Session 8: Catholic Understanding of Salvation

 

In this lesson we focus on one of the beliefs that makes being a Catholic unique from following other forms

of Christianity. During the time of the apostles, everyone who was a disciple of Jesus was a Christian

(a follower of Christ). As the young church struggled to answer questions to problems not directly

addressed in the Bible, some Christians disagreed and went in different directions.

In the 1500's, Christianity was Europe’s primary religion. The Protestant Reformation was a movement

that developed to reform the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. An Augustine Friar living in

Germany named Martin Luther was one of the key players of this reformation. He posted a list of

95 questions on a church door in Germany. This practice was a common way for theologians to

initiate debate on a topic of interest. Because of the invention of the Printing Press, Luther’s

questions were widely distributed, resulting in a large debate that fueled the Protestant Reformation.

Other reformers, like a man named John Calvin, joined the conversation and soon groups started to

break away from the Catholic Church. Even King Henry VIII started a new group of Christians called

The Church of England. The Protestant Reformation resulted in the fracture of Christianity. 

Salvation: One of Luther’s major disagreements with Church teaching centered on Salvation. Salvation

addresses the question of: Who will spend eternity with God and who will not? Catholic understanding of

Salvation is rooted in Scripture. A few sessions ago we talked about how Adam and Eve turned away

from God in sin, but God did not turn away from them. Instead, He promised them he would send them

a Savior to forgive sins and restore humans’ relationship with Him. Jesus is that Savior. Through Jesus’

life, Death and Resurrection, (otherwise known as the Paschal Mystery), Jesus offers all human beings

the gift of salvation. 

Luther taught that only faith alone is needed for Salvation. However, in contrast to Martin Luther’s

teachings, Catholics believe that from faith springs love in action that leads to the Salvation

offered by God. This is a belief in "faith in cooperation with grace," as Bishop Barron says in the following

video:

Think about the famous Charles Dicken’s novel A Christmas Carol . What did the ghost of Jacob

Marley spend eternity regretting? He regretted the fact that he did not treat people with kindness and

generosity during his physical life. He did not lead a life of loving actions towards others.

The Council of Trent was a meeting of Catholic bishops that addressed the questions posed by the

Protestant Reformation. At this meeting of church leaders, through debate and prayer to the Holy Spirit,

they affirmed Church teaching on: transubstantiation & Real Presence, and the seven sacraments. They

affirmed that both faith and good works lead to Salvation. To make these decisions, in addition to praying

to the Holy Spirit, they analyzed Scripture. 

Jesus addresses the idea of Salvation in the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46. Take a moment to find it in your

Bible and read it. 

Think about it: Describe a time that you helped someone or showed kindness toward someone.  Did

you think that by helping that person you were being loving toward Jesus Himself?

Go to James 2:21-24, 26

Discuss: What does the last line mean?

“Just as a body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works.”

Watch how faith is put in action through works in this video:

Before you leave here, share what you've learned in this Exit Ticket.