CATHOLICS AND OTHER DENOMINATIONS? ARE WE SPECIAL? WHO IS SAVED?

Are we, as Catholics, leading the way or are we special in the eyes of God?
           The Second Vatican Council says: The One Church of Jesus Christ subsists in the Roman Catholic Church. (Lumen Gentium 8) If one asks this question in a spirit of competition, then we can say, in comparison with others, we are the body of Christ in the full measure, implying more than others. Perhaps there are more productive and spiritual motivations for being Catholic; however, it seems that it is human nature to be want to be right, implying that others have to be wrong. In fact, a lot of our politics and public discussion consists more of attacking others as enemies than truly leading by example and persuasive, positive explanation.
          The first section of Lumen Gentium offers a vision of Church that isn’t based on competition, but instead is filled with rich images of how Christ is present in the Catholic Church. It is a positive, mature step toward self-identity. I believe if we look at Catholic history and tradition we find that the Church has always been a leader this world, perhaps not always for the good, but certainly filled with evidence that the Holy Spirit has been with us for the journey..
          As to being special in the eyes of God, the psalms are filled with that type of imagery. The psalmists even seem boastful they enjoy the self-esteem bolstered by the esteem of God. Psalm 133 “I have stilled my soul, hushed it like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me.” But even self-doubt, the kind of doubt that brings questions of comparison and competition, can be a powerful, if not a lofty, motivator for growth. “If I’m not special, then what?” Follow that train of thought to its logical conclusion. It most likely will encourage you to find your religious self-esteem in other, more mature ways, especially in deeper prayer and study of the faith.



Do all Christians go to heaven? Catholic Church one true Church?
         The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Catholic Church as "the universal sacrament of salvation" (CCC 774–776), and states: "The Church in this world is the sacrament of salvation, the sign and the instrument of the communion of God and men" (CCC 780). There are two ways to take this teaching. One is so very prevalent in our multi-cultural society: it doesn’t matter which denomination one belongs to, each participates in some measure of salvation in Christ, so just take your pick. The other extreme requires that one be a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in a state of grace, if one is to go to heaven upon death.
          Neither extreme is the Church’s teaching. Belonging to the Roman Catholic Church is normative for salvation, but there is possibility of salvation to those who may not know Christ without fault (as the Eucharistic prayer states “whose faith is known to you alone.” “The Church recognizes that in many ways she is linked with those who, being baptized, are honored with the name of Christian, though they do not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity of communion with the successor of Peter.” (LG 15) But also clear is the teaching that those who have openly rejected the sacramental life of the Catholic church, having already been baptized in the church, do or those who do not respond to grace offered in Christ in “thought, word, and deed” shall be severely judged. It is fitting to remind ourselves that the Church has never officially declared anyone to be in hell except the devil, while we recognize saints in heaven all the time. Also fitting is to remember that Christ will be the final judge, not us.