On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, we had Will calling in from Jacksonville with a super important question. He’d been listening to a previous episode where a woman was worried that her husband, who left the Catholic Church for a non-denominational one, might not make it to heaven. Patrick didn’t sugarcoat it; he explained that knowingly leaving the Church is a serious sin, and if someone dies unrepentant of that sin, well, it doesn’t look good. ⚠️
Patrick reminded us that only God knows someone’s heart, but the act of leaving the Church is seen as turning away from the Church Christ founded.
Will’s in the middle of discerning if he should become Catholic himself (he’s been Presbyterian most of his life) and this idea really shook him up. He loves Jesus, but he was confused; why can’t someone who still believes in Christ just leave the Catholic Church and still be good with God?
Patrick broke it down: It’s all about doing the will of the Father, and Jesus told us to listen to Him, be baptized, and follow Him fully (which includes the teachings of the Catholic Church and receiving the Eucharist). Patrick even quoted the Bible passage where Jesus says, “Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Will was still like, “Wait, so is the Catholic Church the only way?” Patrick didn’t flinch; he said yes. The Catholic Church is the one Christ established, and while other Christians may love Jesus, leaving the Church knowingly is rejecting what Jesus commanded.
Patrick wrapped it up by encouraging Will not to delay if he feels the pull toward Catholicism. ⛪ He also recommended a couple of books for Will to read: “Why Be Catholic?“ and “Surprised by Truth.” It’s also worth looking into Lumen Gentium, a dogmatic constitution on the Church from Pope Paul VI.
So yeah, serious stuff: but like Patrick said, the Church is the boat in the storm. Stay in it, and you’ll be safe. 🌊✝️
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