Posted by Phil on September 30, 1999 at 07:42:05:
In Reply to: Luther posted by Anne Ward on September 27, 1999 at 18:38:06:
: - near the end of October (a month or two from now), Martin Luther will be
: rehabilitated [I think that means the excommunication will be lifted].>>
: I have heard this several times...but never with any proof. Just alot of rumor and innuendo. So, I thought I will go to the site where the 'knowledgeable' people hang out. [that's y'all!]
: Have any of you heard similar statements to the above regarding Luther? I mean someting besides rumor and innuendo. I would pray that our beloved Catholic Church would not be this stupid!!!!!
Dear Anne,
If the Catholic Church does lift the excommunication against Luther, it
won't be out of stupidity or "political correctness," but out of a
recognition that the substantive issues separating Luther from
Catholicism (as we understand it today) does not warrant
excommunication. After all, almost every complaint Luther made has
turned out to be legitimate, and has been redressed in some way.
But. . . I am no more informed about this possible event than you are.
It wouldn't surprise me, however, since the year 2,000 will be a Jubilee
year in the Church, and all sorts of wonderful reconciliatory actions will
be taken by the Magisterium. This would surely be one of the most
significant.
Hang in there, Anne. Catholicism doesn't define itself with respect to
Protestantism. We are who we are even if we accept Luther back into
the fold.
Peace,
Phil