Bartnik, Czesław S. (Wydawnictwo Towarzystwa Naukowego Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego, 2001)
For almost two thousand years Catholic theology has taught soteriological exclusivism, according to which only Catholics can be saved. This was, however, an improper interpretation of Mk 16, 16. According to the new interpretation of Pius XII and Vatican Council II, salvation may take place in its own way in each religion and in each higher morality (cf. Lumen gentium, 16; Ad gentes divinitus, 7). It is difficult why theology has so long stuck to soteriological exclusivism, or its is even shocking. This is an evidence that western theology is weak.
