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Catholics/eternal damnation
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Question
Is a person who has never heard about Christ doomed to eternal damnation? If so, what does that say about God? If not, why bother to live a Christian life?
God wills that all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. See 1 Tim 2:4.
So, whoever is saved [attains heaven] is saved by the work of Jesus, whether a person recognized that fact or not.
The advantage of Christians/Catholics is the special access to God's help [grace] through the special helps that God/Jesus instituted -- Baptism, etc.
For more details about salvation for non-Christians, check The Cathechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 839 ff. Available online at: www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm.
I hgope these thoughts help, Michael. You are always welcome to write again for more details.
Best wishes and prayers.
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Answers by Expert:
Edward Bode
Expertise
Catholic dogma, especially as related to Scripture. I have a doctorate in biblical theology [University of St. Thomas, Rome]. I do not answer questions concerning personal moral situations -- ones dealing with right and wrong [sin].
Experience
I have taught Catholic thought in grade and high schools, and in college and universities.
Organizations
Catholic Biblical Association
Publications
Catholic Biblical Quarterly, The Bible Today.
Education/Credentials
Graduate degrees in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, in scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas; all in Rome
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