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This has caused some consternation in some corners of the Church. But then so did the concept that God could understand languages other than Latin. Some cling to the idea that Limbo is a formal part of the Tradition of the Church, when really it isn't, as can be seen by looking at the hopes and prayers of the saints throughout the centuries. It certainly has never been defined as such, and I've only seen claims regarding texts explained better elsewhere.
So I took a look at some of what HH Pope Benedict XVI said prior to his becoming pope.
This is a very wise man. I've always been impressed by him, and this leads me to believe that he thinks at a level far above most. He's orthodox, very much so, in his theology, and he's not going to go around approving documents that are not orthodox in their teachings.
Some say that he's ignoring tradition - no he's not. He has it very well understood. He knows what the history of limbo is, and knows where it can and can't go. Think again.
Some say he's fallen prey to the "hell doesn't exist and because God loves all people, all people will be saved" mentality. Some say that he's fallen prey to the modern lovey cuddley idea that punishment is bad and cute babies can't be punished. In reality, he's far too smart and far too orthodox for that. Think again.
Some say that the idea that the unbaptised can go to heaven detracts from the importance of the teaching that salvation comes through Christ alone. In reality, that is far from the truth.
HH Benedict XVI has shown that he can, without betraying the historical truths contained in the Apolostic faith taught by the Catholic Church, preach God's love and mercy by raising our understanding of those truths beyond the rigid interpretations required by a need for defensiveness and protectiveness, as is often the case in apologetics, canon law, and other branches of theology.
I'm hoping for more incredible insights from one of the most brilliant minds God has given to lead the Church. Hopefully more will be said, from him directly, on this issue. God is not the abortionist of the soul.
| Some worthwhile reading: Limbo In Limbo? ... by Jimmy Akin Development and Negation III: limbo ... by Michael Liccione Limbo ... by Alvin Kimel [a 5-part series; each part separately below] Limbo: Doctrinal Development in Action ... by Alvin Kimel Evangelium Vitae ... HH Pope John Paul IIConsigning Limbo to Oblivion ... by Alvin Kimel Keeping the kids in limbo ... by Alvin Kimel The doubt that leads to limbo ... by Alvin Kimel The emptiness of limbo ... by Alvin Kimel |