This is precisely why the nation is so important. The nation should draw us out from ourselves, keeping us from subjectivism by holding out a reality distinct from the individual. If our society, nations, get infected with subjective individualism they will undermine each individual within the society and thus undermine the society as a whole (On Conscience: Two Essays, Ignatius Press)
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Worried about ecumenism, synods, and the relationship between the Church and non-Catholics? Allow me to present to you the reaction of conservative Lutheran pastor Paul T. McCain to the 1999 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
What was regarded as one of the most groundbreaking events in the history of Catholic-Lutheran relations is, in the words of Mr. McCain, "a sell-out by revisionist Lutherans to Rome". The Catholic Church remains undefiled to the end, will you remain faithful in return?
What was regarded as one of the most groundbreaking events in the history of Catholic-Lutheran relations is, in the words of Mr. McCain, "a sell-out by revisionist Lutherans to Rome". The Catholic Church remains undefiled to the end, will you remain faithful in return?
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"...a true apostle looks for opportunities to announce Christ by words addressed either to non-believers with a view to leading them to faith, or to the faithful with a view to instructing, strengthening, and encouraging them to a more fervent life" (Vatican II's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity: Apostolicam Actuositatem)
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The following selection is from paragraph 1257 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I have inserted the referenced scripture passages into the text to give a fuller picture.
The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation:
"Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (Jn 3:5).
He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19).
Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament:
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk 16:16).
The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.
The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation:
"Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (Jn 3:5).
He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19).
Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament:
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk 16:16).
The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.
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