Myself, the issue of Hitler being excommunicated was rendered moot by Hitler’s own words making the State supreme to faith. Hitler’s “church” was the Almighty State and any excommunication would’ve been needless as Hitler was obviously not a Catholic when this would have been an issue.
It’s like wanting to kick Obama out of a church being moot because the man doesn’t go to church at all. His prior actions made any further action by a church pointless.
I suppose the point is this: If actions themselves “excommunicate” one from “the church” without “the church” doing anything, how exactly IS that an excommunication?
If you are saved, then the point is moot as The Church (not RCC, but the actual Church.. those who are saved... past, present, and future cannot excommunicate you. They don’t and can’t “excommunicate” you period.
If the Roman Catholic Church does not know what you think or do, and you think or do something that “excommunicates” you... how does one know they are an excommunicant? How does the RCC know?
I’m reminded of the old saw, “if a tree falls in the forest....”
:D
Hoss
Except that other denominations don't claim, *Once a baptized ______, always a baptized ______* like the Catholic church does.
It's not pointless to formally and officially distance yourself from a person of Hitler's character. It shows that the people doing so, or church in that case, are aware of what is going on and formally and officially denounce what is going on and accept no responsibility for it.
It changes nothing as far as the broken relationship in a practical matter, but it does make a statement and that would prevent the types of accusations that the RCC is now facing concerning Hitler.
It's really no different that people complaining that muslims aren't denouncing jihadists, therefore they aren't really condemning them. If someone says they're a moderate muslim who doesn't support terrorism or acts like 9/11, they'd better outspokenly condemn it or nobody is going to believe it.
Lack of outspoken condemnation can be rightfully interpreted as commendation and support.