ASK FR BITAJU | KAIROS GLOBAL | AUGUST 2024

Author: Fr Bitaju

Q77. There are autistic adults, capable as normal people but with certain social/psychological challenges (e.g. extreme social awkwardness/unreasonable tempers, etc.).  How will they be judged in Final Judgement?

The Catholic Church does not specifically address the final judgement of individuals with autism or any other specific condition. Yet, the Church teaches that God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, is the ultimate judge of every person’s soul (CCC 1021). Final judgement is a time when God will judge each person according to their deeds, taking into account their knowledge, intentions, and the circumstances of their lives (CCC 1039).  

In the case of individuals with autism or other psychological challenges, the Church recognises that they may face unique difficulties in their social interactions and emotional regulation. The Church’s teachings emphasise the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for individuals who face such challenges.  It calls for a compassionate and supportive approach that recognises the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of their abilities or limitations.  

It is important to remember that God’s judgement is based on His perfect knowledge and understanding of each person’s heart and circumstances.  He sees beyond the external manifestations of behaviour and takes into account the individual’s unique struggles and limitations. 

It is not for us to judge the eternal destiny of any individual, as that is God’s role alone. Instead, we are called to love and support one another, recognising the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of their abilities or challenges. In the final judgement, God’s justice and mercy will be perfectly balanced. He will judge each person with perfect understanding, taking into account their unique circumstances and the choices they have made. Our role is to trust in God’s wisdom and love, and to strive to live according to His commandments, showing compassion and understanding to all people, including those with social or psychological challenges. 

In summary, the Catholic Church does not provide a specific teaching on how individuals with autism or other psychological challenges will be judged in the final judgement. The Church teaches that God is just and merciful, and His judgement takes into account the totality of the person’s life, including their unique circumstances and challenges.  Remember, how Jesus during His earthly ministry manifested preferential love, compassion and mercy towards sinners, sick and those under the bondage of evil spirits (Luke 7: 13-14; Mark 5: 1-20; John 8:10-11).  The manifesto of Jesus found in Luke 4:18-19 and the teaching of Jesus on the last judgement found in Mathew 25: 31-46 are testimonies of His preferential option. 

YOU CAT 379 

What sorts of attacks on human life are forbidden by the Fifth Commandment?

Murder and acting as an accomplice to murder are forbidden. Killing unarmed civilians during a war is forbidden. The abortion of a human being, from the moment of conception on, is forbidden. Suicide, self-mutilation, and self-destructive behaviour are forbidden. Euthanasia—killing the handicapped, the sick, and the dying—is also forbidden. [CCC 2268-2283, 2322-2325]

Today people often try to get around the Fifth Commandment with seemingly humane arguments. But neither euthanasia nor abortion is a humane solution. That is why the Church is perfectly clear on these questions. Whoever participates in an abortion, forces a woman to undergo an abortion, or merely advises her to do so is automatically excommunicated—just as with other crimes against human life. If a psychologically ill person commits suicide, responsibility for the act of killing is often diminished and in many cases completely annulled.