A Very Different Discussion on Pope Francis

Catholicism is in the center of the news due to the recent death of Pope Francis. He was probably one of the most progressive Popes on record, pressing an open view of homosexuality (“who am I to judge” details here), and a very universalistic view of who will be going to Heaven (details here), among other false dogma.

In desiring to honor the Pope, a 2018 story has resurfaced regarding a young boy who asked Francis if “his atheist Dad is in Heaven” (details here). The Pope’s answer strikes at the heart of how the Catholic church has continued to fall. The leader of 1.2+ Billion Catholics, the one whose denomination believes he is in the direct line from Peter as the foundation of the Christian church, the one who has allegedly been granted the ability to speak for God without error in certain situations (Ex Cathedra – details here), responded as follows …

“The pope then spoke more directly to Emanuele’s concern. He said, ‘It’s nice a son says that about his father, that “he was a good man ….”‘ Francis asked the crowd, ‘Do you think God would ever leave a man like him far from him? Does God abandon his children?’ The crowd shouted back, ‘No!’ Turning back to Emanuele, Francis added, ‘This is the answer, Emanuele. Surely God was proud of your father …. Pray for your father. Speak to your father,’ he told him.”

If the Pope believes “atheists” can escape Hell, what better definition of universalism would there be? This is Salvation by works, or perhaps worse, by simply being human, a view as far from Biblical Christianity and the need for faith in Jesus Christ as one can get ….

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

An atheist doesn’t believe in, much less accept by faith, God or Christ.

The Pope demonstrated nothing more than carnal Christians and the secular world does, offering human love over God’s clear teachings from His word.

Catholic Theology is not Salvific (Saving Faith)

There are many Catholics who are saved and going to Heaven. However, Catholicism is a “works-based” (rather than “faith-based”) false religion. That underlying reality is only being aggravated by its deconstruction toward an ecumenical, at best, or universalism at worst, position. Below is a summary from a source I trust that best defines this point (details here).

“Salvation: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation is by baptismal regeneration and is maintained through the Catholic sacraments unless a willful act of sin is committed that breaks the state of sanctifying grace. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace which is received through simple faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that good works are the result of a change of the heart wrought in salvation (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17) and the fruit of that new life in Christ (John 15).

“Assurance of salvation: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation cannot be guaranteed or assured. 1 John 5:13 states that the letter of 1 John was written for the purpose of assuring believers of the CERTAINTY of their salvation.

“Good Works: The Roman Catholic Church states that Christians are saved by meritorious works (beginning with baptism) and that salvation is maintained by good works (receiving the sacraments, confession of sin to a priest, etc.) The Bible states that Christians are saved by grace through faith, totally apart from works (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:10-11; Romans 3:19-24).”

The Future

As the conclave of Cardinals begins, the real question is, will Catholicism continue in its progressing away from the core theology of a Biblical Christian worldview, or will it begin a turn (repentance) toward more traditional (yet still works-based and therefore false) dogma.