How can Dogma change?

I've ignore this for years, but its come up in an interesting email discussion with a Catholic friend of mine and we would like some answers. 

Can anyone help us out here? 

"No salvation outside the Catholic Church"  

“The Most Holy Roman Church firmly believes, professes and preaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church, not only pagans, also Jews, heretics, and schismatics can ever be partakers of eternal life, but that they are to go into the eternal fire ‘which was prepared for the devil and his angels’ (Mt. 25:41) unless before death they are joined with Her… No one, let his almsgiving be as great as it may, no one, even if he pour out his blood for the Name of Christ can be saved unless they abide within the bosom and unity of the Catholic Church.”  -Pope Eugene IV, ex cathedra, Council of Florence, Cantate Domino (1441 AD) 

“The universal Church of the faithful is one outside of which none is saved.” -Pope Innocent III, ex cathedra, Fourth Lateran Council (1215 AD) 

-Vs-

"Yes! There is salvation outside the Church!" 

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM
SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS
POPE PAUL VI
ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964   

15. 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. (14*) For there are many who honor Sacred Scripture, taking it as a norm of belief and a pattern of life, and who show a sincere zeal. They lovingly believe in God the Father Almighty and in Christ, the Son of God and Saviour. (15*) They are consecrated by baptism, in which they are united with Christ. They also recognize and accept other sacraments within their own Churches or ecclesiastical communities. Many of them rejoice in the episcopate, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and cultivate devotion toward the Virgin Mother of God.(16*) They also share with us in prayer and other spiritual benefits. Likewise we can say that in some real way they are joined with us in the Holy Spirit, for to them too He gives His gifts and graces whereby He is operative among them with His sanctifying power. Some indeed He has strengthened to the extent of the shedding of their blood. In all of Christ's disciples the Spirit arouses the desire to be peacefully united, in the manner determined by Christ, as one flock under one shepherd, and He prompts them to pursue this end. (17*) Mother Church never ceases to pray, hope and work that this may come about. She exhorts her children to purification and renewal so that the sign of Christ may shine more brightly over the face of the earth. 

16. Finally, those who have not yet received the Gospel are related in various ways to the people of God.(18*) In the first place we must recall the people to whom the testament and the promises were given and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh.(125) On account of their fathers this people remains most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts He makes nor of the calls He issues.(126) But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things,(127) and as Saviour wills that all men be saved.(128) Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.(19*) Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel.(20*) She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life. But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator.(129) Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature",(130) the Church fosters the missions with care and attention."

Did Vatican II change Dogma to say non-Catholics are saved by other faiths? Like the example of the Muslims mentioned? 

What happened? The Catechism (below) seems clear that belief in Christ is necessary for salvation- but what sort of belief? The Muslims believe Jesus was just a good prophet? Is that enough for salvation now? 

Is it the "We have the 'hope' all people will be saved" that Bishop Barron is always talking about? 

Is it merely the ignorant who never knew about Jesus, but had they known they would have believed? 

Or... has the Church completely changed centuries of Catholic Dogma? 

Thanks! 

In Christ, 

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 

Catechism: 

161 Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation. 42 "Since "without faith it is impossible to please [God]" and to attain to the fellowship of his sons, therefore without faith no one has ever attained justification, nor will anyone obtain eternal life 'But he who endures to the end.'"]

 Part 1, Section 1, Chapter 3, Article 2, SubSection 1  

169 Salvation comes from God alone; but because we receive the life of faith through the Church, she is our mother: "We believe the Church as the mother of our new birth, and not in the Church as if she were the author of our salvation." 55 Because she is our mother, she is also our teacher in the faith.

 

Link: 

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

Outside the Church there is no salvation...

This argument discussion comes up continually in my Catholic circles. I hear people quoting assorted Saints and who said what before and after Vatican II as a way of determining whether or not a reference is reliable. The more authentic orthodox crowd always wants the resources from at least a decade or two prior to VII and the more...how should I say it...today's-typical-Catholic want whatever is new and clear to their thinking. Each is basing their acceptance of material on how they were taught the faith and what sort of education they received and by whom. 

For new Catholics coming into the Church through RCIA you probably never heard this discussed at all. And if you were Protestant, you still might unwittingly carry along your Protestant ideas that "anyone who has Jesus in their heart" is saved. That concept is usually shattered the first time they hear a Catholic quote "Outside the Church there is no salvation". Then fear sets in because very often a convert is leaving behind a family member or friend in some other faith community. 

That is good fear. Good because it should prompt you to want to work hard to help bring as many people into the Church as possible in your lifetime. If you do that and live your Catholic life to the best of your ability following the Teachings of the Church, you have the true hope of hearing Jesus say to you one day "Well done, good and faithful servant." What joy! 

That holy fear of people losing their souls to damnation used to (and in some cases still does) make Catholics battle for the souls of their loved ones and even for complete strangers. The battles could be verbal with those outside the Church or the Catholic could grab their rosary beads and get on their knees, do penance or even offer a Mass. These Catholics were/are working for the salvation of others to bring them into the True Church Christ founded on earth. We as Catholics are all called to do this. 

It's not easy trying to turn someone towards the Church where salvation is found, but it is our Christian duty. Why wouldn't we? Unless of course we think salvation can be found outside the Church. No worries if that was the case! Easy, smooth sailing into eternal bliss. If Christ's words "Pick up your crosses and follow me" are flashing in your mind right now you've been paying attention to your catechism. Getting to heaven is not a stroll in the park and there is only One Church Christ founded to help get us to Heaven.

Face it, if any old faith community would do, then why did Christ bother founding and safeguarding only One Church through the centuries? Assorted denominations have popped up and gone down, been reformed and deformed over and over again with doctrines coming and going with the changing times. Why didn't Jesus safeguard those communities that all claimed to be followers of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit? 

Because none of them were created by Christ with the full Truth. His Holy Catholic Church is holy because He made Her so. Through Her comes our salvation, through the Sacraments Jesus Christ endowed Her with. Precious gifts from Christ to those people of good will who seek Him in Truth and in His Church. 

I learned the Catholic Faith mostly from writings safeguarded and held by the Church since the beginning. Not through the new writings in "the spirit of Vatican II", but in the old writings, things written over the centuries. Beautiful writings I found in books more than a hundred years old published by the Holy Catholic Church. If you haven't been blessed to read such books I can't accurately describe the beauty in the honest, straight forward to the point writings the Church once gifted the Faithful with. Nowhere in these books are the opinions of men, but rather the pure holy teachings the Church held so dear for so long. These now haggard and musty old books are absolutely priceless to me.

These books published by the Church are fantastic teaching tools, that leave no questions after reading them. The priest's quotes are authentic Catholicism. Not the insane nonsense and putrid ramblings of Catholic clergy nowadays who declare "we have the hope that all men are saved" and "we have to hold to the existence of hell at least as a possibility" (this coming from Bishop Robert Barron- hell is not a sure thing, its merely a possibility at this point in time. God save us from Bishop Barron!) 

No, no and no again. No we don't have that hope. We can dream it if we want to delude ourselves for a moment or two, but we don't have that actual hope. Saint Paul said "with fear and trembling work out your salvation". How could anyone think we can hope all men are saved if most men don't work out their own salvation with fear and trembling? And no, hell is not a "possibility", Hell is a reality according to Jesus. 

So who is in Hell? All those who died outside the Church? Depending on who you ask in the Church the answers you get will more than likely differ. 

Those holding to "old school" Catholicism might quote from one of those old books the Catholic Church used to publish, like "The Catholic Manual of the Holy Catholic Church", Catholic Art and Publication Office, Chicago, Ill, copyright 1906. 

Quote [this is in a Q&A form]:  

Q: Are there any other direct proofs from scripture to show that out of the Church of Christ there is no Salvation?  

A: Yes, these two will be mentioned here: First, Christ, speaking of those who were not yet joined in the communion of his Church, but whom he foreknew would make a good use of the graces he would give them for that purpose, says, "Other sheep I have who are not of this fold, them I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd," John x.16. : where he plainly declares, that all of those sheep, who are not yet of his fold, must be brought to it, as a necessary condition of their salvation.   Second, In consequence of this settled disposition of the divine providence, no sooner did the apostles begin to preach the gospel, than immediately "the Lord added daily to the Church such as should be saved," Acts ii.47. which evidently show that all who are not added to the Church are out of the way of salvation. [end quote] 

That is the sort of books I read that led me to become Catholic. It's pure and perfectly clear - at least to me. 

Now reading some of what came out of Vatican II, this can get a bit hazy...

Lumen gentium 16 [1964]
Finally, those who have not yet received the Gospel are related in various ways to the people of God.(18*) In the first place we must recall the people to whom the testament and the promises were given and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh.(125) On account of their fathers this people remains most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts He makes nor of the calls He issues.(126); But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things,(127) and as Saviour wills that all men be saved.(128) Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.(19*) Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel.(20*) She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life. But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator.(129) Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature",(130) the Church fosters the missions with care and attention. [Source: http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html ]

Let's look at one more "oldie". 

From my book "The Catholic Instructor: An Educational Library of Ready Reference with an Encyclopedia Dictionary", The Office of Catholic Publications, New York, copyright 1910, page 153. 

Quote (again in Q&A form):  

Q: May not persons be saved in any religion?   

A: No, certainly; St. Paul tell us, Heb. xi 6, "That without faith it is impossible to please God." And St. Peter assures us, Acts iv. 12, "That there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we may be saved, but the name of Jesus." And Christ himself tell us, Mark xvi, 16, "He that believeth not, shall be condemned." So that it is manifest from the holy Scripture, that true faith is necessary for salvation. Now true faith, in order to please God and save souls, must be entire, that is to say, we must believe without exception, all such articles as by God and His Church are proposed to be believed; and he that voluntarily and obstinately disbelieves any one of these articles, is no less void of true saving faith, than he that disbelieves them all. As St. James tells us, with regard to practical duties, chap. ii. 10, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Hence St. Paul, Gal. v. 20, reckons heresies, that is, false religions, amongst those works of the flesh, of which he pronounces, "that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." And God, himself, Isa. ix.12, tells His Church, "the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee, shall parish." [end quote]

How do you answer the question "Is there salvation outside the Catholic Church?" 

What do you tell your loved ones who are outside the Church? 

Do you evangelize? 

I'd love to hear your stories, leave a comment or drop me an email. 

God bless! May we all be found INSIDE the Catholic Church before our dear Lord calls us home.



In Christ,

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 

Answering Michael Voris: Change the people and people will change their society

 

Today Michael Voris over at Church Militant presents the problem of liberals pushing their evil agenda's on the population with little to weak resistance from conservatives. 

quote: "Inevitably, the topic comes up of why there is so little resistance put forward to slow down liberals and modernists in the Church. We see the same thing happening in the culture, in the political arena. It's always liberals pushing and shoving their agenda down everyone's throats — just think same-sex marriage and transgender insanity. They are constantly pushing their causes and rabble-rousing.
And in the face of their continual stream of invective and foot-stomping, conservatives just back down or give way. It is the conservatives who are always retreating and compromising, looking for a middle way or common ground. This is why Donald Trump has captured the initiative in the GOP primaries. He called the bluff of the wimpy establishment types because he knew that the rank and file have had it. And he's right.
We see the same phenomenon in the Church. In our interview a few months ago with the highly respected Bp. Rene Gracida, he told us that most conservative-minded bishops also happen to be introverts and are seldom the ones grabbing the microphone at the U.S. Bishops' twice-annual national meetings. Is it the case that within the DNA of most conservative-minded people, there is a personality problem, a reluctance to confront wrongdoing? 
Sure seems that way. Might it also be the case that conservative-minded people are more indifferent — or they care, but don't care enough. Whatever it is, something is wrong." 

I'm not sure I agree with that.  Sure something is wrong, but its not the laity.  Of course, there are far too many lukewarm pew sitters out there, but I don't think the majority of conservatives who aren't constantly battling liberal agendas are slackers or indifferent.  There are two other issues at work here: Protestant influence on Catholics and useless Catholic clergy.

Sadly, many among the protestant conservatives have begun to see "the writing on the wall" that evil will spread throughout End Times (whenever they think those times are- it differs by person) and instead they have decided to cling to Christ's words in Matthew 10 and Acts 13:51 and "shake the dust from their feet".  I have personally heard this excuse from them myself.

***

Many conservative protestants have given these verses as validation for moving away from some battles with liberals, and now we see with the protestant infiltration into Catholic parishes that some Catholics now too hold to this view that "Well, we told them, they didn't listen, so we're moving on to other things" mentality. 

Of course this is NOT the appropriate Catholic response. We ARE our brother's keepers and we need to fight and pray and battle against evil, lies and heresy until our last breath- BUT...

...oh you knew there would be a but.  

BUT... when Catholics see Catholic clergy (including popes whomever they may be) who REFUSE to point out heresy and make statements that they are not interested in converting people to the Catholic Faith... the laity are left feeling deflated, defeated and tired. Tired of too often being the only ones showing more concern for souls being lost then global warming and immigration concerns. 

This is a failing of the Church, not the laity.  It is not the laity who have given up, it seems to many of us, that it is the hierarchy [some] in the Church that have given up on the Church's mission to save souls and convert people.  

Change the people and the people will change their society. 

The Church once told protestants what their errors were and worked hard to tap down heresy where ever and whenever it popped up.  No longer does the Church do this. 

Now we dialogue. 

Soon we will "commemorate" a heretic and heresies still held today by the heretic's followers.  Is it any wonder that protestants are miss using bible verses to suite their agendas?  This is a cancer to the True Faith and like cancer it is spreading from inside protestant communities and into Catholic parishes because there are little to no Catholic clergy willing to say "Hey! That is heresy!" and then TEACH the truth.

Again, this is a failing of the Church's clergy, not the laity.

The Church is working backwards, and because it is working backwards it is losing people to heresy and souls to damnation.  

Christ didn't commission His Holy Catholic Church to settle border policies, or end global warming.  Christ wants souls to be saved, He wants people to enter His Holy Catholic Church and enjoy the gifts found there. 

The Church has either forgotten this, or has decided [for the time being] to abandon saving souls in favor of saving the planet from global warming. 

God help us all. 



In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 


Sources: 
http://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/vort-2016-06-10

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10&version=NRSVCE
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13&version=NRSVCE

What unity can the Catholic Church have with heresy?

How did we get from... 

To this: 

Christ's Holy Catholic Church, led currently by Pope Francis is calling for Catholics to "celebrate" an excommunicated heretic: Martin Luther on the 500th anniversary of the "reformation". 

 This anniversary should be a day of GREAT MOURNING for the Catholic Church, but no. We are now to celebrate the heretic Martin Luther for dividing the Church and leading (to date) millions upon millions of people out of Christ's Holy Catholic Church and into false religions that do not save souls. The Lutheran's are thrilled with this turn of events:

  500th Anniversary of the Reformation from Concordia Publishing House (CPH) on Vimeo. 


They still believe Martin Luther "saved" them from the errors of Christ's Catholic Church. They will continue to believe this because the Catholic Church no longer seems interested in converting them by telling the truth and pointing out the errors in their man-made religion.  The Catholic Church today just wants to "dialogue" with everyone. This is not what Jesus commissioned his church to do.

Jesus said: "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." [Matthew 28:18-20]

Lutheran's don't "obey everything" Christ commanded or they'd be Catholic!  How about Pope Francis and our Catholic bishops dialogue that with these Lutherans? How about we Catholics hand out copies of Pope Leo X's Exsurge Domine? 

Bull issued June 15, 1520  Arise, O Lord, and judge your own cause. Remember your reproaches to those who are filled with foolishness all through the day. Listen to our prayers, for foxes have arisen seeking to destroy the vineyard whose winepress you alone have trod. When you were about to ascend to your Father, you committed the care, rule, and administration of the vineyard, an image of the triumphant church, to Peter, as the head and your vicar and his successors. The wild boar from the forest seeks to destroy it and every wild beast feeds upon it.
Rise, Peter, and fulfill this pastoral office divinely entrusted to you as mentioned above.
Give heed to the cause of the holy Roman Church, mother of all churches and teacher of the faith, whom you by the order of God, have consecrated by your blood. Against the Roman Church, you warned, lying teachers are rising, introducing ruinous sects, and drawing upon themselves speedy doom. Their tongues are fire, a restless evil, full of deadly poison. They have bitter zeal, contention in their hearts, and boast and lie against the truth.
We beseech you also, Paul, to arise. It was you that enlightened and illuminated the Church by your doctrine and by a martyrdom like Peter's. For now a new Porphyry rises who, as the old once wrongfully assailed the holy apostles, now assails the holy pontiffs, our predecessors.
Rebuking them, in violation of your teaching, instead of imploring them, he is not ashamed to assail them, to tear at them, and when he despairs of his cause, to stoop to insults. He is like the heretics "whose last defense," as Jerome says, "is to start spewing out a serpent's venom with their tongue when they see that their causes are about to be condemned, and spring to insults when they see they are vanquished." For although you have said that there must be heresies to test the faithful, still they must be destroyed at their very birth by your intercession and help, so they do not grow or wax strong like your wolves. Finally, let the whole church of the saints and the rest of the universal church arise. Some, putting aside her true interpretation of Sacred Scripture, are blinded in mind by the father of lies. Wise in their own eyes, according to the ancient practice of heretics, they interpret these same Scriptures otherwise than the Holy Spirit demands, inspired only by their own sense of ambition, and for the sake of popular acclaim, as the Apostle declares. In fact, they twist and adulterate the Scriptures. As a result, according to Jerome, "It is no longer the Gospel of Christ, but a man's, or what is worse, the devil's."
Let all this holy Church of God, I say, arise, and with the blessed apostles intercede with almighty God to purge the errors of His sheep, to banish all heresies from the lands of the faithful, and be pleased to maintain the peace and unity of His holy Church.
For we can scarcely express, from distress and grief of mind, what has reached our ears for some time by the report of reliable men and general rumor; alas, we have even seen with our eyes and read the many diverse errors. Some of these have already been condemned by councils and the constitutions of our predecessors, and expressly contain even the heresy of the Greeks and Bohemians. Other errors are either heretical, false, scandalous, or offensive to pious ears, as seductive of simple minds, originating with false exponents of the faith who in their proud curiosity yearn for the world's glory, and contrary to the Apostle's teaching, wish to be wiser than they should be.
Their talkativeness, unsupported by the authority of the Scriptures, as Jerome says, would not win credence unless they appeared to support their perverse doctrine even with divine testimonies however badly interpreted. From their sight fear of God has now passed.
These errors have, at the suggestion of the human race, been revived and recently propagated among the more frivolous and the illustrious German nation. We grieve the more that this happened there because we and our predecessors have always held this nation in the bosom of our affection. For after the empire had been transferred by the Roman Church from the Greeks to these same Germans, our predecessors and we always took the Church's advocates and defenders from among them. Indeed it is certain that these Germans, truly germane to the Catholic faith, have always been the bitterest opponents of heresies, as witnessed by those commendable constitutions of the German emperors in behalf of the Church's independence, freedom, and the expulsion and extermination of all heretics from Germany. Those constitutions formerly issued, and then confirmed by our predecessors, were issued under the greatest penalties even of loss of lands and dominions against anyone sheltering or not expelling them. If they were observed today both we and they would obviously be free of this disturbance.
Witness to this is the condemnation and punishment in the Council of Constance of the infidelity of the Hussites and Wyclifites as well as Jerome of Prague. Witness to this is the blood of Germans shed so often in wars against the Bohemians. A final witness is the refutation, rejection, and condemnation—no less learned than true and holy—of the above errors, or many of them, by the universities of Cologne and Louvain, most devoted and religious cultivators of the Lord's field. We could allege many other facts too, which we have decided to omit, lest we appear to be composing a history.
In virtue of our pastoral office committed to us by the divine favor we can under no circumstances tolerate or overlook any longer the pernicious poison of the above errors without disgrace to the Christian religion and injury to orthodox faith. Some of these errors we have decided to include in the present document; their substance is as follows:
1. It is a heretical opinion, but a common one, that the sacraments of the New Law give pardoning grace to those who do not set up an obstacle.
2. To deny that in a child after baptism sin remains is to treat with contempt both Paul and Christ.
3. The inflammable sources of sin, even if there be no actual sin, delay a soul departing from the body from entrance into heaven.
4. To one on the point of death imperfect charity necessarily brings with it great fear, which in itself alone is enough to produce the punishment of purgatory, and impedes entrance into the kingdom.
5. That there are three parts to penance: contrition, confession, and satisfaction, has no foundation in Sacred Scripture nor in the ancient sacred Christian doctors.
6. Contrition, which is acquired through discussion, collection, and detestation of sins, by which one reflects upon his years in the bitterness of his soul, by pondering over the gravity of sins, their number, their baseness, the loss of eternal beatitude, and the acquisition of eternal damnation, this contrition makes him a hypocrite, indeed more a sinner.
7. It is a most truthful proverb and the doctrine concerning the contritions given thus far is the more remarkable: "Not to do so in the future is the highest penance; the best penance, a new life."
8. By no means may you presume to confess venial sins, nor even all mortal sins, because it is impossible that you know all mortal sins. Hence in the primitive Church only manifest mortal sins were confessed.
9. As long as we wish to confess all sins without exception, we are doing nothing else than to wish to leave nothing to God's mercy for pardon.
10. Sins are not forgiven to anyone, unless when the priest forgives them he believes they are forgiven; on the contrary the sin would remain unless he believed it was forgiven; for indeed the remission of sin and the granting of grace does not suffice, but it is necessary also to believe that there has been forgiveness.
11. By no means can you have reassurance of being absolved because of your contrition, but because of the word of Christ: "Whatsoever you shall loose, etc." Hence, I say, trust confidently, if you have obtained the absolution of the priest, and firmly believe yourself to have been absolved, and you will truly be absolved, whatever there may be of contrition.
12. If through an impossibility he who confessed was not contrite, or the priest did not absolve seriously, but in a jocose manner, if nevertheless he believes that he has been absolved, he is most truly absolved.
13. In the sacrament of penance and the remission of sin the pope or the bishop does no more than the lowest priest; indeed, where there is no priest, any Christian, even if a woman or child, may equally do as much.
14. No one ought to answer a priest that he is contrite, nor should the priest inquire.
15. Great is the error of those who approach the sacrament of the Eucharist relying on this, that they have confessed, that they are not conscious of any mortal sin, that they have sent their prayers on ahead and made preparations; all these eat and drink judgment to themselves. But if they believe and trust that they will attain grace, then this faith alone makes them pure and worthy.
16. It seems to have been decided that the Church in common Council established that the laity should communicate under both species; the Bohemians who communicate under both species are not heretics, but schismatics.
17. The treasures of the Church, from which the pope grants indulgences, are not the merits of Christ and of the saints.
18. Indulgences are pious frauds of the faithful, and remissions of good works; and they are among the number of those things which are allowed, and not of the number of those which are advantageous.
19. Indulgences are of no avail to those who truly gain them, for the remission of the penalty due to actual sin in the sight of divine justice.
20. They are seduced who believe that indulgences are salutary and useful for the fruit of the spirit.
21. Indulgences are necessary only for public crimes, and are properly conceded only to the harsh and impatient.
22. For six kinds of men indulgences are neither necessary nor useful; namely, for the dead and those about to die, the infirm, those legitimately hindered, and those who have not committed crimes, and those who have committed crimes, but not public ones, and those who devote themselves to better things.
23. Excommunications are only external penalties and they do not deprive man of the common spiritual prayers of the Church.
24. Christians must be taught to cherish excommunications rather than to fear them.
25. The Roman Pontiff, the successor of Peter, is not the vicar of Christ over all the churches of the entire world, instituted by Christ Himself in blessed Peter.
26. The word of Christ to Peter: "Whatsoever you shall loose on earth," etc., is extended merely to those things bound by Peter himself.
27. It is certain that it is not in the power of the Church or the pope to decide upon the articles of faith, and much less concerning the laws for morals or for good works.
28. If the pope with a great part of the Church thought so and so, he would not err; still it is not a sin or heresy to think the contrary, especially in a matter not necessary for salvation, until one alternative is condemned and another approved by a general Council.
29. A way has been made for us for weakening the authority of councils, and for freely contradicting their actions, and judging their decrees, and boldly confessing whatever seems true, whether it has been approved or disapproved by any council whatsoever.
30. Some articles of John Hus, condemned in the Council of Constance, are most Christian, wholly true and evangelical; these the universal Church could not condemn.
31. In every good work the just man sins.
32. A good work done very well is a venial sin.
33. That heretics be burned is against the will of the Spirit.
34. To go to war against the Turks is to resist God who punishes our iniquities through them.
35. No one is certain that he is not always sinning mortally, because of the most hidden vice of pride.
36. Free will after sin is a matter of title only; and as long as one does what is in him, one sins mortally.
37. Purgatory cannot be proved from Sacred Scripture which is in the canon.
38. The souls in purgatory are not sure of their salvation, at least not all; nor is it proved by any arguments or by the Scriptures that they are beyond the state of meriting or of increasing in charity.
39. The souls in purgatory sin without intermission, as long as they seek rest and abhor punishment.
40. The souls freed from purgatory by the suffrages of the living are less happy than if they had made satisfactions by themselves.
41. Ecclesiastical prelates and secular princes would not act badly if they destroyed all of the money bags of beggary.
No one of sound mind is ignorant how destructive, pernicious, scandalous, and seductive to pious and simple minds these various errors are, how opposed they are to all charity and reverence for the holy Roman Church who is the mother of all the faithful and teacher of the faith; how destructive they are of the vigor of ecclesiastical discipline, namely obedience. This virtue is the font and origin of all virtues and without it anyone is readily convicted of being unfaithful.
Therefore we, in this above enumeration, important as it is, wish to proceed with great care as is proper, and to cut off the advance of this plague and cancerous disease so it will not spread any further in the Lord's field as harmful thorn-bushes. We have therefore held a careful inquiry, scrutiny, discussion, strict examination, and mature deliberation with each of the brothers, the eminent cardinals of the holy Roman Church, as well as the priors and ministers general of the religious orders, besides many other professors and masters skilled in sacred theology and in civil and canon law. We have found that these errors or theses are not Catholic, as mentioned above, and are not to be taught, as such; but rather are against the doctrine and tradition of the Catholic Church, and against the true interpretation of the sacred Scriptures received from the Church. Now Augustine maintained that her authority had to be accepted so completely that he stated he would not have believed the Gospel unless the authority of the Catholic Church had vouched for it. For, according to these errors, or any one or several of them, it clearly follows that the Church which is guided by the Holy Spirit is in error and has always erred. This is against what Christ at his ascension promised to his disciples (as is read in the holy Gospel of Matthew): "I will be with you to the consummation of the world"; it is against the determinations of the holy Fathers, or the express ordinances and canons of the councils and the supreme pontiffs. Failure to comply with these canons, according to the testimony of Cyprian, will be the fuel and cause of all heresy and schism.
With the advice and consent of these our venerable brothers, with mature deliberation on each and every one of the above theses, and by the authority of almighty God, the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own authority, we condemn, reprobate, and reject completely each of these theses or errors as either heretical, scandalous, false, offensive to pious ears or seductive of simple minds, and against Catholic truth. By listing them, we decree and declare that all the faithful of both sexes must regard them as condemned, reprobated, and rejected….We restrain all in the virtue of holy obedience and under the penalty of an automatic major excommunication....
Moreover, because the preceding errors and many others are contained in the books or writings of Martin Luther, we likewise condemn, reprobate, and reject completely the books and all the writings and sermons of the said Martin, whether in Latin or any other language, containing the said errors or any one of them; and we wish them to be regarded as utterly condemned, reprobated, and rejected. We forbid each and every one of the faithful of either sex, in virtue of holy obedience and under the above penalties to be incurred automatically, to read, assert, preach, praise, print, publish, or defend them. They will incur these penalties if they presume to uphold them in any way, personally or through another or others, directly or indirectly, tacitly or explicitly, publicly or occultly, either in their own homes or in other public or private places.
Indeed immediately after the publication of this letter these works, wherever they may be, shall be sought out carefully by the ordinaries and others [ecclesiastics and regulars], and under each and every one of the above penalties shall be burned publicly and solemnly in the presence of the clerics and people.
As far as Martin himself is concerned, O good God, what have we overlooked or not done? What fatherly charity have we omitted that we might call him back from such errors? For after we had cited him, wishing to deal more kindly with him, we urged him through various conferences with our legate and through our personal letters to abandon these errors. We have even offered him safe conduct and the money necessary for the journey urging him to come without fear or any misgivings, which perfect charity should cast out, and to talk not secretly but openly and face to face after the example of our Savior and the Apostle Paul. If he had done this, we are certain he would have changed in heart, and he would have recognized his errors. He would not have found all these errors in the Roman Curia which he attacks so viciously, ascribing to it more than he should because of the empty rumors of wicked men. We would have shown him clearer than the light of day that the Roman pontiffs, our predecessors, whom he injuriously attacks beyond all decency, never erred in their canons or constitutions which he tries to assail. For, according to the prophet, neither is healing oil nor the doctor lacking in Galaad.
But he always refused to listen and, despising the previous citation and each and every one of the above overtures, disdained to come. To the present day he has been contumacious. With a hardened spirit he has continued under censure over a year.
What is worse, adding evil to evil, and on learning of the citation, he broke forth in a rash appeal to a future council. This to be sure was contrary to the constitution of Pius II and Julius II our predecessors that all appealing in this way are to be punished with the penalties of heretics. In vain does he implore the help of a council, since he openly admits that he does not believe in a council.
Therefore we can, without any further citation or delay, proceed against him to his condemnation and damnation as one whose faith is notoriously suspect and in fact a true heretic with the full severity of each and all of the above penalties and censures.
Yet, with the advice of our brothers, imitating the mercy of almighty God who does not wish the death of a sinner but rather that he be converted and live, and forgetting all the injuries inflicted on us and the Apostolic See, we have decided to use all the compassion we are capable of. It is our hope, so far as in us lies, that he will experience a change of heart by taking the road of mildness we have proposed, return, and turn away from his errors. We will receive him kindly as the prodigal son returning to the embrace of the Church.
Therefore let Martin himself and all those adhering to him, and those who shelter and support him, through the merciful heart of our God and the sprinkling of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ by which and through whom the redemption of the human race and the upbuilding of holy mother Church was accomplished, know that from our heart we exhort and beseech that he cease to disturb the peace, unity, and truth of the Church for which the Savior prayed so earnestly to the Father. Let him abstain from his pernicious errors that he may come back to us. If they really will obey, and certify to us by legal documents that they have obeyed, they will find in us the affection of a father's love, the opening of the font of the effects of paternal charity, and opening of the font of mercy and clemency.
We enjoin, however, on Martin that in the meantime he cease from all preaching or the office of preacher...." [quote from EWTN link below]

Has any of this changed?  Have the Lutheran's and other protestants finally rejected these errors? 

Will Pope Francis attempt to correct the errors these protestants cling to as our Church did with Martin Luther so long ago? 

No!  

He's already stated he has no desire to convert protestants to the Catholic faith, he's "not interested" in evangelizing these people.  So what's the point of "dialogue" if you don't want to tell the Truth to people clinging to lies? 

What "unity" can the Catholic Church have with heresy? 

Why wouldn't our pope want all people to enter Christ's Holy Catholic Church?  To share in Her Sacraments?  To have all that Christ wants believers to have? 

I truly do not understand this pope.  He continues to disappoint me and I am angry that he doesn't want to actively TRY to convert people. He doesn't want to. I will never understand that.  Never. 

So once more, I find myself ticked off at my pope and other Catholic clergy.  I'm angry on two accounts: 1) that my Church will be commemorating/celebrating a heretic; and 2) my pope not wanting to convert people from false religions into the One and only True Church that Jesus Christ created on earth. 

My anger stems from once being one of those ignorant protestants who had no idea what I was missing.  I didn't know all that the Catholic Church had to offer because of the heretic Martin Luther and the generations of protestants on my mother's side of the family who generation after generation passed on the false beliefs of people like Luther to ignorant people who didn't know what they were missing.  

We were ignorant.  We fell for heresy and false religions.  Generations of my family were lost in lies and I can only hope that before their deaths SOMEONE reached out to them with the truth. 

By the grace of God and some wonderful Catholics who crossed my path and took the time to argue the facts with me (that's the best way to get my attention), I (along with my children) became Catholic.  Best thing that has ever happened to me or will ever happen to me! What a blessing and delight it is to be Catholic and have Christ's Church as my Church! To be inside rather than outside. Like the people on Noah's Ark compared to those outside the Ark. 

If I said "thank you" every single day for the rest of my life to these people for sharing their faith and to God, it would NEVER be enough. I get so angry when I hear members of the Catholic Church- namely clergy who simply want to "dialogue" with protestants rather than reach out to them and share the knowledge they as Catholic have.  How selfish you are!  How will you answer God for keeping His gift of the Faith to you from others?  You should be terrified of that day...for that day is coming. We will all answer for all we have done and for what we have not done, but should have done.

It absolutely boggles my mind that any member of Christ's Catholic Church (especially the clergy) would keep silent and not share the Catholic faith with people living outside the Church. It's cruel and heartless and selfish to do such a thing. 

It's like seeing a dehydrated person in the desert who will soon perish and instead of share with them the water you have, you offer them an umbrella to keep the sun off them while they die. 

We should not be celebrating or commemorating any heretic! If the pope wants "dialogue" we can dialogue with the facts of what Martin Luther did and the Truth found only in Christ's Holy Catholic Church. Let's dialogue about that! 

When will our beloved Holy Catholic Church once more do what Her Lord commissioned Her to do? 

In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 

******
Links: 

EWTN: https://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/L10EXDOM.HTM

https://dispatchesfrombrian.com/2014/07/09/lunch-with-the-pope/

http://lutheranreformation.org/ 

http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/500th-reformation-anniversary-will-be-ecumenical-and-include-pope-francis/44650.htm

https://www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/TRENT7.HTM

Bishop-elect Fr. Barron's Divine Comedy on Hell

  
Lately, Fr. Barron has been busy on Youtube leaving assorted distortions and confusing replies to the comments on his "we have a reasonable hope all people are saved" video, where two days ago he reasserted his 'hope' for universal salvation...
  

My focus is not on his video...but rather his replies (both new and old) to people who are confused by his statements that often conflict with the Church, the Bible and the writings of the Saints and Doctors of the Church. 

Here is an old comment Fr. Barron made telling a woman TO speculate that "all will be saved" but DO NOT speculate that anyone will go to hell.  

When people asked him about Ananias and Sapphira being saved or damned (Bible: Acts 5)...

Ananias and Sapphira5 "But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!” 5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. 6 The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things."

...Barron ignored them and did not respond.  I thought it was a good question and I would have liked seeing Barron's response.

So it's really no great wonder why the people leaving comments on Barron's Youtube Channel are so confused.  Barron has stirred up valid questions and they aren't getting valid answers.

In the following comments we see exactly why Bishop-elect "hopes" all will be saved...he wonders if any human ever dies in a state of mortal sin: 

How do we know anyone actually dies in mortal sin??  Really? 

Looking around the world today, Fr. Barron questions whether or not people die in a state of mortal sin?  This stuns me. 

Oh well, that explains it!  

I have no idea what Bishop-elect Barron is saying here (above).  Is he saying because Christ calls 'us all' that 'all' will answer and be saved? He seems very focused on the word "all", while completely forgetting Sacred Scripture of Christ separating the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25). 

Barron goes on with his "all" fascination:

I think I'm having a Clinton flash-back 'what is the meaning of is'!

Notice below that Fr. Barron poo-poos Church approved apparitions on revelation about hell, but he fully supports Dante's Divine Comedy (the "single tear") as a reliable source for information on hell and salvation. 

...and here

now again just two days ago he uses Dante as proof...

And again he REALLY likes Dante: 

Nothing against Dante...but I would take Sacred Scripture, the visions of hell and warnings of Our Lady of Fatima over Dante's Divine Comedy as a resource on Hell and the very real fact that people will spend eternity there. 

One more thing... Barron isn't too fond of Church Militant's Michael Voris for pointing all this out over the years. ;) 

Barron thinks Voris is a "bully" and says he won't respond to him...

...yet Barron says he DID respond to Voris...

In Christ and wondering what in Hell Bishop-elect Fr. Barron is talking about, 


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 



Source: Bishop-elect Fr. Barron's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsa0sg4Od4