Apr
22
Limbo, More than just a Theory
April 22, 2007 |
The traditional Catholic doctrine of Limbo is in a higher category than that of a dismissible theological hypothesis. It is part of Catholic teachings since ancient times and is enshrinded in magesterial pronouncements.
Pope Pius VI’s famous Apostolic Constitution Auctorem fidei, which condemned the Errors of the Synod of Pistoia, denounced the rejection of Limbo as “false, rash, slanderous to Catholic Schools.”
It is de fide, an unchangeable articale of Faith, that souls who depart this life in the state of original sin are excluded from the Beatific vision. The Second Council of Lyons in 1274 and the Council of Florence, 1438-1445, taught infallibly:
“The souls of those who die in original sin as well as those who die in actual motal sin go immeditaely to hell, but their punishment is very different.”
As early as the Fourth Century, Saint Gregory Nanzianzus, Father and doctor of the Church, taught the basic concept of Limbo.
The Catholic doctrine of Limbo is more than a mere hypothesis. Not only has Limbo been “handed down to us by the Fathers,” but “the denial of its existence has been censured, and its existence is held as theologically certain.” It may not be a defined article of faith, but certainly has been taught always, everywhere, and by everyone. The doctrine of Limbo should be seen as an authentic Catholic teaching of the magisterium.
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[...] Rorate Caeli and Immaculate Heart of Mary Hermitage have it right: [Errors of the Synod of Pistoia.] The doctrine which rejects as a Pelagian fable that place of the lower regions (which the faithful generally designate by the name of limbo of the children) in which the souls of those departing with the sole guilt of original sin are punished with the punishment of the condemned, exclusive of the punishment of fire […] is false, rash, injurious to Catholic schools. [...]