You realize you are quoting the Associated Press, not the Pope, right?
As has been pointed out many times, but which prejudiced people choose to ignore, the Pope restated Catholic doctrine that salvation is obtained through instrument of the Catholic Church of which Jesus Christ is the head and the Holy Spirit is the guide -- one doesn't have to call oneself "Catholic" to be be saved through the Catholic Church.
Of course prejudiced people do not care to read what was actually said, or take the time to understand Catholic doctrine -- they'd rather just wallow in hate and demonize Catholics.
“Of course prejudiced people do not care to read what was actually said, or take the time to understand Catholic doctrine — they’d rather just wallow in hate and demonize Catholics.”
Let me clue you in Sunshine. I do not hate Catholics or the pope or the Catholic church in any way shape or form. There IS one that I would love to see sitting behind bars but that is not the topic here. I consider Catholics my brothers and sisters in Christ, something that many Catholics apparantly are not able to say about non-Catholics.
“one doesn’t have to call oneself “Catholic” to be be saved through the Catholic Church.”
Again with the classic arrogance. NO CHURCH HAS EVER SAVED OR PROVIDED SALVATION TO ANYONE AT ANY TIME. That is what Jesus was for. You do remember him right? Bearded gent, hanging on a cross? Had a thing for poor folks and miracles? HE is the way, the TRUTH and the LIGHT, not some collection of beaurocrats in Rome, not Mary and not some old guy in a pointy hat.
JohnnyZ,
I agree with you that the Pope was correctly stating what is the Roman Catholic doctrine of who is saved and how. I commend him for his honesty and, I think, courage. I disagree with the Roman Catholic position, however. I am a Catholic who happens to be Lutheran. For instance, I believe that Baptism forgives all sin, not just original sin. Isn’t the Roman Catholic position that Baptism forgives only original sin? Just curious.