The Holy Father, Pope Benedict ,has made some comments that indicates that he believes that there is No salvation outside the Catholic Church. Is this the case or have I misuderstood his remarks ?
2007-11-16 10:48:00 · 6 answers · asked by TheoMDiv 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Pope did not say anything on the subject.
He did approve a new document to be published. 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.
2007-11-16 15:23:56 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
By virtue of baptism, all Christians are included in the Church. This includes all those who assent to the teachings of the Church (all Catholics, both Eastern and Western), the Orthodox (who have retained the ancient beliefs) and those not in full communion with the Church.
We also do not presume to know what the mercy of God has planned for those who have never had the opportunity to hear the good news and to have a conversion of heart. But we do know that Christ came to establish His Church, and that through His passion, death, and resurrection, made known by the Church, all may come to salvation.
2007-11-16 11:50:43 · answer #2 · answered by MaH 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have misunderstood
The Pope teaches that the Catholic Church is the true Church but that other churches and "ecclesial communities" have the elements of salvation and are channels of grace.
2007-11-16 11:09:50 · answer #3 · answered by James O 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That has always been the teaching of the Church, and Vatican II did not change it.
But, do not misundertand that to mean that only Catholics can go to heaven. It just means that anyone who goes to heaven is ultimately saved through Christ and the Church, whether they realize it or not
2007-11-16 10:53:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand, this has always been the position of the Catholic church.
GOD bless
2007-11-16 10:52:25 · answer #5 · answered by Exodus 20:1-17 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mr Ratzinger is intrinsically disordered whether or not he now styles himself as Pope Benedict or not.
2007-11-16 11:03:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋