Expert: Sal - 11/10/2008

Question
Hello Fr. Timothy;
I've written to the other experts, but would like to get your opinion as well. I was educated in a parochial school grammar & high school.  Before Vatican II....and brought up on the baltimore catechism, and we had bible history in school.  I have friends both catholic & non.  We get into religious discussions.  there are 2 in the group episcopalian & fallen catholics or catholics that have left and are now episcopalians.  They bring up interesting points, such as now that they are episcopalians are they going to hell.  As catholics have mentioned to them.
I personally, do not believe this.  Christians are christians they follow the episcople religion and even though they've changed they are still practicing christians.
The nuns taught us that only God forgives our sins if we are truly sorry.  The priest is an instrument on earth to confess to.  One story she told was about Judas and his betrayal of Christ.  Then committed suicide.  We of course thought he must have been sent to hell. .. She said he may have said an act of contrition or asked God's forgiveness in another way.  Personally it's very difficult for me to think of God as being vengeful, I believe in a just merciful God.  but some of our teachings have upset people because of Mortal sin. I do believe Mortal sin is a bit much, but I follow the teachings of the church.
I know people whose parents have died, and were not church goers, and because of our parochial education,  they are greatly disturbed that their parents have been condemned to Hell because they didn't go to church.  I mean who are we to judge.  And they do give a good argument re; mortal sin.  There are catholics who lead a very religious life, but because they miss mass once and awhile and if they were to die, who are we to say they'll be condemned to Hell.  I believe evil exists, but God is so merciful, if they want to be with him he'll welcome them not reject them.  Just want to hear your views on these thoughts, and I'll pass them along.  thank you.


Answer
Dear Jan:

The Catholic Church does not teach that all non-Catholics go to hell. According to the Catechism non-Catholic Christians can be saved by a union with the Catholic Church. "Those who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church" (Catechism, 838). Only those Protestants who recognize that Jesus did give the world the Catholic Church as the means of salvation, but still refuse to become Catholic or those who know the Church and still leave her are lost (see Catechism, 847). So if those fallen away Catholics do not realize that the Catholic Church is the ark of Salvation then they can still be saved by their imperfect union with her. The statement, "No salvation outside the Catholic Church" is still true. Yes, you are right that we should not judge others, but leave that to God.

I hope that this helped. Let me know if I can be of further help.

God Bless You,
Sal