September 28, 2007

Letters to the Editor

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Reader: God’s truth found in Jesus and his holy Catholic Church

Your Aug. 31 issue of The Criterion has a letter in which the writer quotes the Catechism of the Catholic Church that “those who, through no fault of their own do not know the gospel of Christ … but who seek God … and try to do His will … may achieve eternal salvation” (CCC, #847). This is true but, taken out of context, is misleading.

“Lumen Gentium,” from which it comes, goes on to tell us: “Nor does divine Providence deny the help necessary for salvation. … Whatever goodness or truth is found among them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel” (Lumen Gentium, paragraph 16). A person who loves God and seeks his truth will ultimately find it in Jesus and his holy Catholic Church, which is required for salvation.

“Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus,” the doctrine of exclusive salvation, comes from Christ himself. It has been held by the Church since her inception.

It can and indeed has been suppressed and rationalized to death, but it is “De Fide” forever. No council, no pope, not 10,000 theologians shouting from the housetops, can ever change it.

“Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood you shall not have life in you” (Jn 6:54).

It is what our fathers, missionaries and martyrs of the faith suffered and died for.

- Kenneth de Maillé, Bloomington

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