the 'wider church'


I would like to see the reaction of a priest to the idea that faith in and love of Jesus is not absolutely necessary when it comes to eternal life. Léon suggests that the 'wider church of human goodwill' is possibly more important. In all the theological discussions I've had with Christian friends they have never conceded that this might be the case.

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In all the theological discussions I've had with Christian friends they have never conceded that this might be the case.
Well, it is food for thought though.

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[deleted]

Well, the Catholic church teaches that people get to heaven through grace, not through faith. So, yea, it's not necessary in the eyes of the Church, since it really isn't a human decision.

However.....

for C.S. Lewis' take on the subject, I suggest you read this: http://personal.bgsu.edu/~edwards/CSL/ManOrRabbit.pdf

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I'm sure there are those around who feel that way, there just has to be even if they might not openly admit it to people so freely.

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I would like to see the reaction of a priest to the idea that faith in and love of Jesus is not absolutely necessary when it comes to eternal life. Léon suggests that the 'wider church of human goodwill' is possibly more important.


That didn't happen. Barny asks, somewhat facetiously, if salvation comes only through the Church, to which Leon offers the "wider church" of human goodwill. I dare say that Catholics believe that belief in and love of Jesus (with all their attendant consequences) are sine qua non conditions for the salvation of the soul.

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Léon Morin is a very progressive priest. On his door, there is a small sign which seems to indicate that he is the local representative of the JOC (jeunesse ouvrière chrétienne) whose ideal was "reconciling his Church with the industrial workers of the world."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Christian_Workers

In French, Morin speaks of the "invisible church" (that's ok) but then says it's made of those of goodwill (that's rather heterodox to say the least).

The JOC have always had a bit of an heterodox streak and many of its priests have left the priesthood after 1968. Tellingly, recently the "Jeunesse Ouvrière Chrétienne" in Belgium (where the movement was founded) became the "Jeunes Organisés et Combatifs" (Organized and (fighting) Spirited Youths... No longer Christian, thus. So much for bringing the Church to the workers.

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