Catholic Christians... Did you know?

[Singinbeauty]

Hello Everyone,
In light of several apalling threads out there regarding protestants and our Faith I just had this need to put this out there…

Why does it seem that SOME catholics assume that protestants are idiots who gave no thought as to what we believe?

Did you know…

That most protestants, including myself, have done research - prayed heavily - talked to others - and done more research before deciding which belief system to follow??? We didn’t just happen on it and decide that this was it without another thought. Contrary to SOME catholics beliefs we are not stupid. We put a LOT of thought into what we believe and it is so hurtful and ignorant to assume that we are just morons who can’t think for ourselves.

Did you know…

Most protestants don’t know much about the catholic Faith and even tho they have objections regarding said Faith they certainly DON’T protest it. I would fall into this group. Growing up I had never really learned anything (good or bad) about Catholocism and hadn’t given it much thought. When I hear that I am a protestant because I protest the church it confuses me, since how could I protest something I know little about and never gave much thought to??? I may disagree with some teachings but I in no way protest it…

Did you know…

That we love Christ just as much as you?

Did you know…

That God loves us just as much as you?

We are told:

John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:33-35 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)

John 13:35
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-36 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-11 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter)

Romans 13:8
Love, for the Day is Near ] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:7-9 (in Context) Romans 13 (Whole Chapter)

We need to remember to LOVE one another. We will not judge eachother (Thank the Lord!) God will do the judging so leave that to Him.

And for those who think we, as protestants, are without Faith or hate Christ (it is so sad that some believe this) talk to God before you spread this anti-protestant gibberish any further…

So in short - protestants are not idiots, so stop treating us like we are…

 

[OHCA_XP]

Those “SOME” you refer to are just frustrated Christians who yearn for the complete unity of the Church that Jesus Christ established. There shouldn’t be separation, and the Truth that is God should not be compromised.

The same can be said for “SOME” Protestants who think of Catholics in the same manner. That’s why it’s important to keep charity in any conversation regarding our faith.

 

[Dauphin]

I’m sure, subjectively at least, that all of this is very true, but there still aint no salvation outside the Church.

 

[OHCA_XP]

I’m sure, subjectively at least, that all of this is very true, but there still aint no salvation outside the Church.

Please be careful how you use that “no salvation outside the Church.” It can be taken in the worst of ways.

 

[Dauphin]

Please be careful how you use that “no salvation outside the Church.” It can be taken in the worst of ways.

Some of Christ’s teachings were taken in the worst of ways, but he never failed to teach even if it offended. Being part of the Church and free from the sin of formal heresy is essential for salvation.

 

[Singinbeauty]

I’m sure, subjectively at least, that all of this is very true, but there still aint no salvation outside the Church.

Considering that the Church even sees protestants as brothers and sisters in Christ the above quote confuses me…

 

[OHCA_XP]

catholic.com/library/Salvation_Outside_the_Church.asp

I’m not saying that we should not teach as Christ taught, but be sure that if you teach, you do it clearly. If you can’t explain the faith then you’ve failed in giving the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15)

The Truth sometimes hurts. Some pains are necessary to grow, but other pains can prevent growth. It is important to discern between them.

 

[Dauphin]

Considering that the Church even sees protestants as brothers and sisters in Christ the above quote confuses me…

The positive language used by the Church during and after the Second Vatican Council was designed as a “medicine of mercy” to help reconcile all other Churches with the Catholic church and draw them into full unity under the Successor of Peter. Unfortunately, many have taken the positive tone as a repudiation of the teaching that there is no salvation outside the Church. This isn’t true.

Protestants are generally validly baptized (with the notable exceptions of Jesus-only protestants, Mormons, and some others), and so are part of the Church. Salvation is available to them, but only insofar as they follow Christ to the best of their knowledge and are ignorant of the Catholic faith or are otherwise below the age of reason. Once a protestant explicitly rejects the Catholic faith, they have committed a heresy, which the church calls a grave sin. All those who die in grave sin descend into hell.

The lack of access to many of the Sacraments, which are channels of God’s grace, also serves to make salvation a difficult matter for protestants.

 

[OHCA_XP]

And to piggyback, we are not the authority to determine who goes to Hell or Heaven.

So even we don’t know what happens at a person’s point of death. What’s important is to recognize that we have to rely on the grace of God to unify us. And it’s true, not everybody will get into Heaven. But we shouldn’t stop trying.

That’s why it’s important to be able to explain the faith to non-Catholics in a manner which brings them back into the flock. That manner shouldn’t compromise any of the teachings handed down to us by the Apostles, but should be spoken through means non-Catholics can understand.

Back to the topic of the thread, how can anybody claim to be Catholic if they pride themselves in their personal security in God’s grace and not be willing to lovingly share it with others? Obviously this thread has been a result of somebody insulting the poster. A Catholic calling a Protestant stupid doesn’t spread the Truth.

 

[rtconstant]

Hello Everyone,
In light of several apalling threads out there regarding protestants and our Faith I just had this need to put this out there…

Why does it seem that SOME catholics assume that protestants are idiots who gave no thought as to what we believe?

Well I can certainly understand why that you would want to make this post. Keep in mind that a lot of the attitude that you see on this forum is due to frustration and assumptions. As Catholics we get a lot of flak on our beliefs by those that don’t know what we believe yet like to tell us about our beliefs. So admittedly we do often jump to conclusions or speak in uncharitable terms.

That said I see where you’re coming from and of course you’re correct being a Protestant does not in anyway make one an idiot.

Did you know…

That most protestants, including myself, have done research - prayed heavily - talked to others - and done more research before deciding which belief system to follow??? We didn’t just happen on it and decide that this was it without another thought. Contrary to SOME catholics beliefs we are not stupid. We put a LOT of thought into what we believe and it is so hurtful and ignorant to assume that we are just morons who can’t think for ourselves.

Again, Protestants are not stupid for their beliefs. Also, as a former Protestant I can attest to the fact that many Protestants do indeed pray and study and consider their beliefs. That being said I really wouldn’t say most do all these things. I don’t say that to be mean the same would go for any religion most people even those that take their beliefs seriously really don’t do much research. They have been raised in their religious paradigm, they accept it and so never really look outside of it. Again that’s not a bash on Protestants I think that’s just a human thing.

All that aside no one likes feeling like they’re being patronized so I see what you’re saying.

Did you know…

Most protestants don’t know much about the catholic Faith and even tho they have objections regarding said Faith they certainly DON’T protest it. I would fall into this group. Growing up I had never really learned anything (good or bad) about Catholocism and hadn’t given it much thought. When I hear that I am a protestant because I protest the church it confuses me, since how could I protest something I know little about and never gave much thought to??? I may disagree with some teachings but I in no way protest it…

I would say that most Catholics are aware that most Protestants know very little about Catholicism that is actually the source of most of our gripes. Many Protestants don’t know the first thing about our Faith but yet like speak at length about all the things we do wrong.

I have to admit to that I don’t get this new thing of Protestants not objecting to the name Protestant. When I was a Protestant we wore it with pride. I don’t know why that today Protestants embrace the convictions of their founders and yet don’t want to be identified with them. I’m not bashing on you this is just something new that I don’t get.

Did you know…

That we love Christ just as much as you?

I don’t doubt it.

Did you know…

That God loves us just as much as you?

Absolutely.

 

[Super_Sola]

That’s interesting–the “sacraments” are supposed to impart God’s grace, etc, but they never did for me or the thousands I saw every week at Mass. All my family members and friends were dead in trespasses and sins, and by nature children of wrath-Eph 2:1-3. We all walked according to the course of THIS WORLD, according to the spirit of disobedience. None of us knew the Lord, or loved His Holy Scriptures, nor were we reading the Bible, nor was our BIG Catholic church providing any Bibles for us. Typical Catholic policy down through history!

The sacraments are a DEAD RITUAL devoid of God and His grace, as the life of the typical Catholic PROVES. They love the world and the things of this world, and all they have is just a little dead religion tacked on. Catholicism is a PERFECT MATCH for a religious hypocrite.

It wasn’t until I began to read the Scriptures faithfully, and until I stopped listening to my priests, and listened to the “born again” Christians who kept telling me to repent and put my faith in Christ for salvation that I experienced the grace of God. The whole time I was a Catholic, I was BOUND IN SIN, unable to be free from it, free from partying, even though I knew it was wrong, i could no more stop than I could stop breathing. Until I cried out to Jesus Christ in repentance, and confessed I was wrong in trying to save myself and “be good”, that Christ filled my heart, and INSTANTLY I was delivered of sin, partying and loving this world. I now loved Jesus and His holy ways. Amazingly, I suddenly found Catholicism repugnant as well. As I studied my Bible and history, I saw what Catholicism was–an Apostasy from the truth. Rome departed from the truth into the Apostate System it now is, it is DEVOID of the truth, the Spirit of God, the Power of God, the anointing, and the grace of God. It is a dead religion. The Mass every Sunday was like a weekly funeral service and the LONGEST hour of the week!

 

[thomasf]

Nothing good will come of this thread. And the above post just ensured that. So sad.

 

[Dauphin]

That’s interesting–the “sacraments” are supposed to impart God’s grace, etc, but they never did for me or the thousands I saw every week at Mass.

You and those thousands of others might not have been in a state of Grace. St. Paul warned us that we would eat and drink our own damnation if we didn’t discern the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. The same applies for receiving the Eucharist in a state of grave sin. No benefit can come of it.

 

[Super_Sola]

So “sad” to hear of my deliverance from sin and hypocrisy to Jesus Christ and His salvation??? “Sad” is it? O glorious sadness! May the whole world experience this “sadness”!

 

[Dauphin]

So “sad” to hear of my deliverance of sin and hypocrisy to Jesus Christ and His salvation??? “Sad” is it! O glorious sadness! May the whole world experience this “sadness”!

You’re a bit nuts, aren’t you? It comes across clearly, even in writing.

 

[Tonks40]

That’s interesting–the “sacraments” are supposed to impart God’s grace, etc, but they never did for me or the thousands I saw every week at Mass. All my family members and friends were dead in trespasses and sins, and by nature children of wrath-Eph 2:1-3. We all walked according to the course of THIS WORLD, according to the spirit of disobedience. None of us knew the Lord, or loved His Holy Scriptures, nor were we reading the Bible, nor was our BIG Catholic church providing any Bibles for us. Typical Catholic policy down through history!

The sacraments are a DEAD RITUAL devoid of God and His grace, as the life of the typical Catholic PROVES. They love the world and the things of this world, and all they have is just a little dead religion tacked on. Catholicism is a PERFECT MATCH for a religious hypocrite.

It wasn’t until I began to read the Scriptures faithfully, and until I stopped listening to my priests, and listened to the “born again” Christians who kept telling me to repent and put my faith in Christ for salvation that I experienced the grace of God. The whole time I was a Catholic, I was BOUND IN SIN, unable to be free from it, free from partying, even though I knew it was wrong, i could no more stop than I could stop breathing. Until I cried out to Jesus Christ in repentance, and confessed I was wrong in trying to save myself and “be good”, that Christ filled my heart, and INSTANTLY I was delivered of sin, partying and loving this world. I now loved Jesus and His holy ways. Amazingly, I suddenly found Catholicism repugnant as well. As I studied my Bible and history, I saw what Catholicism was–an Apostasy from the truth. Rome departed from the truth into the Apostate System it now is, it is DEVOID of the truth, the Spirit of God, the Power of God, the anointing, and the grace of God. It is a dead religion. The Mass every Sunday was like a weekly funeral service and the LONGEST hour of the week!

This is an example of what Catholics have to deal with. Someone new who comes on here and proselytizes us.

Not a very good example of Christian charity - but I’m sure done out of sincerity.

 

[Super_Sola]

Typical response from someone bound in dead religious error TO someone set free in Christ. I know you cannot KNOW whereof I speak, as your religion is a stumbling-block to the glorious salvation that Christ would give you if you would renounce your sinful ways.

 

[OHCA_XP]

That’s interesting–the “sacraments” are supposed to impart God’s grace, etc, but they never did for me or the thousands I saw every week at Mass. All my family members and friends were dead in trespasses and sins, and by nature children of wrath-Eph 2:1-3. We all walked according to the course of THIS WORLD, according to the spirit of disobedience. None of us knew the Lord, or loved His Holy Scriptures, nor were we reading the Bible, nor was our BIG Catholic church providing any Bibles for us. Typical Catholic policy down through history!

The sacraments are a DEAD RITUAL devoid of God and His grace, as the life of the typical Catholic PROVES. They love the world and the things of this world, and all they have is just a little dead religion tacked on. Catholicism is a PERFECT MATCH for a religious hypocrite.

It wasn’t until I began to read the Scriptures faithfully, and until I stopped listening to my priests, and listened to the “born again” Christians who kept telling me to repent and put my faith in Christ for salvation that I experienced the grace of God. The whole time I was a Catholic, I was BOUND IN SIN, unable to be free from it, free from partying, even though I knew it was wrong, i could no more stop than I could stop breathing. Until I cried out to Jesus Christ in repentance, and confessed I was wrong in trying to save myself and “be good”, that Christ filled my heart, and INSTANTLY I was delivered of sin, partying and loving this world. I now loved Jesus and His holy ways. Amazingly, I suddenly found Catholicism repugnant as well. As I studied my Bible and history, I saw what Catholicism was–an Apostasy from the truth. Rome departed from the truth into the Apostate System it now is, it is DEVOID of the truth, the Spirit of God, the Power of God, the anointing, and the grace of God. It is a dead religion. The Mass every Sunday was like a weekly funeral service and the LONGEST hour of the week!

I’ll pray for you.

 

[Super_Sola]

This is an example of what Catholics have to deal with. Someone new who comes on here and proselytizes us.

It is a LOT MORE “charitable” than the way Rome has “proselytized” Prostestants! Crusades and Inquisitions, torture, executions, etc. Yes you sure do have much to “go through”.

 

[OHCA_XP]

It is a LOT MORE “charitable” than the way Rome has “proselytized” Prostestants! Crusades and Inquisitions, torture, executions, etc. Yes you sure do have much to “go through”.

I’ll pray for you too