That's interesting. Then what would you call what I would call a "cafeteria Catholic"? (We have the same of course.) Are people like Kerry and Kennedy "not Catholics"? As an outsider, I would say 'YES' to this, but my opinion doesn't count :) What do you say about clergy continuing to administer sacraments to such people?
I am sure that both of us are aware of people who have fallen away from Christianity, in some cases, many years after following Christ. The problem is often skepticism creeps in. Or a strong presence of evil appears. But knowledge is not enough to hold us to God. It requires an ongoing relationship with Christ.
Yes, an ongoing relationship is critical. I sure am aware of people who have fallen away after professing a faith. My own mother was like this, until she died two years ago. When I adopted "perseverance of the saints" it was a particularly bitter pill to swallow because of what I had to then admit. For her, I had clinged to "once saved always saved". But, I did feel led, so I have to just deal with it. I can't know with absolute certainty until I'm there, so I'll just have to wait.
As you know, we cannot judge another person - but if they are obstinate in heretical beliefs, they are separating themselves from the Body, even if the Bishop doesn't do it officially. God doesn't need the Bishop to make such an official determination to call someone a heretic. Officially, they remain Catholics, but to God, they are de facto turning away from the faith.
What do you say about clergy continuing to administer sacraments to such people?
I would quote Gal 1:10 to them... By refusing to discipline someone, we are trying to please other men, rather than please God. Love is not "getting along" with other people, it is leading people to the truth. I would ask "why do you think Paul excommunicated the man of 1 Cor 6"? The answer is clearly "so that the man would return to God". This priest will have a lot of explaining to do for allowing such men to remain in heresy, scandalizing the public and keeping heretics from returning to God (such a heretic will not change unless truly challenged). They are not very good shepherds of the flock.
Yes, an ongoing relationship is critical. I sure am aware of people who have fallen away after professing a faith. My own mother was like this, until she died two years ago
Yes, when it is something close and personal, it can be difficult to continue to follow seemingly restrictive teachings. We trust in the Mercy of the Almighty Father, who is not bound by anything here on earth. We do not know where you mother stood regarding her relationship. Perhaps it might not have been as good as you would have liked. Fortunately, we don't make the decisions. The Catholic Church doesn't condemn specific people to the confines of Hell, because NO ONE can know that relationship between God and the person - and I would say that even WE don't know the full extent of our relationship with Him. Thus, we trust in the mercy of God and hope and pray that the person has chosen a life with God, even if they didn't show it during their lives very well. As you said, we can't know until we ourselves move to the other side.
Regards