Popes have been described for ages as being “anti-Christ.” This one is no different. By this latest statement, i.e. that atheists may go to heaven even if they don’t believe in God as long as they follow their conscience, the Pope repudiates the words of Jesus: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father, but by Me.” He sets himself as the juxtaposition to Jesus Christ. What is that if not an “anti-Christ”? So now the way of salvation is to simply follow one’s conscience! On that basis, only those who violate their conscience will ever be judged. Just think how this latest pronouncement of Rome violates the teaching of its own claimed “first Pope,” who said in Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Rome is at war with itself!
How does an atheist speak intelligently about having a conscience?
I’m not trolling - I just don’t understand how someone who denies the existence of God can legitimately discuss a spiritual concept. Isn’t that a little self defeating? Or is the conscience more of a ‘moral compass’ that can be calibrated? If so, what forms the basis for that morality other than utilitarianism?
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
Using the popes logic, an atheist who follows his conscience can get to heaven, but a Catholic who claims to believe in the teachings of the RCC is not assured of heaven, until they have said their confession, done penance, taken communion, and probably bought a few indulgences.
Makes more sense to be an atheist, do whatever your conscience will let you, then know that you get a free pass into heaven, rather than living under the oppressive rules of the church.
Discussion
NewIt strikes me that ....
It strikes me that while Pope Ratzinger was the theologian Pope, Pope Bergoglio is the feel-good Pope.
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Jim's Doctrinal Statement
NewNo surprise here
Popes have been described for ages as being “anti-Christ.” This one is no different. By this latest statement, i.e. that atheists may go to heaven even if they don’t believe in God as long as they follow their conscience, the Pope repudiates the words of Jesus: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father, but by Me.” He sets himself as the juxtaposition to Jesus Christ. What is that if not an “anti-Christ”? So now the way of salvation is to simply follow one’s conscience! On that basis, only those who violate their conscience will ever be judged. Just think how this latest pronouncement of Rome violates the teaching of its own claimed “first Pope,” who said in Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Rome is at war with itself!
NewAtheist Conscience?
How does an atheist speak intelligently about having a conscience?
I’m not trolling - I just don’t understand how someone who denies the existence of God can legitimately discuss a spiritual concept. Isn’t that a little self defeating? Or is the conscience more of a ‘moral compass’ that can be calibrated? If so, what forms the basis for that morality other than utilitarianism?
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
NewHe sounds like a Universalist
He sounds like a Universalist to me.
NewRe: Atheist Conscience?
is this really that much different from romans 2:14-15?
NewTons Different
In those verses the conscience convicts, in the popes statement the conscience itself brings salvation. Totally different things.
NewPure drivel.
Using the popes logic, an atheist who follows his conscience can get to heaven, but a Catholic who claims to believe in the teachings of the RCC is not assured of heaven, until they have said their confession, done penance, taken communion, and probably bought a few indulgences.
Makes more sense to be an atheist, do whatever your conscience will let you, then know that you get a free pass into heaven, rather than living under the oppressive rules of the church.