There is no such thing as free will as Catholics describe it.
We are sold as slaves to sin. We have no choice but to sin until and unless we are set free by Jesus.
Works will NOT attain salvation for anyone because one sin is all it takes to damn someone. Once that sin is committed, it doesn’t matter if the person leads a perfect life otherwise, it’s too late, unless they are forgiven.
uh, God is our father and his mercy is wide and deep. You make him out to be a boogey man out to catch you in a mistake, who then gleefully will smash you and send you to hell.
No wonder so many people think Christians are hard nosed judgemental snobs.
One of the earliest arguments in Christianity was about how good and decent pagans would get to heaven. If it was based only on deeds (e.g. the Last Judgement as told by Jesus) then we didn't need Jesus to die for you. But if it was only based on "faith", then you end up with the idea that you can go around sinning like hell but still have a "get out of hell free" card because you "believe" in Jesus.
Catholics say: Yes, both. We are saved by grace: as paul said By the grace of God I am what I am, but his grace in me has not been fruitless.
Decent pagans might not "know" Jesus intellectually, but their actions show they "know" him in their heart, and they are seeking him , so receive "baptism of desire".
That is why at the last Judgement, a lot of folks ask: When did we see you hungry or thirsty (etc) and Jesus answered: When you do it for the least of my brethren you do it to me.