In theory, yes. But a Protestant can have impediments that could reduce culpability. A Catholic is held to a higher standard - and a stricter judgment! That's why sinful clergy are in peril of hellfire. They should know better and are without excuse!
John A Cassani
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True, but relying on such impediments is not a sound strategy for gaining salvation. My great grandfather was a Catholic, who was excommunicated for being a freemason. He was received back into the Church when he was dying. I’m sure he has spent much time and suffering in purgatory, but if he were a Protestant, or if he didn’t have such a devout wife, it is highly doubtful that he would have been …More
True, but relying on such impediments is not a sound strategy for gaining salvation. My great grandfather was a Catholic, who was excommunicated for being a freemason. He was received back into the Church when he was dying. I’m sure he has spent much time and suffering in purgatory, but if he were a Protestant, or if he didn’t have such a devout wife, it is highly doubtful that he would have been brought back. It is better to have as full a knowledge of the truth as possible. It raises the stakes, yes, but it carries great rewards.
Jeffrey Ade
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@John A Cassani What a fantastic story of another of God's astonishing reversals! When all was lost...
John A Cassani
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His is the only Catholic answer. A bad Catholic is better disposed to receiving absolution, and thus being re-admitted to God’s grace than a Protestant who does not know the Sacraments.