Some of my Catholic friends have questioned whether it is the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church that people will be saved apart from faith in Christ. I wish it were not so, and I have no desire to impute such a view to the RC Church falsely. But after reviewing Lumen Gentium 16 again (a Vatican II document, 1964) I think the conclusion that this is official teaching of the RC Church is inescapable. LG 16 begins by embracing in “the plan of salvation” not only (1) non-Christian Jews but also (2) non-Christian Muslims. “But the plan of salvation also includes [in addition to the Jews] those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind.” Then (3) salvation is extended as a possibility to those who don’t consciously worship the God of Abraham but who “sincerely seek God” and “strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience,” so long as they are “those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life.” Only after these indications of salvation for these three non-Christian groups is the following caveat added: “But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator [Rom 1:21, 25].” In other words, this is a qualification designed as a bulwark against full universalism, which LG rejects. Not everyone who doesn’t know Christ is saved. One must “sincerely seek God” and “strive to live a good life” as “known to them through the dictates of conscience.” Not only those to turn to evil behavior are excluded but also those who despair: “Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair.” Evangelism and mission is then commended so as to “procure the salvation” of those who otherwise because of their deeds or despair would not be saved. I would love to believe that LG 16 does not grant assurance of salvation to many who do not believe in Christ, which from a scriptural standpoint would be offering a flimsy and possibly deceptive hope. I have no desire to discredit the RC Church on this issue or any other. I’m just trying to go where the evidence leads. Certainly LG 16 does not promote universalism. Not everyone is saved. But LG 16 does assure of salvation unbelievers who fulfill three conditions: (1) their not knowing “the Gospel of Christ or His Church” or even arriving “at an explicit knowledge of God” (i.e., they are not Jews or Muslims) is “through no fault of their own”; (2) they “sincerely seek God” though God be known to them only “in shadows and images”; and (3) they “strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience,” that is, they “strive to live a good life.” Here is the complete text of Lumen Gentium 16: "16. Finally, those who have not yet received the Gospel are related in various ways to the people of God.(18*) In the first place we must recall the people to whom the testament and the promises were given and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh.(125) On account of their fathers this people remains most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts He makes nor of the calls He issues.(126) But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things,(127) and as Saviour wills that all men be saved.(128) Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.(19*) Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel.(20*) She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life. But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator.(129) Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature",(130) the Church fosters the missions with care and attention." vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:48:34 +0000
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