Do the poor of other faiths have entry into Heaven?

TreeOfLife123 · #1 May 30, '12, 1:17 pm

If I understand correctly the book of Matthew says that the poor in spirit will have entry into Heaven.

What is meant by poor in spirit? Does that mean financially poor?

Do the poor of other faiths have entry into Heaven?

**GEddie** · #2 May 30, '12, 2:53 pm

Poor in spirit does not mean financially poor.

There is nothing eternally admirable about poverty as we understand it.

By all means, ask a priest or consult a Biblical dictionary about "poor in spirit.". By this sinner's understanding is that it refers to a consciousness of lacking the means to life everlasting in ourselves, and a need for Heavenly mercy.

Being materially poor can lead to that. But it is neither necessary mor sufficient.

God Bless, ICXC NIKA

TreeOfLife123 · #3 May 30, '12, 3:11 pm

Thank you.
I didn't know what it meant.
I haven't been studying with a priest or dictionary that is Biblical so I didn't know.

Thanks again.

thistle · #4 May 31, '12, 6:35 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GEddie

Poor in spirit does not mean financially poor.

There is nothing eternally admirable about poverty as we understand it.

By all means, ask a priest or consult a Biblical dictionary about "poor in spirit.". By this sinner's understanding is that it refers to a consciousness of lacking the means to life everlasting in ourselves, and a need for Heavenly mercy.

Being materially poor can lead to that. But it is neither necessary mor sufficient.

God Bless, ICXC NIKA

Two Church teachings:

- Baptism is NECESSARY for salvation (but does not ensure it)
- There is no salvation outside the Catholic Church

How can someone be baptised and a Catholic?

- Sacramental Baptism as a Catholic

- Baptism of Blood (non-Catholic dying for the Catholic faith)

- Baptism of desire - Explicit (those who want to know more about Christ and have the desire to get baptised but die before scaramental baptism - e.g.those in RCIA)

- Baptism of Desire - Implicit (those who may (not will) be saved through invincible ignorance meaning those who through no fault of their own do not know Christ, his Gospel and his Church but nevertheless in that ignorance still live a life in accordance with Christ's teachings)

You may debate who is captured under invincible ignorance but outside the above four forms of baptism there is no salvation.

Not all Catholics are saved but everyone in Heaven is Catholic.

TreeOfLife123 · #5 May 31, '12, 4:34 pm

Hi Thistle,

Thanks for writing.

I will consider going to a Parish this Sunday. To observe a Mass. And get a feel for being there. I get great results watching Mass on Telecare.

I will try for this Sunday.

thistle · #6 May 31, '12, 6:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeOfLife123

Hi Thistle,

Thanks for writing.

I will consider going to a Parish this Sunday. To observe a Mass. And get a feel for being there. I get great results watching Mass on Telecare.

I will try for this Sunday.

I was a Methodist for the first 44 years of my life but God gave me the grace to see that the Catholic Church does indeed have the fullness of truth. I pray your journey ends like mine.