This is a question that has been discussed before Joe Biden, and will continue to be debated for the next four years of President Biden’s administration, and beyond. The question: Can we say that Joe Biden is a Catholic, given his vocal and active rejection of a core teachings of the Catholic faith—namely, and perhaps among other things, the Church’s teaching on abortion? What about Nancy Pelosi who is guilty of the same?
The answer is “Yes, Biden is ‘Catholic’ ” and “…that doesn’t matter”. Biden is “Catholic”, but Satan is an angel.
“A person cannot escape the truth and reality of their being”
Notice I put Catholic in quotes there. It doesn’t matter what a person calls themselves, because a person cannot escape the truth and reality of their being. Satan is an angelic being. An angel. But he’s a fallen angel. He rejects God’s authority and renounced his place in Heaven. The devil does not serve God, he rejects him. Is he still an angel? Yes. But the reality of his being is that he’s a fallen angel. What proceeds from that reality is the nature of his existence now. As a fallen angel he is a liar and a murder. He is the father of lies. He is the tempter. He is the ancient enemy of the human race.
The reality of President Biden’s being is that he’s a dissident Catholic. He’s faithful in some ways, but rejects core Church teaching in others. He voices and acts on policies that are in direct conflict with Church teaching. According to Canon Law (See this website for a more exhaustive treatment of the Canons) he excommunicates himself by so doing. He puts himself outside of the Church. Can he still call himself a Catholic? Well if “Catholic” means that he’s a baptized believer in Christ and in His Church, then I suppose he can call himself a Catholic. And satan can correctly call himself an angel. What difference does the label make if it is not in accord with the truth of his being?
Just my opinion. ( Not theological absolute)
I’m a firm believer in purgatory and it’s purpose of cleansing the soul and for the need to pray for the holy souls in purgatory ( Ex. St. Gertrude prayer ).
I also believe that everyone ( including our politicians ) will spend their deserving time in purgatory even if they truly and honestly accept God, Holy Spirit, and Jesus.
I also believe that sin, even though forgiven during reconciliation leaves a mark or a stain on our souls which needs to be purified before we are presented into heaven. The more we sin, the more purification needed.
Forgiveness of sin brings us back into Gods grace after we’ve “fallen” away from God. Think of it this way. If a friend lies to you and you catch them in their lie, you can forgive them and continue the friendship but it’s much harder to forget that behavior. Like, it will take time for the memory of being deceived to fade away. Thus, amending of sin is critical to complete the reconciliation.
One thing I have a hard time accepting is the once saved always saved along with you can behave however you wish after being saved because you are going to heaven. ( No consequences for bad behavior and bad choices after you claim to accept Jesus ) I’ve known a Baptist Pastor who claims he’s going to heaven and within the same sentence completely trashes the Catholic Church.
Hmmmmmmm, I don’t think God would be to happy with that. But, he’s saved so he’s good to go!