Meaningful discussion about hell hardly amounts to ‘heresy’

Re: No hell below us? The Pope says ‘Souls are not punished’ — April 3

For the most part, the comments made by Gwynne Dyer, concerning the “reconstructed” interview between Eugenio Scalfari and Pope Francis, were well written, including the only slightly offensive innuendos.

By definition, a game is “an amusement, pastime, etc., a form of contest played according to rules,” according to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English. Rather than engaging in playing games, perhaps the interview between Mr. Scalfari and Pope Francis is providing an opportunity for us to reflect on personal beliefs and engage in meaningful conversation as well as to encourage dialogue between those who live in a so-called “bubble of faith” and those who, like Mr. Dyer, live under an “empty sky.”

Reference is made to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifically to CCC 1035. Perhaps some journalistic licence has been exercised by omitting references to CCC 1033 and CCC 1034, both of which, in preceding the cited CCC 1035, provide context to the term “hell.” It could prove prudent to those who wish to be fully informed to refer to all three texts. One might discover that the term “heresy” may, in fact, not be completely accurate.

For my part, I am grateful for the opinions expressed by both practising journalists and, rather than play a game, I embrace the opportunity to reflect, explore and enter into meaningful dialogue. My faith is not confined to any bubble.

Linda Bruder

Elmira