[Between the Lines]

This is what Russell is referring to:

...But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things,(127) and as Saviour wills that all men be saved.(128) Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience...

--Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, No. 16 Vatican Council II November 21, 1964

I am not saying he is right or wrong and I have heard Catholics argue it both ways. Personally, I think this is an argument best left to be hammered out among the Catholics.

[murphE]

I am not saying he is right or wrong and I have heard Catholics argue it both ways. Personally, I think this is an argument best left to be hammered out among the Catholics.

The second Vatican Council was said to be a pastoral council, it did not define doctrine like previous councils, and yes many of the documents appear to contradict previously infallibly defined doctrine which has caused much confusion among Catholics as well as non Catholics. However Catholics are bound to believe all infallibly defined doctrine, and it cannot change, it is true for all time.