Accepting Jesus as Personal Lord and Savior

[RobGentner]

There has to be more than one person using this username. No way one person could be unbiased and yet write some of the posts that are so slanted… There has to be more than 2 people using working under this username

**JA4 do you mean they don’t even tell you there are other Justasking4’s posting? What is your real name. I won’t tell anyone, I just keep track, asking their names and get back with you. There may be dozens. We have noticed the erractic writing. multipersonality type things not to mention the grammer, etc. You actually seem like the most intelligent one if you don’t mine me saying that! I mean some of the Justasking for guys are plan mean not to mention the stupid ones.

Like I said just tell me your real name and I’ll ask every Justasking4 their name. I’ll help you get to the bottom of this mystery. But I would think you could just look around, are there other people there? Are any of them “real”? Do you “hear” voices telling you what to type? Are you chained to the table/desk?Do they hurt you? Can they can “see” what you are typing, if so just do something stupid like repeatly asking the same question over and over and over… Oh, that won’t work! You do that anyway! Do they feed you? If you can get to a phone? If so dial 911 that is 9 - 1 -1. Try to remember that there isn’t an 11 key on the phone. They can get you help. Let me know if you break free! **

 

[RobGentner]

justasking4:

Do you think Paul believed he was saved while in this life?

**
IS THIS A NEW THREAD?

Juatasking4. Did someone ask you a difficult question again? Just ignore them you know how to do that. Don’t make yourself look stupid be asking this type question without starting another thread. Well, I might as well play since you already started it.

Which Paul did you mean? The one with Peter, and Mary? Boy I love their songs. They sang “Michael rowed the boat ashore” didn’t they? Oh, I don’t mean the original Peter, Paul and Mary. I meant the group from the 60’s. But maybe they were the original Peter, Paul and Mary. Could you check. you have all those references there.

Did the Blessed Mother even “Like” Peter and Paul? They were around Jesus’ age weren’t they? If they all hung around together they would be the original Peter Paul and Mary, but since Mary was called Blessed and was sinless wouldn’t it be more correct to call them Blessed Mary, Peter and Paul? If so that would make the singers the original Peter Paul and Mary wouldn’t it?
Its OK, I think I got that straight now. Now what was the original qustion? Did It have to do with Accepting Jesus as Personal Lord and Savior? I think that is a great idea. I know that is what the OP is about. :frighten:

Oh, I almost forgot. How the heck would we know what Peter thought? What do you think Catholics are ~ mind readers? I think that maybe the Lutherns or no wait, I heard some rumors about the SDA or was that the Mormons? Sigh, I wish I was as smart as you. You sure ask some complicated questions. Like that one about why didn’t Jesus force the authors of the scripotures to include Marys annunciation in their books. I thought and thought until I realized Jesus had already been dead over 30 years before those guys wrote down some of the oral trditions down.

Just between you and me OK? I actually think a couple of them 'copied" off the other guys! Please don’t tell anyone I told you that OK? I think that may be a Catholic secret. I know that it was mentioned at the Secret Catholic Meeting last night. Oh, there I go again, Please don’t tell anyone I told you about the secret meeting. I think that is why they called it a secret meeting. But they never explained it to me, so I could be wrong about that. You really had me thinking about your question until I realized you were tricking me by wanting me to read Peters Mind! You are so funny, you silly goose! People wonder why I like you so much! You are just so cute! I was wondering, could you send me picture? **

freesmileys.org/smileys/signs045.gif

 

[RobGentner]

I think misunderstandings are unintentionally created by non-verbal reference to the contrary definition.

**YYURYYUBICURYYMEMEMEME **

That decodes to read:
“Too Wise you are, too wise you be. I See you are too wise for me”

 

[guanophore]

He was very aware of his own sinfulness and the evil that he was capable of but he knew who his savior was and depended only on Jesus as his source of strength. He knew he would receive the reward if he persevered but he says, “It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus.”

This is a great summary of a Catholic answer to the question.

  By today's standards he would not be considered a very good Catholic. He disagreed with the Pope

How did you figure that?

and he cut himself off from the Church and the sacraments for long periods of time so he could travel around on foot preaching the gospel.

Since it was he who was cathecting the sacraments, don;'t you think he took them with him on the road?

He missed Mass on Sunday,

bypassed the Church and got the gospel directly from the Holy Spirit.

Paul did not “bypass” the Church. He sought out the Church, received the sacraments, the Sacred Tradition was handed down to him, and he was approved as an Apostle.

He acted more like a Protestant than a Catholic!!!.

Paul was not in a state of rebellion against the authority appointed by Christ, as Protestants are. Disagreement with the Pope is not “uncatholic”, but Paul did not disagree, so it is a moot point. Paul was never “cut off” from the sacraments or missed a Mass (unless he was in chains and had no bread and wine).

The reception of private revelation from God is not contrary to receiving the Sacred Tradition from the Church.

It seems to me that you look at it this way because you are wearing anti-Catholic glasses. Paul is considered a Saint in the Catholic Church, which would not be the case if any of the things you are saying were true.

 

[jmcrae]

He was very aware of his own sinfulness and the evil that he was capable of but he knew who his savior was and depended only on Jesus as his source of strength.

As do all Catholics.

He knew he would receive the reward if he persevered but he says, “It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus.”

Definitely not Protestant.

 By today's standards he would not be considered a very good Catholic. He disagreed with the Pope

Actually, he listened to the Pope’s infallible decree, understood it to be Church Law, and then corrected the Pope when the Pope was found to be breaking the very Church Law that he himself had created. No different than what St. Catherine of Sienna did, and no doubt many unknowns throughout history.

and he cut himself off from the Church and the sacraments for long periods of time so he could travel around on foot preaching the gospel. He missed Mass on Sunday,

He was a priest/Bishop/Apostle - he could have said Mass any time he wanted to, and in any place.

bypassed the Church and got the gospel directly from the Holy Spirit.

Okay, the very moment he was blinded by the light, he was taken away to be baptized by a Catholic priest. He was then instructed in the ways of the Faith and received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

So, how, again, was he bypassing the Church?

 

[ron77nyc]

This is a great summary of a Catholic answer to the question.

How did you figure that?

Since it was he who was cathecting the sacraments, don;'t you think he took them with him on the road?



Paul did not “bypass” the Church. He sought out the Church, received the sacraments, the Sacred Tradition was handed down to him, and he was approved as an Apostle.

Paul was not in a state of rebellion against the authority appointed by Christ, as Protestants are. Disagreement with the Pope is not “uncatholic”, but Paul did not disagree, so it is a moot point. Paul was never “cut off” from the sacraments or missed a Mass (unless he was in chains and had no bread and wine).

The reception of private revelation from God is not contrary to receiving the Sacred Tradition from the Church.

It seems to me that you look at it this way because you are wearing anti-Catholic glasses. Paul is considered a Saint in the Catholic Church, which would not be the case if any of the things you are saying were true.

Galatians2:11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

18Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter** and stayed with him fifteen days. 19I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they praised God because of me.**

 

[Tantum_ergo]

You seem to very conveniently forget that in Acts we are told that Paul was blinded on the way to Damascas, and that he was told to go to one who would heal the blindness. . .also, the one who healed him was told to go and heal Paul (then known as Saul). . .

Context, context, context. Let’s look at Acts, shall we?

Acts 9: 3 And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus; and suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him. 4 And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

6 And he trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? 7 And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go in to the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the men who went in company with him, stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. 9 And he was there three days, without sight, and he did neither eat nor drink. 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias. And he said: Behold I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street that is called Stait, and seek in the house of Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth. 12 (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.) 13 But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name. 15 And the Lord said to him: Go thy way; for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest; that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and rising up, he was baptized. 19 And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some days. 20 And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Yet the Scriptures do not contradict themselves. God worked through men like Ananias to heal and to baptize Paul. . .and the healing and baptism were the means by which Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Your reading of Galatians attempts to ignore or gloss over anything that speaks of community in favor of a attempted ‘slant’ to portray Paul as a “me and Jesus” protestant type. Doesn’t work. When Paul speaks of having the gospel through the revelation of Christ, he doesn’t mean that he learned ‘only’ in a vision from Christ and that none of the other apostles–or those whom the apostles taught–spoke with him. Paul reminds the Galatians. . .who had gone over to FALSE teachings–that the truth of the gospel that Paul gave was because it was revealed to the apostles by Christ–that Peter, for example, taught authentically what Christ taught, and not Peter’s ‘interpretation’ of what Christ taught; also that Paul taught what Christ taught and not what Paul’s interpretation was, or Paul’s interpretation of Peter’s interpretation etc. etc. It certainly did not mean that Paul ‘imbibed’ the gospel and that the other apostles had absolutely no hand in this. . .it means that all the apostles, including Paul, learned the truth of the gospel because it was indeed Christ’s word, which the apostles then preached, authentically, as Christ’s word.

 

[guanophore]

Galatians2:11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

18Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter** and stayed with him fifteen days. 19I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they praised God because of me.**

This does not prove any of the statements you have made. What is the reason that you wish to divide the Apostle Paul from the Catholic faith that he spread all over the known world?

 

[Realcatholicgk]

Galatians2:11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

18Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter** and stayed with him fifteen days. 19I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they praised God because of me.**

ron77nyc:

I think misunderstandings are unintentionally created by non-verbal reference to the contrary definition.

freesmileys.org/smileys/signs053.gif

**Hi ron, :tiphat:
I am guessing here, help me out, … drinking? “Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us worthy evidence of the fact.” – George Eliot **

 

[ron77nyc]

This does not prove any of the statements you have made. What is the reason that you wish to divide the Apostle Paul from the Catholic faith that he spread all over the known world?

My original statement was: “By today’s standards Paul would not be considered a good Catholic.” My purpose was to show the contrast of the early church to today’s church. Not to divide and conquer as you accuse the protestants of doing. I am a Catholic. I worship with Catholics and Protestants so I’m familiar with all the arguments and if there is anything I want to accomplish it is unity and if not unity then some form of acceptance and understanding on both sides. I see a lot of needless attacking on both sides. They will know we are Christians by our love for one another.

 

[RobGentner]

Hi ron,

**What a great idea! Just copy and paste verses from the Bible. But the problem with us actually understand the correct interpretation and you not commenting we can’t know how tristed and corrupted your interpretsation is so we disagree with you! Now that is so smart! **

Being lazy if you need some help attacking the real church, using Galatians can I recommend the Project Wittenburg, 1949publication of Martin Luther’s 1535 “Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians” The Catholic Church has been defending the foolish things contained in there for over 450 years so what the heck is a few more stupid remarks from you about it?
"
http://http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/gal/web/gal-inx.html

Take a couple of days to read it. If you need any help you can ask guan, jmcrae, tantum, or me. We all all willing to help you realize that Jesus really loves you and would like you to join His original church. That is why He lead you here to find Him. You will finally be able to accept the “REAL” Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior! (The OP Rules!!!.) I know you are intelligent, so I figured you must have finally realized that you could never find Jesus in a counterfeit church. He has enough problems with the 1.1 billion, members in the body of christians he founded 2,000 years ago without getting involved with the cancerous, corrupt growth that started to develop around 500 years ago.

**ron, remember that you are loved. You are invited to **
**join Jesus in his real church and be with Him for all eternity with His Blesssed Mother and all the angels and saints who sing His glory. Please, don’t allow your soul to Burn in Hell for eternity! **
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce002.gif

---

%between%

God Bless!

freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce016.gif

 

[RobGentner]

Hi ron,

**What a great idea! Just copy and paste verses from the Bible. But the problem with us actually understand the correct interpretation and you not commenting we can’t know how tristed and corrupted your interpretsation is so we disagree with you! Now that is so smart! **

Being lazy if you need some help attacking the real church, using Galatians can I recommend the Project Wittenburg, 1949publication of Martin Luther’s 1535 “Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians” The Catholic Church has been defending the foolish things contained in there for over 450 years so what the heck is a few more stupid remarks from you about it?

http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/gal/web/gal-inx.html

Take a couple of days to read it. If you need any help you can ask guan, jmcrae, tantum, or me. We all all willing to help you realize that Jesus really loves you and would like you to join His original church. That is why He lead you here to find Him. You will finally be able to accept the “REAL” Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior! (The OP Rules!!!.) I know you are intelligent, so I figured you must have finally realized that you could never find Jesus in a counterfeit church. He has enough problems with the 1.1 billion, members in the body of christians he founded 2,000 years ago without getting involved with the cancerous, corrupt growth that started to develop around 500 years ago.

**ron, remember that you are loved. You are invited to **
**join Jesus in his real church and be with Him for all eternity with His Blesssed Mother and all the angels and saints who sing His glory. Please, don’t allow your soul to Burn in Hell for eternity! **
freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce002.gif freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce002.gif freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce002.gif freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce002.gif

%between%
Come fly with the angels

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freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce016.gif

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**God Bless! **

 

[ron77nyc]

Being lazy if you need some help attacking the real church, using Galatians can I recommend the Project Wittenburg, 1949publication of Martin Luther’s 1535 “Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians” The Catholic Church has been defending the foolish things contained in there for over 450 years so what the heck is a few more stupid remarks from you about it?
"

Take a couple of days to read it. If you need any help you can ask guan, jmcrae, tantum, or me. We all all willing to help you realize that Jesus really loves you and would like you to join His original church. That is why He lead you here to find Him. You will finally be able to accept the “REAL” Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior! (The OP Rules!!!.) I know you are intelligent, so I figured you must have finally realized that you could never find Jesus in a counterfeit church. He has enough problems with the 1.1 billion, members in the body of christians he founded 2,000 years ago without getting involved with the cancerous, corrupt growth that started to develop around 500 years ago.

ron, remember that you are loved. You are invited to
join Jesus in his real church and be with Him for all eternity with His Blesssed Mother and all the angels and saints who sing His glory. Please, don’t allow your soul to Burn in Hell for eternity!

freesmileys.org/smileys/bounce016.gif

It is something like this that would cause me to run from the Church. I am a baptized and confirmed Catholic. This means I have the Holy Spirit.I know who my Savior is and I know I am loved. I came to this site looking for answers and sometimes challenging people to get those answers. I learned a lot but I have never found so much prejudice and arrogance and a detachment from the true Spirit of the Lord as I have found here on CAF. You are the epitomy of that type of person. If knowing what you know will make me like you then I don’t want it. You’re not a good poster boy. :extrahappy: :bounce: :dancing:

 

[guanophore]

My original statement was: “By today’s standards Paul would not be considered a good Catholic.” My purpose was to show the contrast of the early church to today’s church.

I understand what you are trying to do. You are in error on all points. None of the examples you gave is accurate or applicable. Therefore, are you not just attempting to create divisions where they do not, in fact, exist?

Not to divide and conquer as you accuse the protestants of doing.

It is not an accusation, it is an observation. The foundation of the Protestant Reformation is division, separation, and rebellion.

I am a Catholic.

Only God knows. All I can note is that you post many anti-Catholic statements.

I worship with Catholics and Protestants so I’m familiar with all the arguments and if there is anything I want to accomplish it is unity and if not unity then some form of acceptance and understanding on both sides.

Unity is not served by embracing error.

I see a lot of needless attacking on both sides. They will know we are Christians by our love for one another.

Love abides in the Truth. The posting of falsehoods does not promote unity.

 

[Realcatholicgk]

It is something like this that would cause me to run from the Church. I am a baptized and confirmed Catholic. This means I have the Holy Spirit.I know who my Savior is and I know I am loved. I came to this site looking for answers and sometimes challenging people to get those answers. I learned a lot but I have never found so much prejudice and arrogance and a detachment from the true Spirit of the Lord as I have found here on CAF. You are the epitomy of that type of person. If knowing what you know will make me like you then I don’t want it. You’re not a good poster boy. :extrahappy: :bounce: :dancing:

**Ron, I read Rob’s posts and yours. I actually was shocked when you claimed to guanophore that you were a Catholic.You indeed are a strange Catholic. You may be a very nice person, and appear to be actually. You gather with Protestants for fellowship. IMOthat is a very good thing. We must interact to better understand each other. But since they don’t have same beliefs nor the real presence of Jesus in both body and spirit why would you even consider "worshipping " with them? Pleaser, don’t get offended or misinterpret what I am saying. If you are a Catholic, you should “worship” with the brethern with which you have common beliefs. You must attempt to bring non christians to the faith and Protestants back into the fulliness of the religion.
Yes, Baptism and Confirmation leave indelible marks on our souls. But unless you are Jesus you can still, like the rest of us, be sinful. and condemned to death. You can be tricked in believing false teachings. Of course, Jesus associated with sinners and publicans (Mark 2:13-17) Him, being perfect, could not be corrupted by the devil. He went among sinners to save them. He spoke harshly at times. He was gentle at others. But, He was always honest and truthful. We are called to follwo christ. He drove devils out of people.

IMO I think you have to reflect on things. You should alays protect your soul, my friend. You are in my prayers.

It is not unjust to point out your bretherns faults. Some of the things you have said are true but do not take into account the devil going around like a lion devouring souls. It is extremely Christ like to attempt to save the souls that the devil claimed during the Protestant Reformation. This sincere attempt by Martin Luther to reform the Roman Catholic Church resulted in a schism, and with the help of Satan caused millions of christain to follow false leaders. Hense they are condemned to hell without the Catholic Church’s intercession. False practices can condemn a righist man to eternal damnation, don’t you think? Even catholics with all the correct teachings will not all be saved howmuch more so the christians with false teachings and beliefs?

I ask you, in all sincerity, don’t you believe these things?

God Bless**

 

[Realcatholicgk]

&c…&c…&c…Okay, the very moment he was blinded by the light, he was taken away to be baptized by a Catholic priest. He was then instructed in the ways of the Faith and received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

So, how, again, was he bypassing the Church?

**Hey jm,

A shocker, :bigyikes:

ron77nyc:

I am a Catholic.

**

Yup, ron77nyc is claiming to be a Catholic! I joked about him drinking. Maybe it wasn’t so much of a joke?

Boy am I glad that I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior! I love the OP!

 

[ron77nyc]

[BQUOTE]Ron, I read Rob’s posts and yours. I actually was shocked when you claimed to guanophore that you were a Catholic.You indeed are a strange Catholic. You may be a very nice person, and appear to be actually. You gather with Protestants for fellowship. IMOthat is a very good thing. We must interact to better understand each other. But since they don’t have same beliefs nor the real presence of Jesus in both body and spirit why would you even consider "worshipping " with them? Pleaser, don’t get offended or misinterpret what I am saying. If you are a Catholic, you should “worship” with the brethern with which you have common beliefs.

They worship God and have the same Spirit that is present in the consecration of the Eucharist. It is present in the worship.
Catholics have all strange beliefs: new age, reincarnation, fornication, séances and no belief in Jesus at all. Those are the Catholics I have met in my local parish, workplace and friends. This is not meant to be anti-Catholic or disrespectful. It is just what I see. So why would I want to worship with those people?

IMO I think you have to reflect on things. You should always protect your soul, my friend. You are in my prayers.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

Even catholics with all the correct teachings will not all be saved howmuch more so the christians with false teachings and beliefs?

I ask you, in all sincerity, don’t you believe these things?

God Bless

If you’re saying only Catholics go to heaven then I have to disagree and the Church also disagrees with that.

 

[mercygate]

They worship God and have the same Spirit that is present in the consecration of the Eucharist. It is present in the worship.
Catholics have all strange beliefs: new age, reincarnation, fornication, séances and no belief in Jesus at all. Those are the Catholics I have met in my local parish, workplace and friends. This is not meant to be anti-Catholic or disrespectful. It is just what I see. So why would I want to worship with those people?

Haven’t you noticed that the Church does NOT teach any of these bizarre ideas? Have you noticed that these things are also rife in non-Catholic circles. Listen to Hank Hanegraaf (The Bible Answer Man) on the radio for a week. He makes a living shooting holes in the stuff you claim Catholics believe but his target is largely the Protestant community.

While the Holy Spirit is generous and grace abounds among non-Catholics, they do not have the “same” manifestatiion of the Spirit that inheres in the Sacraments.

 

[sharmin]

So that tells me that even for the most devout Catholics, your eternal destiny with the Lord, heaven or hell, is random.

And you all pick on Protestants for their eternal security while at the same time you have eternal insecurity.

Wow. I never thought of it like that before. Seriously, that gives me something to think about. Wow.

 

[sharmin]

Because he chose on purpose that sleeping in was more important to him that eternal life in Heaven with God, and then never repented of that choice, but rather, turned that conscious and free choice into an unthinking habit.

It’s not random. We all know what the Commandments say. It’s impossible to break the Commandments by accident, or by just having a bad day - and it was explained to you in that thread that if the guy had no idea that missing Mass on Sundays was a mortal sin, then his culpability is limited - maybe he ends up in Purgatory, listening to the longest and most boring homily in the whole world, until finally he “gets” that the Mass is not about being entertained - and then, upon that realization, the door springs open and he goes to Heaven.

But you know, the more I think about this…we are all sinners. God knows we are sinners, and are weak. Of course we need to strive to be holy and follow Him, but we will never be perfect and without sin. Only Christ was without sin. We are not on par with Him. So, if this is the case, and we happen to die before getting to the confessional, we’re doomed. I can’t believe God would set us up for failure like that.