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.
I agree I was asking for speculation, but it wasn't on salvation, only on Catholicism. I wouldn't venture to guess whether Bill Clinton is saved, but I think I could say that he is not a good Baptist, based on what I know of his beliefs and conduct. The last person I see in him is Christ.
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.
An excellent answer, thanks.
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 ...
Amen, brother. I also think that God teaches that we shouldn't beat ourselves up about such a loved one, I didn't witness to her enough, etc. Satan is the accuser, not God. So, I'll find out when I find out, and whatever the answer is, I'll be able through God to accept it.
There are a number of "Christians" who fit that description. St John Vianney said...
"A person who loves pleasure, flies from any suffering, is over-anxious, complains, blames, and impatient at the least thing that is not in his favor is a Christian in name only. If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself daily and follow me (Luke 9:23)"
That's a pretty strict definition of a Christian, wouldn't you agree? But truthfully, it is the intent of Christ that we DO follow Him in the manner the Cur de Ars says.
An excellent answer (Gal 1:10), thanks
I have two Scripture quotes on the side of my monitor here at home. One is Gal 1:10, a reminder to myself as I minister to others. The other is Gal 5:24, which is at the heart of St. Vianney's quote. Look it up. This is why we mortify ourselves. Only by fulfilling Gal 5:24 can we advance beyond "basic Christian". REAL Christianity is not easy...
I also think that God teaches that we shouldn't beat ourselves up about such a loved one, I didn't witness to her enough, etc. Satan is the accuser, not God. So, I'll find out when I find out, and whatever the answer is, I'll be able through God to accept it
I imagine that this was not an easy road to take for you. We wish the best for our loved ones, but we have to let them suffer the consequences of their own actions. We can only leave them to the Merciful Hands of God.
Brother in Christ