For some reason this has resurfaced
I often read the website of the Independent newspaper, generally to decide what to blame Israel or the Jews for this week. Upon reading it yesterday, I spotted this
Now, I was surprised to see it, not least because of the dodgy theology. It is from 2013, when the Pope was still the apple of the media's eye.
He is wrong of course. You cannot get into heaven without a knowledge and acceptance of one's position with God. If you don't believe in God, it has been my opinion for years, then you cannot get into heaven.
However, I have had to have a little rethink. You see, if what I have been taught is correct then nobody will have an excuse. Before the great separation of the sheep from the goats all will know that there is a God and all will see what He is like.
So, no atheist will get into heaven if they don't believe in God. All atheists will know that there is a God and that he is very very real.
What the Pope then says is that if they have a contrite heart and are genuinely sorry they will be allowed in to heaven. Is this true? Yes I would say that it is. God is loving and merciful. He doesn't want anyone to go to hell. People can go if they want to (that's a different post right there) but if they want to be forgiven they can.
Is this down to the Pope or to the reporting? I am not sure. Probably the reporting. It's hardly a secret that God will let anyone with a contrite heart into his kingdom after all. The media however would have it otherwise. Some people are beyond forgiveness they say; anyone who can forgive them is a monster and not a God. Hmmmm
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