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JIMMY AKIN PODCAST EPISODE 010 (8/30/11)
* DUANE ASKS WHETHER PROTESTANT MINISTERS ARE “CALLED” BY GOD
No one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Indeed no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God. Anyone who thinks he recognizes the signs of God's call to the ordained ministry must humbly submit his desire to the authority of the Church, who has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive orders. Like every grace this sacrament can be received only as an unmerited gift [CCC 1578].
The use of this expression [“subsists in”], which indicates the full identity of the Church of Christ with the Catholic Church, does not change the doctrine on the Church. Rather, it comes from and brings out more clearly the fact that there are “numerous elements of sanctification and of truth” which are found outside her structure, but which “as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, impel towards Catholic Unity”.
It follows that these separated churches and Communities, though we believe they suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation. In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church” [Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church (June 29, 2007)].
* CLAUDIO ASKS WHETHER WE MUST HOPE THAT SALVATION IS OBTAINED BY ALL.
MATTHEW 7
[21] "Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
[22] On that day many will say to me, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'
[23] And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.'
LUKE 13
[23] And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them,
[24] "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
* ANONYMOUS ASKS ABOUT SHOPPING ON SUNDAY
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH:
2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.
"The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity of charity accepts just work."
2186 Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.
2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.
* ANONYMOUS ASKS WHAT TO CALL FORMER ANGLICANS WHO JOIN THE NEW ORDINARIATE.
* ALEX ASKS WHY GOD CHOSE TO HAVE HIS SON DIE FOR OUR SINS INSTEAD OF JUST FORGIVING THEM WITHOUT THIS HAVING TO HAPPEN.
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In regards to the issue of whether a Catholic may hold the position that all MAY in fact avoid hell, with all due respect, I think you are stating more than the Church says. On 5/2/2004, you wrote that the Von Balthasarian position appeared to be a permitted position for a Catholic to hold, despite the fact that you wished it were not a permitted position.
You certainly present some challenging scriptural references, not to be dismissed lightly.
I certainly think the more likely reality is that there are many in hell. Additionally, it is very ill-advised for one to think that he need not work vigorously to live a moral life and attempt to avoid hell. Furthermore, I think most are not mature enough to handle the nuances of this discussion and the topic is best discussed among experts so as not to scandalize. NOT WELL, hell is real and a real possibility for anyone!
However, is there anything in the Church’s teaching that indicates Catholics are obligated to assert that human persons are in hell, despite the fact that one may find it virtually impossible to avoid the assertion based on scripture? Is it
up to us to decide what scripture means? Don’t we need to look to what the Church teaches, which is founded on scripture?
If what you say is true, would it not follow that Ignatius Press has published a heretical book? Von Balthasar was slated to be cardinal before he died. How would that be likely under John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger, if what he was writing was heretical? I understand how that would be possible in theory, but how likely under these persons?
Regarding Sunday shopping, I think the more frequent problem is willy-nilly shopping on Sunday. There is no reason for someone to go to the mall on Sunday. We survived just fine when malls were closed on Sundays. For the vast majority of cases, people can do their grocery shopping on Saturday night, if necessary. If there is a forgotten item such as milk or bread or what not, that is one thing. To go in for your weekly shopping, that seems to be inconsistent with the meaning of Sunday.
We are way, way too casual about this part of the Third Commandment. It might even be said that so few people hear about this, that they are innocent of sin, but it sure seems the Church finds it objectively sinful to do unwarranted Sunday shopping.
John Paul II’s Dies Domini would appear to be just pretty writing if I can just ignore it in practice.
There is a distinction to be made between leisure shopping and necessity shopping. Some people, such as some health care workers who work second shift, cannot do shopping at the normal hours of the week. Such people, it would seem to me, are not violating the Sabbath for exactly the same reason the apostles weren’t when they pulled the heads of wheat and ate them.
A few stores and pharmacies (note: a few) need to be open on Sunday for thus reason. It is an act of charity.
As for the question of whether or notnthere is anyone in hell, John Paul II in a late encyclical, whose name escapes me, cautioned everyone against assuming universal salvation, although he did not define this dogmatically.
The Chicken
Into music sounded like a weird opening to Night Court….LOL
According to Catholics like Mark Shea, Von Balthasar’s position is the position of the church.
On the question of universal or near-universal salvation (or near-universal damnation for that matter), I think it’s best not to quantify “many”, even relatively, which Jesus also does not seem to do in Luke 13:23-24.
If it’s easy to be saved, people might be tempted to be presumptuous and not try as hard to be good and to grow in virtue. That sin becomes even more tempting if you know salvation is practically guaranteed.
On the other hand, if few are saved, people would be easily discouraged and give in to despair. What’s one more serious sin after I’ve committed so many already? My salvation is extremely doubtful anyway.
I think it’s best to be hopeful and cautiously optimistic if you’re sincerely trying to be holy, and to have some anxiety about your salvation if you’re not. The ones I feel sorry for the most are those who aren’t even trying to be good and either don’t believe in Heaven/Hell/Purgatory, or believe their lives have no bearing on their eternity.