It is a great mercy that the possibility exists that those who are not presently in full communion with the Catholic Church may be friends with God, despite their ignorance concerning His Church and the gospel she preaches. Nevertheless, we have to be clear on that.
In practical terms, I know more than a few people who were baptized Catholic, and in their terms, "got saved" in some Protestant community, and mistakenly think everything is fine. Firstly, every person is called to the Catholic Church. It's the one that Christ himself established, and he did it for our salvation. Secondly, if you know that the Catholic Church was made necessary for salvation by Jesus Christ, and you leave anyway, you're in danger of Hell itself. DON'T DO THIS. Just don't.
For my part, I found my way here, and though it was largely a joyful experience, I can tell you that the Church's exclusive claims made a difference. I should say it more strongly: There is no reason to become Catholic besides acknowledging this truth, and in so doing, we save our eternal souls.
I can and do appreciate many things done and taught (to a certain extent) by our separated brethren. But, in a certain way, the mercy flows one way. That is, toward one end. You surely could find a nominal Catholic to tell you whatever you wanted to hear. I am not that guy. Because the Church does not teach that all religions and professions are the same. They are not.
Someone will say, "But what about dialogue, ecumenical dialogue?" I'm all for it. Do you know why? I'm trying to convert that person. (Or, better said, I'm attempting to be an agent used by God for their conversion.) It's true. Ecumenical dialogue is a discussion concerning the matters of revealed truth, for the purpose of reaching agreement in that truth. That's my definition of the term, and I think it's a good one.
We don't coerce. We don't force people to believe or do anything. But if I am a friend, I owe you the truth, in all things, when possible and prudent.
In practical terms, I know more than a few people who were baptized Catholic, and in their terms, "got saved" in some Protestant community, and mistakenly think everything is fine. Firstly, every person is called to the Catholic Church. It's the one that Christ himself established, and he did it for our salvation. Secondly, if you know that the Catholic Church was made necessary for salvation by Jesus Christ, and you leave anyway, you're in danger of Hell itself. DON'T DO THIS. Just don't.
For my part, I found my way here, and though it was largely a joyful experience, I can tell you that the Church's exclusive claims made a difference. I should say it more strongly: There is no reason to become Catholic besides acknowledging this truth, and in so doing, we save our eternal souls.
I can and do appreciate many things done and taught (to a certain extent) by our separated brethren. But, in a certain way, the mercy flows one way. That is, toward one end. You surely could find a nominal Catholic to tell you whatever you wanted to hear. I am not that guy. Because the Church does not teach that all religions and professions are the same. They are not.
Someone will say, "But what about dialogue, ecumenical dialogue?" I'm all for it. Do you know why? I'm trying to convert that person. (Or, better said, I'm attempting to be an agent used by God for their conversion.) It's true. Ecumenical dialogue is a discussion concerning the matters of revealed truth, for the purpose of reaching agreement in that truth. That's my definition of the term, and I think it's a good one.
We don't coerce. We don't force people to believe or do anything. But if I am a friend, I owe you the truth, in all things, when possible and prudent.
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