All religions lead to God - Pope Francis

17,740 Views | 236 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by ramblin_ag02
PabloSerna
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AG
Zobel said:

Is idolatry a path to God?
"As I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship and this is what I am going to proclaim to you." - St. Paul

ETA: I agree with Paul that even a basic search for God begins with a instinctive understanding that there is something bigger than us- an unknown God. So in that sense, I would say yes.

“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
jrico2727
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AG
Zobel said:

Is idolatry a path to God?


What about Satanism? Isn't an inversion of the truth in a way a recognition of the truth?
Zobel
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As usual you didn't answer the question.

I agree that an unknown god has the possibility to be the most high God. St Paul is perfectly correct.

Is an idol to Ba'al a path to God?
Zobel
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Sure, isn't sin actually righteousness after all? And bitter is really sweet and dark is actually light.
747Ag
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AG
Thus the privation of good is actually good. This is fun.
PabloSerna
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I did answer your first question. I agree with St. Paul and you seem to have arrived at the same conculsion.

To your second question, that would be a "no"- but I think you understand what I am saying.

“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
PabloSerna
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747Ag said:

Thus the privation of good is actually good. This is fun.
Do you really want to break down what you have written?

“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
PabloSerna
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AG
Is there really "cold"?
“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
PabloSerna
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jrico2727 said:

Zobel said:

Is idolatry a path to God?


What about Satanism? Isn't an inversion of the truth in a way a recognition of the truth?

They certainly believe in the real presence than many Catholics... (LINK)
“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
Zobel
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AG
I would say that a kind of pious agnosticism can be a path to God. A humility and openness to the unknown can be a path to God.

Serving idols and the demons they represent is not a path to God.
AgLiving06
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PabloSerna said:

There is no spinning. You simply do not understand some things and are reaching for a conclusion. I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to define for you the difference between a "path to God" and the fullness of the teachings of Jesus Christ. That Aquinas cites heavily the Greek philosophers is well known.

I don't know if this helps- but the "fullness of truth" claim, which I agree makes sense, is regarding the path that Jesus blazed to the top of the mountain. This is where the RCC applies the scripture where Jesus is the gate. This does not apply to other "religions" - just Christians.





I certainly do understand.

I understand you're having to deny the claims of a supposed ecumenical council because you don't like what it says.

I understand that you're actually taking a very protestant position that the early church (even though we are talking medieval times by Florence) had very different opinions on a lot of things.

I understand that councils and popes contradict each other (I recall someone else making this point).

I understand that your position is to try and make Rome unfalsifiable by constantly shifting the goalposts to defend Rome above all else.

So yes. I understand you quite well. It's just that your position is indefensible, and everyone sees that but you.
PabloSerna
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AG
You are certainly entitled to your opinion about me. However, your understanding of the Roman Catholic Church regarding its well documented positions on inter-religious dialogue is way off and evident in your summation.

“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
ramblin_ag02
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Quote:

No, the Bible is clear: The only way to God is through his Son Jesus Christ.
This is almost a tautology for Christians. Christ is the bridge between the divine and creation, between the physical and the spiritual, and between heaven and earth. Creation was made through Christ. As created beings, he's the link between us and the Father. We inherit eternal life after death because he led the way first.

Taking that verse to mean that only avowed Christians gain eternal life is pretty bad eisegesis, especially given Jesus' own words that being an avowed Christian is not the path to salvation (Matthew 7)
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ramblin_ag02
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AG
jrico2727 said:

powerbelly said:


Quote:

It may shock some, but it is very likely that Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and other non-Christians will walk the streets of heaven!
God can obviously do whatever he wants, but this seems contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
The nuance and what is being abused by some is what is know as invincible ignorance. When answering the question on what about the noble savage that never learned of Christ, would a just God, condemn them in hell? What the church teaches is that God will judge and wouldn't just instantly condemn based on that fact alone. Now what about modern societies where people have more knowledge than ever before? Now people want to further nuance culture and personal biases and then blame bad behavior of current and prior Christians. At what point does invincible ignorance turn into intentional ignorance? What we know for sure is the words of Christ state that he is the only way to the Father. He instructs his followers to preach the Gospel and baptize all nations. Doesn't seem so nuanced.
I don't know. I think the argument lasts as long as Christians are flawed and terrible. As recently as a few years ago, one of my favorite envangelists Ravi Zacharias was accused of sexual harassment by dozens of women. Do you think those people and their families are going to trusting and accepting of the next person or dozen people in their lives that come to preach Christianity? And that's a very tame example. Similar stories and worse can be found in every branch of Christianity
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AgLiving06
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PabloSerna said:

You are certainly entitled to your opinion about me. However, your understanding of the Roman Catholic Church regarding its well documented positions on inter-religious dialogue is way off and evident in your summation.



Which is a modern invention as I've already said, hence you relied on post Vatican 2 justifications.

That Rome did a 180 isn't a problem. It's a good thing.

But pretending that Rome always believed what it believes now is just a lie.
jrico2727
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AG
ramblin_ag02 said:

jrico2727 said:

powerbelly said:


Quote:

It may shock some, but it is very likely that Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and other non-Christians will walk the streets of heaven!
God can obviously do whatever he wants, but this seems contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
The nuance and what is being abused by some is what is know as invincible ignorance. When answering the question on what about the noble savage that never learned of Christ, would a just God, condemn them in hell? What the church teaches is that God will judge and wouldn't just instantly condemn based on that fact alone. Now what about modern societies where people have more knowledge than ever before? Now people want to further nuance culture and personal biases and then blame bad behavior of current and prior Christians. At what point does invincible ignorance turn into intentional ignorance? What we know for sure is the words of Christ state that he is the only way to the Father. He instructs his followers to preach the Gospel and baptize all nations. Doesn't seem so nuanced.
I don't know. I think the argument lasts as long as Christians are flawed and terrible. As recently as a few years ago, one of my favorite envangelists Ravi Zacharias was accused of sexual harassment by dozens of women. Do you think those people and their families are going to trusting and accepting of the next person or dozen people in their lives that come to preach Christianity? And that's a very tame example. Similar stories and worse can be found in every branch of Christianity


This is a great question as we all have been let down by someone we hold in esteem. Not all victims, but the right lie can cut to the core. I have recently been told of a gentleman who as a child had to travel due to his parents job, he was very enthusiastic about church and heard a sermon that touched him greatly and meant a lot. The next week due to his parents circumstances he found himself at another church, with a different preacher, who gave the exact sermon verbatim. That caused him to reject the Faith, that event led to a life a atheism and mocking his family for their faith, he currently has dementia and will soon meet his reward. I pray that God reaches him in that state even if we can never see it, but I understand the consequences especially for victims of abuse.
After a crushing personal disappointment I questioned why God would allow this, especially since in my expert analysis I clearly deserved much better. I then had to dive deeper and really seen what does Christ promise. Obviously forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in an eternal paradise with loved ones, the saints and angels, but we sometimes want or expect more. I then saw a promise that world would hate me, because it hates him,and I have to take up a cross and suffer with him, not just for me but for him. I often find in prayer when I feel wronged by someone or from events in my life. I take it to prayer, often I have the graceI see how the Lord suffered and has invited me to experience something similar because we are following him and that if we offer our suffering along with his it leads to a multitude of graces. I am not saying this is easy but trust in the Lord is rewarded.
RAB91
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Quote:

Pray that Pope Francis will fulfill his duty.

"The bishop of Rome is the spiritual and institutional head of the Catholic Church worldwide. This means, among other things, that he has the duty to teach the faith clearly and preach it evangelically. Loose comments can only confuse. Yet, too often, confusion infects and undermines the good will of this pontificate.

Christians hold that Jesus alone is the path to God. To suggest, imply, or allow others to infer otherwise is a failure to love because genuine love always wills the good of the other, and the good of all people is to know and love Jesus Christ, and through him the Father who created us." - Archbishop Charles Chaput

Believe it.
Quo Vadis?
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The Pope is espousing heresy. End of story. The only good thing is he's winging it off the cuff and not formally teaching it.

Exsurge Domine, the foxes are in the vineyard again
Quo Vadis?
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Quo Vadis? said:

The Pope is espousing heresy. End of story. The only good thing is he's winging it off the cuff and not formally teaching it.

Exsurge Domine, the foxes are in the vineyard again


I also love the cognitive dissonance inherent in:

"SSPX are schismatics and cut off from the body of Christ", and "Buddhism is a path to God"
747Ag
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Quo Vadis? said:

The Pope is espousing heresy. End of story. The only good thing is he's winging it off the cuff and not formally teaching it.

Exsurge Domine, the foxes are in the vineyard again
Round 2: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/09/17/240917a.html
Quo Vadis?
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747Ag said:

Quo Vadis? said:

The Pope is espousing heresy. End of story. The only good thing is he's winging it off the cuff and not formally teaching it.

Exsurge Domine, the foxes are in the vineyard again
Round 2: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/09/17/240917a.html


Maybe he's referring to the Eastern Catholic Churches
AG @ HEART
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Technically all roads lead to Jesus... Either into his arms or into his hands.
PabloSerna
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AgLiving06 said:

PabloSerna said:

You are certainly entitled to your opinion about me. However, your understanding of the Roman Catholic Church regarding its well documented positions on inter-religious dialogue is way off and evident in your summation.



Which is a modern invention as I've already said, hence you relied on post Vatican 2 justifications.

That Rome did a 180 isn't a problem. It's a good thing.

But pretending that Rome always believed what it believes now is just a lie.
To your first statement; the significance of Vatican II is stated most clearly in this document, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World - Gaudium et Spes - You will likely not even glance at it, however, your dismissal of Vatican II as some "modern invention" is childish.

To your second statement, that the church did a 180. I have tried to point out through scripture in particular Paul's sermon in Athens at the Aeropagus (Acts 17:16-34) and other documents that are more specific in particular, Nostra Aetate which is the conciliar statement promulgated by the Bishops at Vatican II- all acknowledge that God's work, Signs of the Times, are evident of his presence in the world, "a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men." At the same time, this is not saying all religions are equal. THAT is the heresy of indifference. Not exactly a 180.

To your last statement, it is clear that "Rome" has always and still believes that in it lies the fullness of truth when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Again, this makes sense when you read Paul's opening remarks to the Athenians. So, I would say your last point again -is off base.

“Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after it” -Jonathan Swift, 1710
NoahAg
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ramblin_ag02 said:

Quote:

No, the Bible is clear: The only way to God is through his Son Jesus Christ.
This is almost a tautology for Christians. Christ is the bridge between the divine and creation, between the physical and the spiritual, and between heaven and earth. Creation was made through Christ. As created beings, he's the link between us and the Father. We inherit eternal life after death because he led the way first.

Taking that verse to mean that only avowed Christians gain eternal life is pretty bad eisegesis, especially given Jesus' own words that being an avowed Christian is not the path to salvation (Matthew 7)
John 14:6 is straightforward.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
ramblin_ag02
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AG
NoahAg said:

ramblin_ag02 said:

Quote:

No, the Bible is clear: The only way to God is through his Son Jesus Christ.
This is almost a tautology for Christians. Christ is the bridge between the divine and creation, between the physical and the spiritual, and between heaven and earth. Creation was made through Christ. As created beings, he's the link between us and the Father. We inherit eternal life after death because he led the way first.

Taking that verse to mean that only avowed Christians gain eternal life is pretty bad eisegesis, especially given Jesus' own words that being an avowed Christian is not the path to salvation (Matthew 7)
John 14:6 is straightforward.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
If your interpretation of those verses were correct, then it would not be clearly contradicted by Matthew 7
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
AgLiving06
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PabloSerna said:

AgLiving06 said:

PabloSerna said:

You are certainly entitled to your opinion about me. However, your understanding of the Roman Catholic Church regarding its well documented positions on inter-religious dialogue is way off and evident in your summation.



Which is a modern invention as I've already said, hence you relied on post Vatican 2 justifications.

That Rome did a 180 isn't a problem. It's a good thing.

But pretending that Rome always believed what it believes now is just a lie.
To your first statement; the significance of Vatican II is stated most clearly in this document, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World - Gaudium et Spes - You will likely not even glance at it, however, your dismissal of Vatican II as some "modern invention" is childish.

To your second statement, that the church did a 180. I have tried to point out through scripture in particular Paul's sermon in Athens at the Aeropagus (Acts 17:16-34) and other documents that are more specific in particular, Nostra Aetate which is the conciliar statement promulgated by the Bishops at Vatican II- all acknowledge that God's work, Signs of the Times, are evident of his presence in the world, "a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men." At the same time, this is not saying all religions are equal. THAT is the heresy of indifference. Not exactly a 180.

To your last statement, it is clear that "Rome" has always and still believes that in it lies the fullness of truth when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Again, this makes sense when you read Paul's opening remarks to the Athenians. So, I would say your last point again -is off base.




What you've tried to do is dismiss an ecumenical council because Rome doesn't hold to that belief anymore...

Quote:

It firmly believes, professes and preaches that all those who are outside the catholic church, not only pagans but also Jews or heretics and schismatics, cannot share in eternal life and will go into the everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels, unless they are joined to the catholic church before the end of their lives; that the unity of the ecclesiastical body is of such importance that only for those who abide in it do the church's sacraments contribute to salvation and do fasts, almsgiving and other works of piety and practices of the Christian militia produce eternal rewards; and that nobody can be saved, no matter how much he has given away in alms and even if he has shed his blood in the name of Christ, unless he has persevered in the bosom and the unity of the catholic church.

This is not ambiguous and is completely contradictory to what Francis just said.

And this is the problem. Rome doesn't get to play both sides.

You don't get to appeal to Tradition, Popes, Scripture when it's convenient to your argument.

Rome said the above in an Ecumenical Council (that they claim as one). You don't get to hand wave that away.

So either that Ecumenical Council is wrong, or your personal interpretation is wrong. You don't get to have both.

So simple question. Is Florence wrong that Jews, heretics and schismatics cannot share eternal life and will go into everlasting fire?

It's a simple yes/no question.
The Banned
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False equivalency.

A council talking about heretics leaving the Church at a time when it was relatively whole is very different than a council talking about other people who have been born and raised outside the Church. The council of Florence came at a time when the Catholic Church was THE church. You couldn't plead ignorance.

500 years and a thousand denominations later, there is plenty of room for people to be actively seeking God while not in communion with the Church. Many people are raised with false understandings of what the Church teaches, or don't even have access to the Church. Heck, even ~60 years after Florence the new world was discovered and tons of people who had never heard the gospel had to be considered. Leaving the church or not joining the church that you know about is very different than not joining a church you've either never come in contact with or have heard lies about since childhood

ETA: this was also during a time when east and west were discussing reunification, so stressing that all believers should be inside of one true Church also makes sense for the time period.
AgLiving06
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The Banned said:

False equivalency.

A council talking about heretics leaving the Church at a time when it was relatively whole is very different than a council talking about other people who have been born and raised outside the Church. The council of Florence came at a time when the Catholic Church was THE church. You couldn't plead ignorance.

500 years and a thousand denominations later, there is plenty of room for people to be actively seeking God while not in communion with the Church. Many people are raised with false understandings of what the Church teaches, or don't even have access to the Church. Heck, even ~60 years after Florence the new world was discovered and tons of people who had never heard the gospel had to be considered. Leaving the church or not joining the church that you know about is very different than not joining a church you've either never come in contact with or have heard lies about since childhood

ETA: this was also during a time when east and west were discussing reunification, so stressing that all believers should be inside of one true Church also makes sense for the time period.

Rome was not THE church even at the time of Florence.

it was called, in part, to try and unify Rome and EO, and this is before we consider the other churches.

You're still avoiding the question.

Today, outside of a potentially very remote group, everybody has heard of Jesus. Even the Muslims revere him as a prophet.

By any measure, they are turning away not from just Rome, but from Jesus. You can try and dance around the question but Florence is clear.

But lets keep it simple. Am I destined for everlasting fire? Florence clearly says yes. Do you agree?

jrico2727
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AG
Do you think it's appropriate to ask other poster to judge the fate of your soul?

Or better phrased do you think you are able to judge anyone's eternal destiny?
NoahAg
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Idea to keep the pope in line
AGC
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AG
jrico2727 said:

Do you think it's appropriate to ask other poster to judge the fate of your soul?

Or better phrased do you think you are able to judge anyone's eternal destiny?


Seems like a sidebar. The underlying question is the issue of rcc statements, clarifications, letters, missives, and off the cuff papal comments that must always be reconciled or interpreted in an ever isolating way. Rome has done its own thing for a thousand years and now has an ecosystem to sustain. It's hard to accuse other Christians of being unwilling to reconcile or resistant to unity if one doesn't recognize how one's own church and tradition have been shaped and formed this far downstream of the split and papal revolution.
jrico2727
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AG
AGC said:

jrico2727 said:

Do you think it's appropriate to ask other poster to judge the fate of your soul?

Or better phrased do you think you are able to judge anyone's eternal destiny?


Seems like a sidebar. The underlying question is the issue of rcc statements, clarifications, letters, missives, and off the cuff papal comments that must always be reconciled or interpreted in an ever isolating way. Rome has done its own thing for a thousand years and now has an ecosystem to sustain. It's hard to accuse other Christians of being unwilling to reconcile or resistant to unity if one doesn't recognize how one's own church and tradition have been shaped and formed this far downstream of the split and papal revolution.
And I imagine we could have that conversation without the histrionics of are you condemning me to hell if we disagree.
AGC
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AG
jrico2727 said:

AGC said:

jrico2727 said:

Do you think it's appropriate to ask other poster to judge the fate of your soul?

Or better phrased do you think you are able to judge anyone's eternal destiny?


Seems like a sidebar. The underlying question is the issue of rcc statements, clarifications, letters, missives, and off the cuff papal comments that must always be reconciled or interpreted in an ever isolating way. Rome has done its own thing for a thousand years and now has an ecosystem to sustain. It's hard to accuse other Christians of being unwilling to reconcile or resistant to unity if one doesn't recognize how one's own church and tradition have been shaped and formed this far downstream of the split and papal revolution.
And I imagine we could have that conversation without the histrionics of are you condemning me to hell if we disagree.


It's a real bummer the document is out there and has to be squared with a thousand years of papal history and every statement the bishop of Rome makes going forward. Why does it matter if it's a little statement or big one?
dermdoc
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AG
jrico2727 said:

AGC said:

jrico2727 said:

Do you think it's appropriate to ask other poster to judge the fate of your soul?

Or better phrased do you think you are able to judge anyone's eternal destiny?


Seems like a sidebar. The underlying question is the issue of rcc statements, clarifications, letters, missives, and off the cuff papal comments that must always be reconciled or interpreted in an ever isolating way. Rome has done its own thing for a thousand years and now has an ecosystem to sustain. It's hard to accuse other Christians of being unwilling to reconcile or resistant to unity if one doesn't recognize how one's own church and tradition have been shaped and formed this far downstream of the split and papal revolution.
And I imagine we could have that conversation without the histrionics of are you condemning me to hell if we disagree.
The idea that a human being can condemn somebody to hell is ludicrous.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
AgLiving06
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jrico2727 said:

Do you think it's appropriate to ask other poster to judge the fate of your soul?

Or better phrased do you think you are able to judge anyone's eternal destiny?

Do I think anybody should judge anyone's eternal destiny? No that's for God alone. But my church didn't hold a council it claims as ecumenical that made those statements. Yours did. Your church claims the authority to speak for God and has declared those who disagree with it will be in everlasting fire.

I was attacked not more than a month ago for daring to agree with Luther's statement that councils and popes contradict each other. We once again have a clear example of that happening, and I'm glad it's uncomfortable for you. It should be uncomfortable to realize what your Church did and said. Maybe you will even begin to recognize how flawed their claims are.

But that's you're still avoiding the question.

Based on Florence and Rome's position (at that time at least) am I condemned to everlasting fire?
 
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