Well, the 33,000 number is nonsense, the same source cites well over 200 RC churches.
Since we dont hold to a central figure like Pope, Patriarch, etc… there will be by definition seperate bodies of believers, that does not mean there beliefs are not orthodox (very much like the early church).
Catholics have as considerable disagreement as well. Most protestant churches agree on all the Major tenets of the Faith. Who is preaching THE Gospel is the question to ask.
“I think the question you need to ask first, is how do I become right with God. Pray to God to save you.”
God indwells humans with the Holy Spirit, not institutions. The claims of the RCC fall short of the reality of history. No church can claim 100% certainty on everything.
Right you are, but there is a major difference between these two numbers. Quoting from David Barrett’s statistics from the World Christian Encyclopedia:
“However, since virtually all of these western and smaller eastern rites are in union with the Pope (I am not sure of some of them), there is actually one Catholic Church, not 242 churches or denominations. Based on the encyclopedia’s own definition of “denomination” the editors appear to be separating and counting by country which is how you get to 242 (or 238 countries plus 4) “denominations” of Roman Catholics. The Catholic Church in Canada is not a different “denomination” from the Catholic Church in the U.S., which is not a different Catholic Church from the one in England, etc.”
It has also a major part to do with the origin of the Church body. Protestants can claim the reason that their denomination, or church body started by tracing it back to: Martin Luther, Wesley, John Calvin, etc… but the RCC can trace it’s origins back to the apostles and Jesus Christ, and there is more than enough sufficient evidence for that.
I agree with you that Catholics have disagreement as well. We are all human, therefore we will always argue with one another. I think you have a very liberal view of the way the Protestant church body as a whole should operate. Some congregation members want contemporary services, some want traditional, and b/c of that they seperate worship at 2 different times, furthermore seperating union in worship. Most RCC churches have mass everyday, so that those who can’t show up on Sunday (due to work, or whatever) can worship the Lord. What Protestant denomination has church service every day of the week?
I believe that the RCC is preaching Gospel, as well as Law, and I believe you should have a hearty helping of both. Too much Gospel, and the believer becomes too “lazy” in spiritual life. Too much Law, and they will always be in fear for their soul. There needs to be a balance.
“I think the question you need to ask first, is how do I become right with God. Pray to God to save you.”
I pray that prayer every day, and there is nothing I can do that will make me “right” with God. God took the intiative and made me “right” with him about 2,000 years ago on Calvary. What I’m searching for is the Church body that practices unity within it’s ranks, as well as unity in doctrine.
So, what you’re saying is that the church Christ (wherever it is) built in matt 16:18 cannot be certain of what it teaches, etc…?
That’s pretty close to denying Christ’s words I would say. Which Church are you referring to? Christ said He built a Church, and Jesus never lies, so which Church can He be referring to? A Baptist Church? Presbyterian? Lutheran? All of them? None of them? Which is it, and can you be certain of it?
Tell me something I haven’t already heard before.
Thanks Holly. (Luke 17:10)