Are Protestants bothered by the gazillion denominations?

[johnnyjones]

That

Not at all. ‘Denomination’ to us evangelicals is similar to the Catholic use of the word ‘Parish’. So your question " Are Protestants bothered by the gazillion denominations?" would be similar to my asking you, “Are Catholics bothered by a gazillion parishes?” But it is very rare that we call ourselves protestants anymore. Protestants was a term used by Catholics reformers seeking to reform the Catholic Church in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, seeking what they deemed to be the original intent of the Christianity of the New Testament.

Today, we are not protesting Catholicism per se. We do call ourselves Evangelicals in that we focus on bringing people to salvation by means of their accepting the blood atonement of the Perfect Paschal Lamb of God, JESUS, whose blood was shed on the cross, washes away all our sins, past - present - and Future. This is the FREE GIFT of God to all who accept it as washing their sins, upon which they receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, God in us, Whom works in us to transforms our very nature that we may be pleasing before God as we walk with God daily, and apply the good changes HE makes in us that we may truly love one another and to do the good He created us to do.

We are individuals whom are united in Him, walking with Him daily as if we were back in the Garden of Eden, hoping to provide genuine love to others in mind and heart and deeds, and to make amends to those we offend or hurt when we sin (we are not perfect).

That is not accurate. In Catholicism, one parish believes the same as the other where as you are all Protest-ants with numerous beliefs. I believe you are united with God because your heart desires Him. However there is much confusion because scripture is subject to varying interpretations. That you must admit. I was raised catholic and at about age 28 I started my journey into scripture only. I came back to the church a few years ago (I’m 48 now) so I know a good deal about Protestantism as I fully embraced it, even railing against the catholic church.

Individually you may not use the word Protestant, but collectively that is how you are known. There is no denying the first church compiled the bible and to read it with “a gazzillion” interpretations should give you pause. If you are not with the catholic church, you are protesting it’s teachings. Not necessarily in a raving way, but in doctrine.

 

[RedSparklyShoes]

There are absolutely too many denominations. Starting back hundreds of years ago with the first church split.

 

[Darryl1958]

Not at all. ‘Denomination’ to us evangelicals is similar to the Catholic use of the word ‘Parish’. So your question " Are Protestants bothered by the gazillion denominations?" would be similar to my asking you, “Are Catholics bothered by a gazillion parishes?” But it is very rare that we call ourselves protestants anymore. Protestants was a term used by Catholics reformers seeking to reform the Catholic Church in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, seeking what they deemed to be the original intent of the Christianity of the New Testament.

Today, we are not protesting Catholicism per se. We do call ourselves Evangelicals in that we focus on bringing people to salvation by means of their accepting the blood atonement of the Perfect Paschal Lamb of God, JESUS, whose blood was shed on the cross, washes away all our sins, past - present - and Future. This is the FREE GIFT of God to all who accept it as washing their sins, upon which they receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, God in us, Whom works in us to transforms our very nature that we may be pleasing before God as we walk with God daily, and apply the good changes HE makes in us that we may truly love one another and to do the good He created us to do.

We are individuals whom are united in Him, walking with Him daily as if we were back in the Garden of Eden, hoping to provide genuine love to others in mind and heart and deeds, and to make amends to those we offend or hurt when we sin (we are not perfect).

I think this is a pretty good understanding to work from. There is no need spending a lot of time worrying about or being bothered about the differences between different denominations. Differences between members of the same church or parish are just as great anyway, as those that exist between churches.
The basic message of redemption through Christ, and victory over death is the same one, and the one that we all have been left with to evangelize.
The forces of history scism and divide. The pragmatism of love unites and transcends all division.

 

[Telestia]

That That is not accurate. In Catholicism, one parish believes the same as the other where as you are all Protest-ants with numerous beliefs. I believe you are united with God because your heart desires Him. However there is much confusion because scripture is subject to varying interpretations. That you must admit. I was raised catholic and at about age 28 I started my journey into scripture only. I came back to the church a few years ago (I’m 48 now) so I know a good deal about Protestantism as I fully embraced it, even railing against the catholic church.

Individually you may not use the word Protestant, but collectively that is how you are known. There is no denying the first church compiled the bible and to read it with “a gazzillion” interpretations should give you pause. If you are not with the catholic church, you are protesting it’s teachings. Not necessarily in a raving way, but in doctrine.

Hello Johnny and others who replied to what I wrote. I can not respond now. Bill O’Reilly is on Fox. After that I plan to watch Murdoch Mysteries. TTFN!

 

[Telestia]

That That is not accurate. In Catholicism, one parish believes the same as the other where as you are all Protest-ants with numerous beliefs. I believe you are united with God because your heart desires Him. However there is much confusion because scripture is subject to varying interpretations. That you must admit. I was raised catholic and at about age 28 I started my journey into scripture only. I came back to the church a few years ago (I’m 48 now) so I know a good deal about Protestantism as I fully embraced it, even railing against the catholic church.

Individually you may not use the word Protestant, but collectively that is how you are known. There is no denying the first church compiled the bible and to read it with “a gazzillion” interpretations should give you pause. If you are not with the catholic church, you are protesting it’s teachings. Not necessarily in a raving way, but in doctrine.

Okay, O’reilly is over, I could watch ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ later tonight.

johnny, I’m not sure why you wish to label me a ‘protest-ant’, ridicule is sophistical retort, as in ‘ad-hominem’. I have friends and relatives that are Catholics, and I sure hope they will be in Heaven when the time comes. I do not insist they leave the Catholic Church. But I do make sure they accept of Jesus blood shed on the cross as atoning for all their sins, Past, Present, and Future, acknowledge the indwelling Holy Spirit, God in us, whom transforms our very nature as we walk with God daily. Yes, anyone can be saved - a Catholic, or those of any other ‘Christian Denomination’ whom call on the Name of Jesus for salvation and accept HIS blood covering of their sins.

With respect to your statement “I know a good deal about Protestantism as I fully embraced it, even railing against the catholic church.”

Well, if you were railing against the Catholic Church, that certainly can be labelled as ‘protestism’. You were a protestant. I do not rail aginst the Catholic Church.

In matters where I disagree with a Catholic, or any other Christian of another denomination, on a given topic, and I present argument why I disagree. Then I await their response to my argument, and I listen to their argument. If they convince me that my argument is faulty, and theirs is sound, I would be compelled to acknowledge that. If I disagree, then I would explain why. If neither side agrees with the other, we have an impasse, and we need to go our ways. But merely invoking the word ‘Protestant’ as a damning of the other person’s views is a sophistical attack known as ‘Pooh - Poohing’.

A Pooh-Pooh sophistical argument is a reply to an argument that does not refute the argument, but instead ignores it. It’s a refusual to enter into a serious discussion or attempt to show an argument is wrong for definite reasons. Pooh Poohing does not refute an argument, it dismisses it in a cavalier wave of a hand, in a manner of superiority, hoping other hearers or readers will follow suit. This type of sophistical argument is similar to what every consumer hopes for, getting something for nothing.

Are you aware that the Catholic Church, in their Magisterial, have accepted that many non-Catholic Christians will be accepted in Heaven too. And I believe this is so for many Catholics. Of course, I am not the judge of whom are saved. I try to love all others (Christian or not) as I love myself, and that I should be merciful to others as I wish others to be merciful to me. As we measure others, so shall we will be measured, As we judge others, so shall we be judged. So we must be sober and merciful in our judgements, lest we tie the rope around our neck. Mercy triumphs over Judgement.

God bless you johnnyjones, as a Catholic.

 

[Telestia]

I think this is a pretty good understanding to work from. There is no need spending a lot of time worrying about or being bothered about the differences between different denominations. Differences between members of the same church or parish are just as great anyway, as those that exist between churches.
The basic message of redemption through Christ, and victory over death is the same one, and the one that we all have been left with to evangelize.
The forces of history scism and divide. The pragmatism of love unites and transcends all division.

Amen, My brother in Christ, for your understanding and kindness.

Here is two of my favorite Mozart Quotes (I love his music - I guess I’m not alone on that)

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”
― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

“I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.”
― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

I too share these views as real and good, death being in God’s timing of course.

 

[Miriam1947]

snip . . .** But I do make sure they accept of Jesus blood shed on the cross as atoning for all their sins, Past, Present, and Future,** acknowledge the indwelling Holy Spirit, God in us, whom transforms our very nature as we walk with God daily. Yes, anyone can be saved - a Catholic, or those of any other ‘Christian Denomination’ whom call on the Name of Jesus for salvation and accept HIS blood covering of their sins…

So you understand then that as a Catholic I know Jesus will forgive me and when I go to confession that I have been forgiven because I repent of my sins and the priest speaks the words of absolution over me.

Or do you believe that all your sins are automatically forgiven as in OSAS?

 

[Telestia]

So you understand then that as a Catholic I know Jesus will forgive me and when I go to confession that I have been forgiven because I repent of my sins and the priest speaks the words of absolution over me.

Or do you believe that all your sins are automatically forgiven as in OSAS?

To answer the question you ask of how I conduct my confession of my sins to God, the following scripture I precisely adhere to 1 John 5-10:

5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

Being human, and being imperfect, I know I do sin regularly.

The words from the Apostle that Jesus loved, I know that the blood of Jesus, the perfect Paschal Lamb of God, His atoning blood has already washed away all my sins - past, present, and future.

I know that as long as I live, I will sin. For I am not perfect. I misjudge, I forget thereby let someone down, my emotions take me on the wrong path sometimes, when I hurt sometimes I Hurt others, I act or speak without thinking it through - and someone gets hurt by it. I confess my sins to God knowing that He will forgive my sins through Jesus shed blood on the cross, and I make amends to my ability with those whom I do wrong, and I re-insure that I love them in word and deed. To love is also to forgive those who do me wrong, even if they sin against me continously and even on purpose.

Per the scriptures, I know that when I confess my known sins to God, that God is faithful and righteous to forgive me of my sins and I KNOW HE cleanses Me from all unrighteousness. If I say that I have not sinned, I would make Him a liar and His word is not in me.

And I am aware that when I sinned against another human being, Christian or not, I need to make amends, if that is possible to do.

Yes, I do believe and trust God.

As for your confession via a Priest, that is between you and God. Whom am I to judge you. God will not fail you, or I, when we put ourself under His mercy.

 

[pablope]

To answer the question you ask of how I conduct my confession of my sins to God, the following scripture I precisely adhere to 1 John 5-10:

**5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

 

[johnnyjones]

Okay, O’reilly is over, I could watch ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ later tonight.

johnny, I’m not sure why you wish to label me a ‘protest-ant’, ridicule is sophistical retort, as in ‘ad-hominem’. I have friends and relatives that are Catholics, and I sure hope they will be in Heaven when the time comes. I do not insist they leave the Catholic Church. But I do make sure they accept of Jesus blood shed on the cross as atoning for all their sins, Past, Present, and Future, acknowledge the indwelling Holy Spirit, God in us, whom transforms our very nature as we walk with God daily. Yes, anyone can be saved - a Catholic, or those of any other ‘Christian Denomination’ whom call on the Name of Jesus for salvation and accept HIS blood covering of their sins.

With respect to your statement “I know a good deal about Protestantism as I fully embraced it, even railing against the catholic church.”

Well, if you were railing against the Catholic Church, that certainly can be labelled as ‘protestism’. You were a protestant. I do not rail aginst the Catholic Church.

In matters where I disagree with a Catholic, or any other Christian of another denomination, on a given topic, and I present argument why I disagree. Then I await their response to my argument, and I listen to their argument. If they convince me that my argument is faulty, and theirs is sound, I would be compelled to acknowledge that. If I disagree, then I would explain why. If neither side agrees with the other, we have an impasse, and we need to go our ways. But merely invoking the word ‘Protestant’ as a damning of the other person’s views is a sophistical attack known as ‘Pooh - Poohing’.

A Pooh-Pooh sophistical argument is a reply to an argument that does not refute the argument, but instead ignores it. It’s a refusual to enter into a serious discussion or attempt to show an argument is wrong for definite reasons. Pooh Poohing does not refute an argument, it dismisses it in a cavalier wave of a hand, in a manner of superiority, hoping other hearers or readers will follow suit. This type of sophistical argument is similar to what every consumer hopes for, getting something for nothing.

Are you aware that the Catholic Church, in their Magisterial, have accepted that many non-Catholic Christians will be accepted in Heaven too. And I believe this is so for many Catholics. Of course, I am not the judge of whom are saved. I try to love all others (Christian or not) as I love myself, and that I should be merciful to others as I wish others to be merciful to me. As we measure others, so shall we will be measured, As we judge others, so shall we be judged. So we must be sober and merciful in our judgements, lest we tie the rope around our neck. Mercy triumphs over Judgement.

God bless you johnnyjones, as a Catholic.

No doubt, to me, you love Christ. Now, on to your words. There was no sophmoric attempt on my part. I must say you are being ultra sensitive to the word Protestant. The word has meaning. As you may know it stems from the fact that you (or non catholics collectively) protest the teachings of the catholic church. Strange that you would call the word “ridicule”. You may not be consciously dwelling on the issue of being non agreeable with catholic doctrine, but never the less it exists. Lets work with fact.

Yes I was definetly a Protestant. And you don’t have to rail against catholics to be one. I just happened to be the type that did because I felt so strongly about sola scriptura. I personally believe a Protestant can go to heaven, but my opinion is just that, an opinion. Consider this: How can there be one true Church and it not be the pillar and foundation of truth? If your catholic you believe in one true church. But yes, the church details salvation outside the church. My purpose as an evangelizing Catholic is to point you to the fullness of the truth. I like to show that one can be an evangelical (using the vernacular), and then not be one, like I am. Twenty years of heavy duty Protestantism, in several denominations, but I’m home now and I know it. Who knows what your path will be. There is something new to be learned every day.

 

[Telestia]

No doubt, to me, you love Christ. Now, on to your words. There was no sophmoric attempt on my part. I must say you are being ultra sensitive to the word Protestant. The word has meaning.

Are you really naieve, or are you dodging what you actually called me. The word you used was “protest-ant”. Having been a Protestant for so many years, surely you must know the difference between 'Protest-ant, and the proper pronunciation “Prot·es·tant”. And what you wrote is deliberate ridicule, or, you are naive and do not know how to prononce Prot -es- tant.

On the record, I am not a Protestant. I am evangelical Christian, a lover of our God. Over the past 40 years, I’ve attended the Grace Baptist Church, the Park Free Evangelical Church, Grace Point Evangelical Church, and a Messianic Jewish Temple. I can not recall even one word spoken about the Catholic Church, much less a negative word against the Catholic Church, except for one, a missionary to Guatemala informed our congregation that the Catholic Church has been pressuring the government to drive our missionaries out of the country. That is the only negative comment on Catholicism I’ve heard from any of the evangelical Churches I attended in 40 years.

I do not come here to lead away Catholics from Catholcism. I wanted to share my views on diverse topics relating to Christianity and get feedback from Catholics on what they think about my views and the times we live in, what are our differences in this day and age, and what do we have in common. I do not Judge Catholics, it is not for me to do. There is only one Judge, and that is God. I also like the fellowship of meeting new people. My family would join all Christians and Jews annually in the Right for Life March every January, we were all marching together in solidarity, for this important cause.

As you may know it stems from the fact that you (or non catholics collectively) protest the teachings of the catholic church. Strange that you would call the word “ridicule”. You may not be consciously dwelling on the issue of being non agreeable with catholic doctrine, but never the less it exists. Lets work with fact.

Well, it is true that I believe less doctrines than those taught by the Catholic Church, but I did not come here to discuss them. It was my desire to fellowship over what we do agree upon or rejoice together in. My good friend from the Vatican informed me, that the Catholic Magisterial acknowledges that us non-Catholic sincere Christians will be in Heaven too. And I certainly believe many many Catholics will be there too.

We are not saved by our knowledge, nor because our beliefs matches God’s perfectly, but by the atoning blood of the perfect Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

 

[johnnyjones]

Are you really naieve, or are you dodging what you actually called me. The word you used was “protest-ant”. Having been a Protestant for so many years, surely you must know the difference between 'Protest-ant, and the proper pronunciation “Prot·es·tant”. And what you wrote is deliberate ridicule, or, you are naive and do not know how to prononce Prot -es- tant.

On the record, I am not a Protestant. I am evangelical Christian, a lover of our God. Over the past 40 years, I’ve attended the Grace Baptist Church, the Park Free Evangelical Church, Grace Point Evangelical Church, and a Messianic Jewish Temple. I can not recall even one word spoken about the Catholic Church, much less a negative word against the Catholic Church, except for one, a missionary to Guatemala informed our congregation that the Catholic Church has been pressuring the government to drive our missionaries out of the country. That is the only negative comment on Catholicism I’ve heard from any of the evangelical Churches I attended in 40 years.

I do not come here to lead away Catholics from Catholcism. I wanted to share my views on diverse topics relating to Christianity and get feedback from Catholics on what they think about my views and the times we live in, what are our differences in this day and age, and what do we have in common. I do not Judge Catholics, it is not for me to do. There is only one Judge, and that is God. I also like the fellowship of meeting new people. My family would join all Christians and Jews annually in the Right for Life March every January, we were all marching together in solidarity, for this important cause.

Well, it is true that I believe less doctrines than those taught by the Catholic Church, but I did not come here to discuss them. It was my desire to fellowship over what we do agree upon or rejoice together in. My good friend from the Vatican informed me, that the Catholic Magisterial acknowledges that us non-Catholic sincere Christians will be in Heaven too. And I certainly believe many many Catholics will be there too.

We are not saved by our knowledge, nor because our beliefs matches God’s perfectly, but by the atoning blood of the perfect Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

There is no dodging. I stressed Protest-tant because often many forget what the word means or need a reminder. If you are a Christian who is not Catholic , you are Protestant. You protest the teachings of the Catholic church. Again, you may not be out there screaming and yelling about it, but at the core, this meaning is correct. Tell others, or start a thread proclaiming you are Evangelical but not Protestant and wait for some answers that will surely awaken you. You may have a certain view in your heart about what you are, but we still deal in real world titles.

You seem to want to shut out history and act as if “Protestant” is some terrible entity you refuse association with. If you actually read my post you will see that I believe Protestants are in heaven and so does the church.

I never said you want to lead catholics away from their faith, your getting over the top with this statement. You also have this skewed view that you can only be called a Protestant if your talking negatively about the Catholic Church, not just doctrinal disagreement… Your wrong. Your doctrinal views simply do not line up with it’s teachings, that is the reality of being Protestant.

 

[SteveVH]

There is no dodging. I stressed Protest-tant because often many forget what the word means or need a reminder. If you are a Christian who is not Catholic , you are Protestant. You protest the teachings of the Catholic church. Again, you may not be out there screaming and yelling about it, but at the core, this meaning is correct. Tell others, or start a thread proclaiming you are Evangelical but not Protestant and wait for some answers that will surely awaken you. You may have a certain view in your heart about what you are, but we still deal in real world titles.

You seem to want to shut out history and act as if “Protestant” is some terrible entity you refuse association with. If you actually read my post you will see that I believe Protestants are in heaven and so does the church.

I never said you want to lead catholics away from their faith, your getting over the top with this statement. You also have this skewed view that you can only be called a Protestant if your talking negatively about the Catholic Church, not just doctrinal disagreement… Your wrong. Your doctrinal views simply do not line up with it’s teachings, that is the reality of being Protestant.

I think we need to be very careful here. We live in another time which is distanced from the original “reformers” by nearly 500 years. I don’t believe that the average non-Catholic Christian today is protesting anything at all. They don’t know enough about the Catholic Church or its doctrines to form a protest. Yes, they are lacking in the fulness of truth and their doctrines may have many errors which have been passed down to them, but they really are not protesting anything, much less the Catholic Church. This is not to say that there are no rabid anti-Catholics (i.e. Lorraine Boettner) that are out there still fighting against the Catholic Church. But they are in the minority. So to paint all non-Catholic Christians as Protestants is to cut off communication with those who, for good reason, do not see themselves in that light.

 

[Telestia]

There is no dodging. I stressed Protest-tant because often many forget what the word means or need a reminder. If you are a Christian who is not Catholic , you are Protestant. You protest the teachings of the Catholic church. Again, you may not be out there screaming and yelling about it, but at the core, this meaning is correct. Tell others, or start a thread proclaiming you are Evangelical but not Protestant and wait for some answers that will surely awaken you. You may have a certain view in your heart about what you are, but we still deal in real world titles.

You seem to want to shut out history and act as if “Protestant” is some terrible entity you refuse association with. If you actually read my post you will see that I believe Protestants are in heaven and so does the church.

I never said you want to lead catholics away from their faith, your getting over the top with this statement. You also have this skewed view that you can only be called a Protestant if your talking negatively about the Catholic Church, not just doctrinal disagreement… Your wrong. Your doctrinal views simply do not line up with it’s teachings, that is the reality of being Protestant.

There is no dodging. I stressed Protest-tant because often many forget what the word means or need a reminder.

Methinks you need a reminder of what you actually wrote in your intial post to me.

Originally Posted by johnnyjones
“That That is not accurate. In Catholicism, one parish believes the same as the other where as you are all Protest-ants with numerous beliefs.”

I find your “Protest-ants” purposely demeaning. Clearly you iidentified Protestants as being small as ‘ants’, which is an ad hominem sophistical response.

In all my years of going to evangelical Christian Churches, I can not recall any mention of Catholicism except the one incident I mentioned above. We study the Bible and we try to mature as being followers of Christ, that we may His disciples. We do not Judge the Catholics. Judgment belongs to God alone. My life revolves around pleasing God, and believing His Word, His Son and His words.

As a Catholic, Does your Catholic Church speak against what you call 'Protest-ants."?

 

[SteveVH]

Methinks you need a reminder of what you actually wrote in your intial post to me.

Originally Posted by johnnyjones
“That That is not accurate. In Catholicism, one parish believes the same as the other where as you are all Protest-ants with numerous beliefs.”

I find your “Protest-ants” purposely demeaning. Clearly you iidentified Protestants as being small as ‘ants’, which is an ad hominem sophistical response.

In all my years of going to evangelical Christian Churches, I can not recall any mention of Catholicism except the one incident I mentioned above. We study the Bible and we try to mature as being followers of Christ, that we may His disciples. We do not Judge the Catholics. Judgment belongs to God alone. My life revolves around pleasing God, and believing His Word, His Son and His words.

As a Catholic, Does your Catholic Church speak against what you call 'Protest-ants."?

Wow! And some think that they can interpret Scripture all on their own. I am open to correction here, but I believe the reason he broke the word into to parts was to place emphasis on Protest-ant. I don’t necessarily agree with his conclusions but you are completley missing the meaning of what he was saying.

 

[johnnyjones]

Methinks you need a reminder of what you actually wrote in your intial post to me.

Originally Posted by johnnyjones
“That That is not accurate. In Catholicism, one parish believes the same as the other where as you are all Protest-ants with numerous beliefs.”

I find your “Protest-ants” purposely demeaning. Clearly you iidentified Protestants as being small as ‘ants’, which is an ad hominem sophistical response.

In all my years of going to evangelical Christian Churches, I can not recall any mention of Catholicism except the one incident I mentioned above. We study the Bible and we try to mature as being followers of Christ, that we may His disciples. We do not Judge the Catholics. Judgment belongs to God alone. My life revolves around pleasing God, and believing His Word, His Son and His words.

As a Catholic, Does your Catholic Church speak against what you call 'Protest-ants."?

Why such an insistence that Protestants have to mention the Catholic church to be Protestants. This seems to be your mantra.

What do you think the word Protestant means?

Your on a false self pity rant that I’m hurting you because I actually said you don’t adhere to Catholic doctrine. I never said you judge Catholics. I’m telling you now to stop the false statements. You are way to sensitive in dealing with such matters. You act as one frightened by the origin of a word. I find YOU purposely looking for an argument. Are you afraid to be called Protestant? And before you twist it up again, I have nothing against Protestants. We have doctrinal differences and that’s where it ends.

 

[Telestia]

I think we need to be very careful here. We live in another time which is distanced from the original “reformers” by nearly 500 years. I don’t believe that the average non-Catholic Christian today is protesting anything at all. They don’t know enough about the Catholic Church or its doctrines to form a protest. Yes, they are lacking in the fulness of truth and their doctrines may have many errors which have been passed down to them, but they really are not protesting anything, much less the Catholic Church. This is not to say that there are no rabid anti-Catholics (i.e. Lorraine Boettner) that are out there still fighting against the Catholic Church. But they are in the minority. So to paint all non-Catholic Christians as Protestants is to cut off communication with those who, for good reason, do not see themselves in that light.

Thanks SteveVH. As an evangelical Christian, I want all Catholics to be risen up into Heaven, to be ever with our Lord. And I pray for Catholics, that this be so. It is not easy for me to explain. I do not wish to insert myself as the guy to explain how. I do not want that. Jesus alones saves us. If I were to share just one thing as important in regard to salvation, it would be to accept the atoning blood of Jesus Christ as washing away all their sins for all time - past, present, and future, and we receive the indwelling Holy Spirit. For Jesus, the perfect Paschal Lamb, took all our iniquities upon Himself on the cross, thereby overcoming the Law of Sin and Death of the Mosaic Law, for He did not sin, but he took upon Himself our sins, dying in our place on the cross. God then annihilated the Mosaic Covenant He made with the peoples, because it could not save anyone. And upon Jesus ressurection God established the New Covenant of Jesus Christ.

Salvation can not be earned by our good deeds, rather, salvation is a true gift from God to us, to all who accept the atoning blood of Jesus, to all who call on the name of Jesus, our perfect Paschal Lamb.

 

[Telestia]

Why such an insistence that Protestants have to mention the Catholic church to be Protestants. This seems to be your mantra.

What do you think the word Protestant means?

Your on a false self pity rant that I’m hurting you because I actually said you don’t adhere to Catholic doctrine. I never said you judge Catholics. I’m telling you now to stop the false statements. You are way to sensitive in dealing with such matters. You act as one frightened by the origin of a word. I find YOU purposely looking for an argument. Are you afraid to be called Protestant? And before you twist it up again, I have nothing against Protestants. We have doctrinal differences and that’s where it ends.

Many Catholics I do know are usually quite intelligent due to a good sound education. I leave the meaning of your parting comments to them. And I truly wish God provide you with a happy and good future, both here, and in the kingdom.

 

[johnnyjones]

Many Catholics I do know are usually quite intelligent due to a good sound education. I leave the meaning of your parting comments to them. And I truly wish God provide you with a happy and good future, both here, and in the kingdom.

Yes, a suave first sentence, designed to insult my intelligence. You need to be educated in certain matters. Your hung up on the word “protest” derived from Protestantism.

You never answered what Protestant means to you first off. More importantly, the word "protest’ does not always mean a person out in the street with signs screaming for change. A modern dictionary comes in handy for this revelation. A protest can simply mean opposition; opposed to. It makes complete sense that the denominations you spoke of never referenced Catholicism, they are not part of it, because…they oppose Catholic teachings in many matters.

Christians who are not of the Roman Catholic faith are Protestant. Collectively, but apparently not in your case indivually, you are in opposition to Catholic doctrines (even though you are not dwelling on it day and night). And guess what? That’s what makes you Protestant.

 

[johnnyjones]

Wow! And some think that they can interpret Scripture all on their own. I am open to correction here, but I believe the reason he broke the word into to parts was to place emphasis on Protest-ant. I don’t necessarily agree with his conclusions but you are completley missing the meaning of what he was saying.

Well thank you for at least recognizing a portion of what I was saying. There is such a thing as hyper-sensitivity, and one poster here is off the rails in regards to my comments.