Hi All,
Just would like to have a discussion regarding Pope Francis's homily last May 22, 2013 regarding salvation. You can read the whole article here,
http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheists-are-still-going-to-hell-says-vatican-spokesman-96734/Being a non-active catholic, have been raised a catholic, I am taking a liking to this new pope for his view regarding salvation, particularly, from this statement;
"In his homily last week, Pope Francis pointed out that everyone, including atheists, has been redeemed by Christ and people can all work together through the "culture of encounter" to do good.
"The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! 'Father, the atheists?' Even the atheists. Everyone!" said Pope Francis.
"If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. 'But I don't believe, Father, I am an atheist!' But do good: we will meet one another there."
This is a great advancement from previous teachings from "hardliner" catholics and theologians.
First point, Jesus's teaching is about humility, and for me, the Pope's teaching in this particular homily is a first step in reconciliation with other sects, and also atheists. Though obviously, different sects has conflicting beliefs regarding salvation, and others do not believe on salvation at all, it is a welcomed progress that the highest post on the roman catholic church is against condemnation of others with conflicting beliefs.
Second point, emphasis on "doing good" on general. I'm a firm believer in this philosophy, that you don't have to believe in some make believe being, or being a member of a religion to be "Good", and Pope Francis's statement that "Do Good = Salvation" is a great way of making sense in today's world where many sects advertises that only members of their religion will be saved.
Third point, I don't believe in an all knowing, all powerful, compassionate, merciful God, and yet have the guts to throw his "Children" to hell to suffer indefinitely. Where is the compassionate, merciful part in that? and in addition, isn't it that Jesus himself said that it is only God who has a right to Judge us? Then why are there many religion based on His teachings that claims that whoever is not with us will go to hell?
I just find it laughable that this Rev Thomas Rosica, had the face to "correct", as you may put it, the Pope. This Rev is the embodiment of what I dislike with the persons who runs the catholic church.
I'm just really amazed by Pope Francis's philosophy that it doesn't matter what our belief is, as long as we do good, for the common good, we will all meet there. talk about humility.
I do seriously hope that this is a start of something good for the roman catholic church, as an organisation itself. Its about time they have someone up their to really embody Jesus's teachings for someone to claim to be an authority regarding His teachings.