The Falwells (et al)

[dark_crystal]

Originally Posted by C0LLETTE

Is salvation yours no matter what you do as long as you believe in God, or even if you don't?

The Catholic church does have some wiggle room for those who don't believe, especially for those who die in uncontacted regions (unlike the Baptists, who like to force contact with primitive tribes and give them germs.)

This is why Catholics have Limbo and Purgatory. Those are for people who did not get a chance to become Christians, through no fault of their own. Jesus cleared out Limbo and Purgatory on His way to Heaven after the Crucifixion. Prophecy says he will clear them out again at the Apocalypse.

My opinion is that people do not actually choose belief. Delusions and denial are permeable, it's actually very difficult to consciously decide you are going to believe something or not believe it.

You can absolutely be someone who has decided to reject church and faith, but never fully extinguished the spark, deep down. Those people are still saved.