Expert: Fr. Michael - 4/2/2010

Question
I am writing in response to your answer to someone on 1/16/2005.  The person asked if it was OK to participate in some activities at a non catholic church (Mclean Bible Church in McLean, VA).  You answered:
"Yes, it is a contravention of the First Commandment.  You are risking your Faith by exposing yourself to a false religion."

I just want you to elaborate on a question related to the logical conclusion of that viewpoint you stated.  If Mclean Bible Church is a false religion, does that mean that anyone in that church is not a Christian?  And if they are not a Christian, then does that mean they go to hell if nothing changes between now and the time they die?

Also, for the Catholic who was attending some activities there, if he was committing "a contravention of the First Commandment" as you stated, is that a mortal sin?  And if so, does that mean he would go to hell if he does confess this to his confessor at a Catholic church?

Answer
Christianity is not a false religion, although the Protestant sects are, in Catholic theology, considered an heretical form of it.  If one knowingly and wilfully rejects the true religion, that person is not saved.  If one attends an heretical worship service knowingly and wilfully to defy the true religion (not, for example, to attend a wedding or funeral passively), that is a mortal sin.