Do All Good People go to Heaven?

Father Mike Schmitz
19 Dec 201811:00
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRFather Mike Schmith discusses the concept of heaven and hell, emphasizing Jesus' teachings on the narrow path to eternal life versus the broad road to destruction. He critiques the common belief that simply being 'good' is sufficient for salvation, highlighting the necessity of baptism, Eucharist, faith, and doing God's will. Schmith also addresses the hope for salvation of those who have never encountered Christianity, suggesting that God's grace can work through the good choices they make, as illustrated by the story of the 'good thief'. The video encourages viewers to strive for salvation, not just hope for it.

Takeaways
  • 😇 The script discusses the topic of heaven and hell, particularly the question of who will be saved, which is relevant even in modern times.
  • 🛤️ Jesus' teaching emphasizes that the road to destruction is wide and many follow it, while the gate to eternal life is narrow, challenging the common belief that 'good people' automatically go to heaven.
  • 🔄 The human natural trajectory is away from God, indicating that without intervention, people are not inclined towards God but rather away from Him.
  • 🕊️ People are inherently made for God but are also broken, suggesting that to enter heaven, one must actively choose to follow the path that Jesus outlines.
  • 📊 Sociologist Christian Smith's study reveals that most American adolescents and young adults hold a similar belief system, termed 'moralistic therapeutic deism', which is simplistic and not aligned with Christian teachings.
  • 🙏 The script highlights four conditions necessary for eternal life according to the Bible and the Church: baptism, Eucharist, faith, and doing the will of the Father.
  • 🤔 It challenges the notion that simply being a 'good person' is sufficient for salvation, as defined by not being a notorious villain.
  • 💔 The realization that heaven is not a default destination for the 'good' upon death can be disheartening but is a necessary truth to confront.
  • 🌟 The good news is that humans are not left to their own devices; God actively calls everyone into a relationship with Him, as stated in the catechism.
  • 🤝 The Church holds out hope for those who have not had the opportunity to know Jesus or His Church, suggesting that God's grace can still save them if they choose the good they know.
  • 🏃‍♂️ The script encourages striving to enter the narrow gate, emphasizing personal responsibility and action over passivity or mere hope for salvation.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of Father Mike Schmith's discussion in this script?

    -The main topic is the concept of heaven and hell, particularly the question of who will be saved and the path one must take to attain eternal life according to Christian teachings.

  • What does Father Mike Schmith say about the common modern belief regarding salvation?

    -He mentions that the common modern belief is that one can be saved by simply not being 'jerky' or evil, like Hitler, but this is not the teaching of Christianity.

  • According to Jesus, what is the path that leads to destruction?

    -Jesus says that the path to destruction is wide and many people go down it, implying that it is the path of drifting through life without a clear direction towards God.

  • What are the four conditions mentioned in the script that are necessary for eternal life according to Christian teachings?

    -The four conditions are being born again through baptism, partaking in the Eucharist, having faith in Jesus as Lord, and doing the will of the Father in Heaven.

  • Who is Christian Smith and what did his study on American adolescents' spiritual lives reveal?

    -Christian Smith is a sociologist who conducted a nationwide study revealing that most American adolescents, regardless of their religious upbringing, believe in a similar creed called 'moralistic therapeutic deism'.

  • What does 'moralistic therapeutic deism' refer to in the context of the script?

    -It refers to a belief system that emphasizes doing good, viewing God as a distant figure who is not actively involved in daily life, and believing that good people go to heaven when they die.

  • What does Father Mike Schmith suggest is the correct understanding of who goes to heaven according to Christianity?

    -He suggests that the belief that 'good people go to heaven' is a simplification and not the full teaching of Christianity. The correct understanding involves specific conditions and actions, such as baptism, the Eucharist, faith, and doing God's will.

  • What does Father Mike Schmith say about the natural human trajectory without divine intervention?

    -He states that if left to our own devices, our natural trajectory is away from God, not towards Him.

  • What hope does the church hold out for those who have never heard of Jesus or His church?

    -The church holds out hope that those who, through no fault of their own, do not know of Jesus or His church may still be saved through God's grace if they choose the good they know.

  • What is the 'good thief' reference in the script, and what does it signify?

    -The 'good thief' refers to one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus who asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus told him that day he would be with Jesus in Paradise, signifying hope for salvation even in unexpected circumstances.

  • What is the final message or call to action that Father Mike Schmith gives to the audience?

    -The final message is to strive to enter the narrow gate that leads to eternal life, to make choices that align with God's will, and to hold out hope for the salvation of many, while also recognizing that no one gets to heaven by drifting or growing into it naturally.

Outlines
00:00
😇 The Path to Heaven and Hell

Father Mike Schmith discusses the eternal question of who will be saved, referencing a scripture where Jesus speaks of the wide road leading to destruction and the narrow gate to eternal life. He emphasizes that our natural trajectory is away from God, but we are not left to our own devices. The societal belief that 'good people go to heaven' is contrasted with the teachings of Christianity, which require specific actions such as baptism, partaking in the Eucharist, having faith, and doing the will of the Father. Father Mike also mentions a study by Christian Smith on the spiritual lives of American adolescents, highlighting a prevalent but misguided belief system that equates moral behavior with salvation.

05:02
🙏 The Divine Invitation and Human Response

Continuing the discourse on salvation, Father Mike explains that while we are created in God's image but are also broken, we have a natural tendency to move away from God. However, the good news is that we are not abandoned; God actively calls everyone into a relationship with Him. The Catechism supports this, stating that Christ suffered and died for everyone, and God desires a relationship with all. Father Mike uses the analogy of a wedding invitation to illustrate the need for individuals to respond to God's invitation and make necessary life changes to 'attend the wedding feast.' He also addresses the question of those who have never been baptized or received Holy Communion, or those who have never heard of Christ, expressing hope that they too may be saved through God's grace.

10:03
🤔 The Struggle for Salvation and Hope for All

In the final paragraph, Father Mike encourages viewers to strive for salvation, not just hope for it. He emphasizes the importance of making choices and efforts to enter the 'narrow gate' of eternal life. While acknowledging the hope and prayers for the salvation of many, he stresses the individual responsibility to actively seek and work towards it. He also touches on the story of the 'good thief' from the Bible, who despite not having the opportunity for baptism or Holy Communion, expressed faith in Jesus and was promised paradise. Father Mike concludes by urging viewers to maintain hope and to strive diligently in their spiritual journey.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Heaven and Hell
Heaven and Hell are central concepts in many religious beliefs, including Christianity, representing the ultimate destinations for the soul after death. In the video, the script discusses the contrasting paths leading to either eternal life in Heaven or destruction in Hell, emphasizing the importance of making the right choices in life to attain salvation.
💡Salvation
Salvation, in a religious context, refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, often associated with achieving eternal life. The script raises the question of how many will be saved, highlighting the teachings of Jesus that the path to salvation is narrow and requires conscious effort and choice.
💡Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is a term coined by Christian Smith to describe a belief system prevalent among American youth. It suggests a belief in a God who wants people to be good, do good, and that good people will go to Heaven. The script critiques this belief as oversimplified and not in line with Christian teachings.
💡Narrow Gate
The 'narrow gate' is a metaphor used by Jesus in the script to describe the path to eternal life, which is said to be difficult and chosen by few. It contrasts with the 'wide road' that leads to destruction. The concept is central to the video's message about the necessity of making deliberate choices to follow the path of righteousness.
💡Born Again
Being 'born again' is a Christian concept referring to spiritual rebirth or regeneration through faith in Jesus Christ. In the script, it is one of the conditions mentioned for attaining eternal life, emphasizing the need for a transformative spiritual experience rather than simply being a 'good person'.
💡Eucharist
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is a sacrament in Christianity that involves consuming bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Christ. The script mentions it as one of the necessary practices for eternal life, indicating its importance in Christian faith and ritual.
💡Faith
Faith, in the context of the video, is a critical component of Christian belief, defined as trust and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is one of the conditions for salvation, as stated in the script, and is essential for a believer's relationship with God.
💡Doing the Father's Will
Doing the Father's will refers to living in accordance with God's intentions and commands. The script mentions it as a requirement for eternal life, suggesting that mere moral behavior is not enough; one must actively pursue and fulfill God's will.
💡Grace
Grace, in Christian theology, is the unmerited favor of God, given as a free gift to humanity. The script discusses God's grace as an essential element in salvation, emphasizing that it is by God's grace and through human cooperation that one can be saved.
💡Good Thief
The 'good thief' is a biblical reference to one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, who repented and asked Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom. The script uses this story to illustrate hope for salvation even in unexpected circumstances and to emphasize God's mercy.
💡Strive
To 'strive' means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. In the script, it is used to encourage viewers to actively pursue the path to salvation, implying that it requires dedication and intentional action rather than passivity.
Highlights

Father Mike Schmith discusses the concept of heaven and hell during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of the question 'will many be saved?'

Jesus' response to the disciples' question about salvation suggests a narrow path to eternal life, contrasting with the common belief of simply avoiding evil to be saved.

The idea that most people naturally drift away from God without conscious effort towards Him is presented as a serious consideration for modern society.

Christian Smith's sociological study reveals a prevalent 'moralistic therapeutic deism' among American youth, suggesting a broad but shallow understanding of spirituality.

The five points of moralistic therapeutic deism include doing good, viewing God as a distant figure, and a general belief in a higher power without deep engagement.

The belief that 'good people go to heaven' is critiqued as oversimplified and not reflective of Christian teachings on salvation.

Scriptural teachings emphasize the necessity of baptism, Eucharist, faith, and doing the Father's will for salvation, rather than mere goodness.

The concept of being 'born again' through water and spirit as a prerequisite for eternal life is discussed, highlighting the importance of spiritual rebirth.

The necessity of faith in Jesus as Lord for salvation, as per the scriptural teachings, is underscored.

The call to do the Father's will as a condition for eternal life is presented, urging individuals to actively orient their lives towards God.

The catechism's teachings on the universal love of God and Christ's sacrifice for all humanity are highlighted, offering hope beyond the narrow path.

The possibility of salvation for those who have never been exposed to Christianity or Jesus is considered, with the church holding out hope for God's grace.

The story of the 'good thief' on the cross who found salvation despite not being baptized or receiving Holy Communion is used to illustrate God's mercy.

The importance of striving to enter the narrow gate of salvation is emphasized, rather than passively expecting salvation.

The call to prayer and hope for the salvation of many, while also recognizing the individual responsibility to seek God's grace, is discussed.

The transcript concludes with a reminder to strive for salvation and to maintain hope for oneself and others, encapsulating the essence of Father Mike's message.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Spiritual PathHeaven & HellSalvation QuestChristian TeachingMoral ChoicesEternal LifeFaith PracticesScriptural InsightsSociology StudyDivine Invitation