The End Game: Taking the Bet of Pascal

[intaglio]

28. I asked about 2 points in respect of a woman and a man

So your first 2 answers referred to the first problem
Yes - She is saved and
No - She is not condemned to the flames of hell

Problem - the woman was disobedient to the teachings of Mother Church (I believe a venal sin) and also committing what Catholicism now describes as a deadly or mortal sin. And you say I need education about your faith, I suggest you look to the beam in your own eye.

Your 3rd response also doesn't measure up. Note I began the paragraph by stating that the paragraph by stating that these questions were in respect of Catholicism. This means that a Catholic man who is indulging only in love and sexual enjoyment, not necessarily lustful enjoyment, cannot have his good works placed in the balance in his favour. This is in direct contradiction of what is taught, that good works are a mitigation.

Finally you list four faiths (2 of which I did not mention) as examples of those offering non-believers solace. So in my my post there were only 4 that you believe grant the unshriven hope - please learn to count.

Lets first dispose of your arguments about "Eastern" religions. Liberation (of the soul) is not salvation; it is the ending of desire and the absorption into a cosmic all, the end of self. Similarly there is no punishment for failing to achieve that state apart from the continuance upon the Wheel. This is not what is taught as "salvation" in Christian based faiths where the self becomes raised up and survives for eternity and the "sinful" are cast down into the pit.

You obviously did not read what I said about Mormonism, what is more if that is wrong why do they go to all the trouble of posthumous baptism?

Orthodoxy - is now an eastern religion? You mean the Great Schism (1054) did not happen? And the nullification of the anathemas of 1965 did not happen?? Or are you confusing Oriental Orthodoxy with Eastern Orthodox faiths??? And Orthodox faiths do not teach that acceptance of the Creed (without the filioque) is necessary for the redemption of the human soul? Whoa, can I have some of the stuff you're taking?

About Catholicism, again you contradict yourself. If you do not need to be Catholic for redemption why bother being Catholic? By that argument deeds - not words of acceptance of dogma.

About ritual, and incantation. These are used in nearly every Christian service and in every Christian faith (even Quakerism). Let's use Catholicism:
What is the point of the bells chiming at the time of transubstantiation?
Why does the priest offer the host to the altar, why does he have to have hands laid upon him in order to serve?
Why does he normally dress up in robes?
Why do you need to accept the Creed (with filioque)?
Why the questions and responses in particular form?
Why do you offer prayers and finish them with "amen"?
Why is the Lords Prayer so essential?
Why do you need to take the flesh and blood of a god into your body?
Why attend a special building at all?