The Latin phrase Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus (often abbreviated EENS), literally meaning "outside the church there is no salvation", is used to describe the Roman Catholic doctrine that the Catholic church is the "barque of Peter" or vehicle of salvation.
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2 Beliefs by Group |
It is impossible to say how many Catholics accept the various interpretations of EENS, or even how many Catholics know about EENS until someone conducts a poll on the matter. Certainly some do believe only Catholics can enter Heaven and they fit into two categories. One type is uninstructed in EENS, but has come to the conclusion for various reasons. For instance, the fact that all the canonized Saints have been Catholic could create such an impression. Converts are frequently in this group, which can explain their motivation for converting; why convert if it isn't necessary? The other group knows about EENS and has made a judgement on the strict side. They may or may not call themselves traditional, depending on their views on other issues. See Catholic traditionalists.
Most modern Catholic theologians interpret the phrase as meaning that the Catholic church is God's chosen vehicle of salvation for those of "good will" regardless of religious beliefs. In order to allow non-catholics the use of the church as the vehicle of salvation, there are serveral mechanisms offered where non-members become pseudo-baptised members.
The modern Catholic clergy are instructed to use the pulpit for uplifting homily and EENS does not fit well in that category. Reliable statistics about the beliefs of Catholic clergy are scarce and of dubious value since the clergy don't influence Catholic doctrine, and many of the clergy are theologians who may have denied doctrines at one time or another.
The debate often calls on these allegedly infallible but admittedly clear and insistent statements by three popes:
www.catholicism.org -- Site for supporters of Father Leonard Feeny
"Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus: Father Feeney Makes A Comeback" -- Essay arguing for a less rigorous interpretation of the papal definitionsInterpretations (in order of decreasing strictness)
Beliefs by Group
Catholic Laity
Catholic Theologians
It should be noted that modern Catholic theologians have been known to deny famous Catholic doctrines, including the prohibitions against abortion, divorce, contraception, homosexual relations, and female priests.Catholic Clergy
Popes
Others
See also:External links