[Apologetics] If Protestantism is True . . . .

[Art Kelly]

In order to commit a mortal sin, someone must be aware that it is a sin and commit the act deliberately.
 
If Protestantism--that's sort of broad category with a lot of subdivision--is true, then Catholics who sincerely hold contrary (but for the purpose of this analysis, incorrect) views will not be held responsible for those honest errors.
 
No Catholic worships what he or she THINKS is just a wafer. Rather, each Catholic BELIEVES it to be the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus under the appearance of bread.  If we're wrong, then there is no harm done from a Protestant prospective.  The Catholic loves God and was proceeding to express worship to the best of his or her knowledge (however incorrect it might be) at the time.
 
So, if Protestantism is true, then devout Catholics who die in a state of grace will go to Heaven.
 
It is true that some (not all) fundamentalists believe all Catholics will go to Hell. But most Protestants have more ecumenical views.  
 
Furthermore, if you ask those who think Catholics are not saved, sometimes they will say (incorrectly) that Catholics have not accepted Jesus as their savior.  Others will say (incorrectly) that Catholics worship Mary as a god.  Once ACCURATE Catholicism is explained to them, they may reconsider the eternal destiny of devout Catholics
 
Of course, if Catholicsm is true, then devout Protestants (and devout non-Christians) who die in a state of grace will also go to Heaven (preceded probably by a state of purification).
 
By the way, those Protestants (all Lutherans, most Anglicans, even some Calvinists, and others) who believe Jesus is present in some way in their Eucharist are wrong, as they have no apostolic succession to confect this sacrament.  However, they are absolutely NOT doing anything wrong, as they SINCERELY believe in the efficacy of their liturgy.
 
See paragraphs 830 to 848 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Art Kelly

Turris Fortis Mihi Deus
--- On Sun, 6/12/11, Dianne Dawson <rcdianne at yahoo.com> wrote:


From: Dianne Dawson <rcdianne at yahoo.com>
Subject: [Apologetics] If Protestantism is True . . . .
To: "Apologetics Group" <apologetics at gathman.org>
Date: Sunday, June 12, 2011, 9:47 AM




I'm embarrassed to admit that this is not an argument I've ever thought of.  But it's a doozy! - Dianne




   
 
http://mazzara.blogspot.com/2011/06/if-protestantism-is-true.html
 


If Protestantism is True . . . . 


Over at Almost Not Catholic is an advertisement for Devin Rose's new book, "If Protestantism is True." 

I've not read the book, but after I'm finished with my current crop of purchases I plan on looking into it. Why? It sounds really interesting, but also the title reminds me of one of my evangelization ploys when speaking with protestant friends, or protestant ministers.

I've heard several more open minded Protestants, from Presbyterians to Baptists say, "You've got a lot of zeal for Christ. I'm sure I'll see you in Heaven." I tell them no they won't, not if Catholics are wrong about the Eucharist. If it isn't Christ, then we're just a bunch of idol worshipers.

We may swear up and down that we don't worship the saints, or their images (because we don't), but we never deny that we worship what looks like a wafer of bread and what looks like a chalice filled of wine. It isn't bread nor is it wine, and we as Catholics know this. But if Protestants are right, and it isn't Jesus, and we're wrong, well then, we're no better than the calf worshiping Israelites . . . except our image is a little more liberal and stranger (from a pagan's perspective) than the traditional golden calf, the image of the bread and wine being a considerably more recent development.

Then again, if the Church is right, and Christ was telling the Truth in John 6 . . . . . .

 



Like a deer that longs for running waters so my soul longs for you, O God.
Ps 42:1
 
 


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