[T.Smith]

Pardon me if I am being thick or obtuse, but, is he saying at the end that if I am not a Catholic I cannot be saved? That makes me scowl.

[joesnuffy]

Only Jesus has the power to save a soul from eternal death...not any church or religion
They can all say anything they want....doesnt make it true....

Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.... Matthew 8:11

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

No, what the author is saying is that the only sure way to be saved is through the Catholic Church. However, it isn't the only way, utlimately my reading of that and Church documents (since VII) is that the Protestant Churches have the Truth that is Christ Crucified and Christ Risen, but not the fullness of the truth. I realize this is symantics, but that is the teaching. That the Roman Catholic Church is the One True Church instituted by Christ through the Apostles, the Protestant Churches while aware of the Truth of Christ and preaching that, do not have the fullness of the Truth embodied in The Church. I hope that helped somewhat.

[demnomo]

I'm a Bible Church Believer who believes in baptism and Grace. My church worship is very plain and simple. Our beliefs are such that if anyone accepts Christ as their Savior and lives their life as best they can according to the Ten Commandments and New Testament teachings, they will be saved. If someone's particular brand of religion brings them closer to God, so be it.

I have been told by Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Mormons and some Catholics that their church is "The One True Church." I ignore such pronouncements and do my best to live my life as Christ would want me to. I try not to debate doctrinal differences and scriptural interpretation unless I am convinced that a religion is a cult and is physically dangerous to my fellow human beings. As a sinner, I sometimes and oftimes fall short, but Christ came to die for my sins and those who believe in Him.

I viewed The Passion yesterday with my Bible study group. The audience was composed of many Christian Denominations. All were affected by the message of Christ's voluntary sacrifice and suffering for Our sins. Christ's message and plan for salvation is for ALL, according to my beliefs.

[kitkat]

***Pardon me if I am being thick or obtuse, but, is he saying at the end that if I am not a Catholic I cannot be saved? That makes me scowl.***

Obviously, a merciful God would judge us on who we are and how we have arrived at our beliefs. And, most certainly, how we have used our lives to do good.

The Catholic Church says that if you KNOW the Catholic Church to be the true church, and yet deny it, you shall not be saved. I believe what that means is that if you go against your beliefs for some earthly gain such as impressing your employer; gaining entry to a country club; winning votes; etc. then you are dishonest and will not be saved.

It all comes down to are you honest or dishonest. Any person acting in good faith and leading a good life will be saved.

[Fester Chugabrew]

"One Lord. One Faith. One Baptism."

In the end we will see that each of us, due to oiur sinful nature, have been inclined to speak where God has not spoken, and failed to speak (or believe) where He has.

This film, The Passion of the Christ, will serve well in bringing together Christians of this current age, because it accurately reflects what is written in the Gospels for our comfort and learning.

When I hear the word "Catholic" I understand it to mean "universal". There can no more be two Churches than there can be two Christs. Through faith in Christ Jesus you and I are as much partakers of His glory as anyone else who trusts in His sacrificial death and resurrection.

In this life, however, the Faith will be played out in many ways as we see it. God sees His Son, and those who believe in Him, and that is what matters most.

[Natural Law]

To those educated in theology the word "Catholic"
means "universal", it does not meam the Roman or Orthodox church.

[philosofy123]

Saved from what? What is the big thing about saved and not saved? I know, if a person conducted himself nicely with integrity and love to all, he will be going to heaven...Perhaps there is different heavens, one for Catholics, one for protestants, one for godless, one for Moslems, one for Hindus, one for Jews,....

[rdb3]

Pardon me if I am being thick or obtuse, but, is he saying at the end that if I am not a Catholic I cannot be saved? That makes me scowl.

This does appear to be what he is saying. I've come across some Catholics who do not subscribe to that, however.

Salvation is not through any church. It is through faith in the finished work of the Lamb and being regenerated. Then one becomes a member of the true Body of Christ which is His church. And that church is not made with the hands of men.