2 Questions for Francis, and 1 for his fans

For the last 3/4 months I've had a draft post sat, unpublished, on this blog, with the timid title 'Some Tentative Thoughts on Pope Francis'. This was the collation of some things I'd been thinking about since he'd brought back indulgences (link from the Vatican News service here), and since some interesting conversations regarding my not-wild-joy over Cardinal Schonborn's appearance at the HTB Leadership Conference. It probably won't get published now, or at least it might be substantially modified, but there we go.

Today, though, marks the point at which I've read one too many posts about how the current Pope (whose attitude to wealth, lgbt folk, the poor and so on is Christlike and positive) is getting some things in a twist that, to me, emphasise the difference between the potential official position of the Roman Catholic Church, and that of Orthodox Christianity.

So, some questions; two for the Pope, and one for his friends.

Questions for Pope Francis

1) Do I get to go to heaven if I'm an atheist (or, anything), but do good?

In the same sermon that the Pope seemed to imply (as explored in the second question) everyone is saved; it seems to be the belief of the Roman Pontiff that if you do good, you get to go to heaven. You can read bits of, and link to, that sermon here.

The emphasis is on doing good, not accepting the Grace of Jesus.

To some extent, there is an appeal to the part of each of us, the part which dreams the 'American Dream', perhaps, that thinks we can all earn something.

But that simply isn't true.

If salvation isn't by Grace, but instead by works, then there are problems. Salvation by works - by doing good - is bad news. The good news of Jesus is much better - it is Grace.

2) Does everyone go to heaven?

I'm intrigued by this one. The Pope seems to have said that God redeems everyone - that everyone is saved. This, as well as echoing the error of universalism, which I have written about as being the Suicide of Christian Theology, seems to go against the direct words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46 (the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats). If that is so, then would seem to be wrong, to be theologically awkward, and something I'd love clarity on.

Questions for fans of the Pope

Please hear me carefully. I am not saying the Pope doesn't love Jesus, isn't serving the Poor, and isn't doing some good. But I am concerned that many evangelicals, charismatics, and other Christians who should know better, are embracing the Pope uncritically, when things still remain.

My question, then, is simple.

Do you get as excited about Jesus as you have been getting about the new Pope?

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A controversial post, perhaps, and so I'd value your comments. Feedback. Suggestions for further reading. This is not a post that suggests Catholics aren't Christians - in fact I know many fine Christians who are also Roman Catholic, like my friend training to be a priest who wrote this stunning post about sex (particularly celibacy) for me. But there are differences, deep and important differences, that go write to the heart of the Gospel, and as such cannot be ignored. Thanks for reading. You might be interested to read  my friend Andrew Evans' rather controversial but pertinent post,  'Why the New Pope is Probably Not a Christian'. It goes without saying that I don't 100% endorse Andy's post, but he makes some good points that bear reading.

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