On Protestant Salvation, Going Straight to Heaven, & the Frequent Need for Purgatory

In the wake of the horrific shooting that killed political activist Charlie Kirk, many people, including Catholics, are saying that he is now with Jesus in heaven. Although he was a Protestant, the way that he carried himself and spoke of his faith seemed to suggest a closeness with Jesus that would bode well for his entrance into eternal life. But what does the Church teach about this? Even though someone’s life on the outside seems to be in line with Jesus, only God can judge the state of the soul and it does become more complicated, but not impossible, when dealing with someone who was not of the Catholic faith. Also, what about going to straight to heaven?

The main thing that Catholics use to have an idea of whether a Protestant can be saved or not is the idea of intent and ignorance. If a Protestant has a disdain for Catholics and refuses to listen to arguments for the Faith or refuses to convert even after he or she realizes the arguments are true and the Catholic Church is the true church, then because of their willfulness and rejection of the truth, it’s likely that they cannot be saved. But if a Protestant truly tries to do God’s will but through no fault of their own never concludes that Catholicism is true, then it is possible for them to be saved. I have seen posts on social media that suggest that Kirk was getting closer to the Faith, going to Mass with his wife, who is Catholic, and praying the rosary. He also encouraged his followers to seek the good and channel their passions toward serving God, which he said is true maturity. These things are also taught by Catholics and they all are good signs for his salvation. However, even this does not guarantee that he, or anyone, will go straight to heaven.

As Catholics, we know that being saved doesn’t necessarily mean we go to heaven right away. Purgatory is available as a time of purification for those who are saved before they can enter heaven. A soul must be in the state of grace and completely detached from all sin before they can be released from Purgatory and enjoy everlasting happiness. Being free from attachment to sin is not necessarily the same as having your sins forgiven and being in the state of grace. One may still have a fondness for the thing that they’ve been absolved from and even attachment to creatures or material things, while not necessarily sinful, must be purified before one can go to heaven, where there is only room for love of God. This is why it is actually considered rare by the Church, although not impossible, for people to go straight to heaven and that many in God’s friendship go to Purgatory for purification before their heavenly entrance.

With this in mind, we must pray for Charlie Kirk’s soul and offer sacrifices for him and for all of those in Purgatory. We also must pray for Erika Kirk, his widow, and their two young children. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, whom the Church honors this month, may they be comforted and given the strength to endure during this trying time.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.