The Catholic Church does not teach universalism

MT said:
Prelude to the Controversy
Over at Nick's Catholic Blog, I had mentioned that the doctrine of universal atonement (as opposed to the doctrine of particular atonement), often leads to universalism, or the doctrine that since Christ died for all, all will be saved. In deed, many, if not most, Roman Catholic liberals believe precisely this.

Speculation. I've found plenty of Protestants who believe in universalism as well.

However, the Catholic Church does not teach universalism, so this is besides the point.

They may technically affirm the existence of hell. But they don't actually believe anybody will ever go there. 

1. We believe the devils are in hell, this is directly revealed by God.

2. Whether anyone else is in hell is God's business, not ours.

3. Our business is to make sure we don't wind up in hell.

This means they are universalists in practice, even if not in theory.

Exactly the opposite. We KNOW that hell exists. We live according to that fact. It is theoretically possible that no one is in hell. That is theoretically possible, but highly unlikely considering the heinous criminals which have died without ever showing any sign of repentance. But God alone knows.

In deed, no Roman Catholic has to believe anyone is in hell, for it is theoretically possible that anyone may choose to avail him or herself of the salvation that Christ's atonement has made possible in his or her behalf.

True. But we do believe that hell exists. That the devils are there because God made hell for them. And that we had better toe the line or we might wind up there as well.

Two more points.

1. If a Catholic does not believe that hell exists, he contradicts Catholic Teaching.

2. If a Protestant does not believe that hell exists, he is free to do so under the rule permitting private interpretation of any doctrine.

Sincerely,

De Maria