Expert: Edward Bode - 7/18/2008

Question
Can non Catholics especially non Christians enter heaven?

Answer
Who enters heaven, supernatural and eternal perfect happiness?
First, we leave to the just and merciful God the decision of who attains heaven.
Second, we search God's revelation for a further analysis.
In scripture, 1 Tim 2:4 tells us that God wills all people be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
Your question suggests that we analyze three groups of people:
One: For Catholics, the short answer is they attain heaven who die in a state of santifying grace.  The Sacraments play a curcial role there.
Two: For non-Christians, the Catechism of the Catholic Church [paragraph 847]quotes a document of Vatican Council II: "Those who, through no fault of their own, do no know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and moved by grace,try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience -- those may achieve eternal salvation."  You can find the Catechism on the web at: www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm.
Three: For non-Catholic Christians, I do not know of a short quotation or statement that summarizes Catholic teaching on their status. They may attain heaven. My thoughts are: Here one deals with a baptized person who knows of the demands of Jesus regarding what we must believe and do. Such persons also must seek "with a sincere heart" in accord with the "dictates of their conscience" under "grace" to do "the will of God" as taught by Jesus. [The quotes refer to the Vatican statement above concerning non-Christians.]
I hope these thoughts are of help, Ron.  If you desire more or a clarification, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes.