This entry is very difficult to write. I feel overcome with emotion when I consider that not just a priest, and not just an Archbishop - but the Head of the German Catholic Bishops' Conference has claimed that the death of Jesus Christ was not to redeem mankind from sin - but to show "solidarity" with the poor.
Solidarity?
From Lifesite News (emphasis and red lettering, mine):
According to the chairman of the Catholic bishops' conference of Germany, the death of Jesus Christ was not a redemptive act of God to liberate human beings from the bondage of sin and open the gates of heaven. The Archbishop of Freiburg, Robert Zollitsch, known for his liberal views, publicly denied the fundamental Christian dogma of the sacrificial nature of Christ's death in a recent interview with a German television station.Zollitsch said that Christ "did not die for the sins of the people as if God had provided a sacrificial offering, like a scapegoat."
Instead, Jesus had offered only "solidarity" with the poor and suffering. Zollitsch said "that is this great perspective, this tremendous solidarity."
The interviewer asked, "You would now no longer describe it in such a way that God gave his own son, because we humans were so sinful? You would no longer describe it like this?"
Monsignor Zollitsch responded, "No." (!!!)
Full article
Pray for this man's soul. A few verses come to mind:
...but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. - Matt. 10:33
but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. - Luke 12:9
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. - 1 John 2:22-24
I cannot express to you the depth of grief I feel in my heart over this. Many previous generations have believed they are living in what's called "The Last Days." These are the days that will precede the return of Jesus Christ, but also be accompanied by a great deal of suffering for the world. It seems to me that we are now witnessing daily blasphemy both in the world, and sadly - in the church.
It should be no surprise to see someone deny the redemptive power of God by sacrificing His Son, Jesus Christ, for our sins. This has been occurring in the world ever since Jesus Christ came, suffered, died, and rose again. What is a surprise is that this blasphemy is coming from a Bishop. And not only a Bishop but one who is the head of the German Conference of Bishops!
What happens when you take away the divine intervention of God and diminish Christ's work on the Cross? The understanding of sin is removed. If man does not understand that he is lost, in need of a Savior, then why would he follow Christ? What was the purpose of Christ's life and death if not to free mankind from sin?
I know I'm preaching to the choir, here. If you're a regular reader, you most likely are already a Christian. But think of how many trusting souls have listened to this German Bishop, getting nearer and nearer to their own death. Think of how many have swallowed his heresy, oblivious to the peril of their own souls. We need to pray for them, too.
O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
All I can say is that it is no wonder we need a bunch of nuns and monks praying reparations for the sins of the world. We need it!