not familiar with the entirety of Catholic Doctrine and am open to legitimate answers. Thanks...

It seems as though the answer may be found in #847 of the Catechism...but this seems a little weak to me as far as the truth of the Gospel is concerned....

Answer 1

The second paragraph reveals their universalist beliefs, many paths to God. That is patently unbiblical. Jesus was quite clear, the only way to the Father is through Him alone, not a church, not by good intentions, not by a partial truth. The fullness of salvation is in the work of Christ alone, nothing else is needed. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Answer 2

The key is the phrase "fullness of the means of salvation" found in the first document. The Catholic Church has preserved all of the Sacred traditions of the Church founded by Jesus Christ and all of the sacraments, which are a source (but not the only source) of grace. The Eucharist of teh Catholic Church is the only valid Eucharist because the authority toconsecrate the bread and the wine has been handed down to the present day priests, who are successors of the Apostles.

This being said, salvation is also available to all who worship God. Abraham is considered a "father in faith" of the Jews, the Muslims, and the Christians. Jews, Muslims and Christians worship the God of Abraham even though the Christians have a fuller understanding of who God is. Christians understand that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Love of God is necessary for salvation.

C.L., the same document states the following:

All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

"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.

Answer 3

I think the key phrase is "the fullness of the means of salvation."

We believe that the Church holds the fullness of truth. That does not deny that other religions have partial truths and can avail themselves to salvation too -- just not as completely as a Roman Catholic.

Answer 4

Wow, that's messed up. The only way to salvation is through Christ, period. The Muslims don't know him and the Catholics aren't as special as they'd like to believe. They just hate Protestants. You don't see anything in there about the Protestants being saved, do you?