Judging non-Catholics

OSV.com ^ | 08-17-16 | Msgr. Charles Pope

[Salvation]

Judging non-Catholics Seeing into the hearts of those outside the Church, the Lord will judge them by their knowledge, deeds

Msgr. Charles Pope Catholic, August 28, 2016

8/17/2016

Question: How will God judge non-Catholics at the time of their death? — William Bandle, Manchester, Missouri

Answer: Scripture says, “God does not see as a mortal ... The Lord looks into the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Thus, God, who knows our hearts, will judge us based on what is there. Not all have had the same opportunity to come to know the Lord, his Church and the help of the sacraments. God is just; he knows this and will judge accordingly.

Jesus says, “That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations or act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating, shall be beaten only lightly” (Lk 12:47-48).

In terms of non-Catholics who lacked some knowledge or sacraments of the Church, God will look into their hearts and judge them based on what they reasonably could have known and their actions based on that.

Therefore, to say that God looks into the heart does not mean that he merely looks to a person’s feelings or disposition. Rather, as Scripture says, we will be judged by our deeds (see Rom 2:6-11). Did our actions correspond to what we knew was expected of us or not?

Thus, the degree of a person’s knowledge of God’s will and his obedience to that knowledge in deeds will be key on the Day of Judgment. This does not mean all non-Catholics and other nonbelievers simply get a pass. Their ignorance of full Catholic teaching must be what is called “invincible ignorance,” meaning a lack of knowledge that they could not reasonably overcome. Thus, if one is lazy or makes excuses when seeking the truth, God will take it into account.

Since the Lord alone sees into our heart, he alone will be our just judge.

[ADSUM]

You must have a guilty conscience. Blame others?

You are right that the Catholic Church welcomes sinners (as did Jesus) to help them attain salvation with our Lord. All humans can do better and sin less including all those that commit adultery and the rest of the commandments and do not honor God.

Salvation presents the article for discussion and to help all of us attain salvation with God.

[Mark17]

The ruling authorities of Rome lead their people astray and the people love it so.

I didn't, but maybe that's among the reasons why I left. 😀

[Elsie]

Where was the personal attack?

(You probably shouldn't answer, as you'll only make a fool of yourself)

[Elsie]

Why limit it to Scripture?

[Elsie]

History proves that an error. The Roman Church determined the Canon very early on and began interpreting them also. All non-Catholic Christian denominations and many non Roman Catholic religions split off from that early Church, which still survives.

History proves a LOT of stuff!

Islam determined it's Canon very early on and began arguing about them also. All Sunni denominations and many Shiite denominations split off from that early religion, which still survives.

---

Funny how longevity proves nothing about correctness.

[Elsie]

Both are allowed.

Too bad ROME wasn't so forgiving about what folks could BELIEVE bad in the day!

[Elsie]

Read about it in the Catechism.

That's a BIG haystack.

Couldn't I just borrow a needle from you?

[Elsie]

He gives a description of the early Church services that are very much like today's Masses.

I've read the letter that the ruling Catholic Fathers wrote in Acts 15.

It is NOTHING like today's Masses.

[Elsie]

I'm sorry, did I post somewhere that Mary had Perpetual Virginity?

Is this a Look! Over THERE!! moment?

[Elsie]

Monsignor Pope was very generous with non-Catholics, especially those who had a lack of knowledge.

FR Catholics are not!

Especially those with a LOT of knowledge!

[Elsie]

[Elsie]

99% of Catholics will probably disagree a LOT over this!

The Catholic Church teaches that *O-N-L-Y* Jesus can allow us the Hope of Salvation --- Wearing peices of cloth, or asking Mary (or any other Saint) to pray for us, are only images that help us sinful humans aspire to a more Faith-Filled Life, and influence the Faithful as to their hopeful desire of being ever closer to Christ.

Makes me wonder WHY?

Uh; is there a CCC pronouncement about this?

[Elsie]

Oldie; but still accurate!

[Elsie]

I just saw it...awesome!

Aw...  shucks...

 

[Elsie]

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory

--Rome's first pope

[Elsie]

I refer you to Catholic Answers webpage “Is Puratory in the Bible?” written by Tim Staples a Baptist convert.

Can't you show; from the bible itself??

[Elsie]

I refer you to Catholic Answers webpage “Is Puratory in the Bible?” written by Tim Staples a Baptist convert.

wouldn't this be ex-cathedra as well?

[Elsie]

Most of us are not perfect at death and nothing unclean enters heaven.

Most?

MOST!!!???

[Elsie]

The scapular does not protect one that dies in sin.

Then it appears that 'Mary' lied to you guys!

[Elsie]

You are right that the Catholic Church welcomes sinners (as did Jesus) to help them attain salvation with our Lord.

Now then; which hoops are necessary again???