Salvation Flashcards
What is salvation and what do Catholics believe about it?
-The belief that through Jesus’ death and resurrection people can live forever with God
-Catholics believe that Jesus saved humans from the consequences of sin, which are a damaged relationship with God and the possibility of separating themselves from God’s love forever.
What does the Bible say about salvation ?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”
How would the Catholic view on salvation impact their lives?
Catholics would pray to God thanking him for sending his son so that they may have eternal life in heaven
What did the Church initially teach about Salvation outside of the Church?
The Catholic Church traditionally taught that only those who were believers and members of the Catholic Church could be saved. There was no salvation for those outside of the Church.
What do the Catholic Church currently teach about salvation outside of the Church?
-The current Pope, Francis, has said that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was made for all humanity, not just for Christian people. As we are all made in the image of God, we all have the same opportunity to do good deeds and through those good deeds be growing closer to God - even if we have no belief in Him.
What evidence may be used to back up the Catholic view on salvation outside of the Church?
-Catholic’s believe in the sanctity of life which means that all people are a gift from God and are all equal in his eyes. Therefore, he desires the salvation of all people regardless of their religious status
-The second Vatican council states that even people who are ignorant to faith can achieve eternal life if they live good lives and follow the natural laws set out by God
-The Bible says that “God is love” suggesting he is omnibenelovent therefore God’s love and forgiveness extends to all of humanity and not just the Church
Why may people not agree with the Catholic view on the sanctity of life?
-exclusivist may disagree as they believe that the message of Christianity is essential to salvation and anyone who does not accept Jesus as the sin of God and their saviour cannot be a partake of salvation: “I am the way, the truth and the light”
-they may argue that the Catholic believe downplays the importance of Jesus’ life and death reducing the importance of Jesus himself for salvation and instead it gives people the impression that they do not need the Word of God
-“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” this indicates that it is only through Jesus Christians can be saved
