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Obviously you don't find this a contradiction. But How can the church say it is a sin to say you are for sure going to heaven (presumption) and then turn around and say someone has been good enough to go to heaven. This "devils advocate" can he read a persons heart, beacause as you know the bible tells us ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have all sinned so for this/these advocates to say we looked for sin but this person came out clean is setting themselves up as judge. You and many others have stated that it is not for us to judge who has gone to hell, but the church can judge who has gone to heaven? I think it's easier to see those who are not going to heaven then who are, because let's face it we are all slime:)

BTW, I have heard Mother Teresa is up for sainthood, which bends the rules already as there is suppose to be a waiting period. But I read an interview given by her once where she said (I am parapharseing) basically that she told Hindus, and Muslims when they were on their death beds and asking fearfully what was coming after death, that if they had enough faith in their own gods, they would surly go to heaven.

Other then not believeing that this was not a valid quote in the article I read:) what do you make of that.

I also read that the women who took her place says that the nuns in her order already pray to her for spiritual guidance. Is that proper?

I am not trying to be offensive, but these are valid questions that you don't have to answer, they just stand out like a sore thumb:) IMO. I am not bad mouthing this woman either. This all seems contradictory to me.

Becky

I am not the Church, that's how. If I am convinced of my own salvation it will lead to complacency. We are to persevere, not assume we already have won. The Church, on the other hand, has been given the right to bind and loose and can determine things as they are in Heaven. No contradiction at all. (And all the saints are dead, too. The Church doesn't tell any living (on earth) person that they are definitly going to heaven)

This "devils advocate" can he read a persons heart, beacause as you know the bible tells us ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have all sinned so for this/these advocates to say we looked for sin but this person came out clean is setting themselves up as judge.

Does not the Bible also say that our faith can be known from the fruits it produces?

You and many others have stated that it is not for us to judge who has gone to hell, but the church can judge who has gone to heaven? I think it's easier to see those who are not going to heaven then who are, because let's face it we are all slime:)

The Church does not "sentence" anyone to hell because to do so would be to refuse God His mercy. We can not know the intimate details and cuplability of persons whose fruits appear to be rotten. We can assume that those with good fruit have good faith.

BTW, I have heard Mother Teresa is up for sainthood, which bends the rules already as there is suppose to be a waiting period.

Those supporting the idea are preparing her "case," and the Vatican has agreed to start looking at it early, I believe. This does violate a normal "rule," but the Church will do as she wishes. I think it will be a long time efore we see her case get resolved.

But I read an interview given by her once where she said (I am parapharseing) basically that she told Hindus, and Muslims when they were on their death beds and asking fearfully what was coming after death, that if they had enough faith in their own gods, they would surly go to heaven.

Mother Theresa served the poor and sick by meeting their material needs and need for comfort. That she did not place a great emphasis on conversion is practically to her credit. (Literally practical) Many would scream bloody murder if Theresa had made a condition of getting bread or medical help listening to a sermon or converting to Catholiciism.

The criticism here is typical of much the Church receives. If she had placed here emphasis on changing hearts to Christ, she would be accused of extorting souls by dangling food, shelter and medical care as a reward. Since she focused on the material needs of the people she serves she now is accused of not paying attentionto their spiritual needs.

We do believe that a poor Hindu with no knowledge of Christ could, note: could, still merit Heaven. This is probably where the twisted quote originated. Would you want to get into a religious argument with a devout Muslim woman as she lay dying or would you pray for her soul and comfort her as you can?

I also read that the women who took her place says that the nuns in her order already pray to her for spiritual guidance. Is that proper?

It is in fact necessary. If you believe someone is a saint already it is good to pray for their help. Only a tiny fraction of the folks in heaven are listed as "official" saints. Part of the criteria for official sainthood is that the person must acheive two miracles after they are dead. This is accomplished by asking for the person's intercession.