Some general questions to all catholics.

phlogiston · Newbie Joined: Nov 01, 2008 Posts: 1 Status: **Offline**

Hey there,

First of, I'm a proud atheist, but I do enjoy finding out about others beliefs and their reasoning behind them. I've read the majority of the bible, but I still find that Catholic perspectives differ on some things. (and it's a bit hard to find a clear answer as well sometimes)

Anyway, first of;

1) Do you believe that all people who are not Catholics are going to hell? Or that people who do consider themselves Gay or Lesbian and partake in intercourse of those of the same sex are going to hell? Or purgatory?

and, if so, how about if someone is ignorant of Catholicism? If they live a fairly good life, but die before they even know about the existance of your churches Jesus would they go to hell?

2) Do you think that people who commit suicide are destined for hell?

PrayerGuy · Newbie Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 50 Status: **Offline**

"Do you believe that all people who are not Catholics are going to hell?"
No.

"Or that people who do consider themselves Gay or Lesbian and partake in intercourse of those of the same sex are going to hell?"
No.

"Or purgatory?"
Most likely. We believe that purgatory is almost like a waiting\cleansing room. Pretty much anyone is going there, the question would be how long.

"and, if so, how about if someone is ignorant of Catholicism? If they live a fairly good life, but die before they even know about the existance of your churches Jesus would they go to hell?"
No.

"Do you think that people who commit suicide are destined for hell?"
No.

For all the questions that I answered no to, there are some conditions to it. To start, the Catholic church has never certified that anyone has gone to hell. Even Judas (Jesus's Betrayer) or those who have been excommunicated. We believe that it is easier to get to Heaven if you do right, and that you might spend less time in purgatory before entering Heaven.

We can speculate all we want about which way a person goes, but in the end the only one who can make that decision is God. God shows us unconditional love. Look at the story of the Prodigal Son.

There are plenty of people out there that would say that you are going to hell for crossing the street wrong. Bottom line: Only God can make that judgment.

As far as things being clear and not. Along with studying the bible, you might checkout the "Catechism of the Catholic Church." It has listings of questions like these, might have some answers for you.

If you are interested in learning more about Catholics in a non-threatening environment you could try an RCIA Class. RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Basically it is a class that helps to explain the faith a little better and help those that want to become Catholic join into full communion with the church. You can go strictly as a spectator, no commitments, no pressure. I know people that have gone to it and decided it wasn't for them, I know people that have attended for several years before choosing to take the next step. I encourage people that are already Catholic to join one of these programs too just for the experience and the learning. We forget a lot or learn bad things along the way and this is a way for them to reinforce their faith.


	Create an account	Home · Topics · Your Account · Submit News