Catholicism verses Church Of Christ

[Ridgerunner]

The Church of Christ has a particular imperviousness to any kind of theological argument. Since each congregation is self-governing and independent in its belief system with a very few exceptions (baptism by immersion only, for example) and really has no doctrinal system (claiming the bible is their only doctrine) each one is simply confirmatory of what the congregation’s leaders already think. The leaders do study the bible intensely, but again, only for the purpose of verifying what they already think. The remainder of the congregation is directed in their own reading by those “elders”, and those who do not believe as they do are ejected from the congregation.

Since “fellowship” among the members is intensely cultivated, ejection is a serious emotional blow, particularly to people whose intellectual isolation has been encouraged for a long time. Ejection is consignment to social as well as spiritual “hell”.

It has no difficulty at all in simply denying that generally accepted history (of its own origins, for example) is true.

Consequently, within the very wide parameters of its very limited “theology” its congregations are fundamentally “cults of personality” determined by their own leaders. Like many protestant sects, they select the preachers of whose preaching they already approve, and the whole sect is an informational “closed loop” that never hears anything other than what its own leaders hold. Since the leaders are “chosen” by the congregation, (though the leaders really do direct belief) the whole thing is totally confirmatory of what is already believed.

The fundamental flaw in this sect (or more properly, group of sects) is the flaw that besets protestantism generally and accounts for its disunity. It simultaneously affirms the primacy of personal interpretation of the bible (de facto, as is inescapable when there is no commonly held theology and theological authority is atomized) yet is adamant in its exclusive possession of truth, notwithstanding that each congregation (sect) has its own “truth”.

Such groups are profoundly, and inherently violative of biblical injunctions to unity.

 

[1ke]

Julian was the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire who tried to reverse the decision of Constantine. You remember back in the fourth century, Constantine had determined that the whole of the Roman Empire would become Christian and he established Christianity as the only religion and anybody who fought against that was persecuted. A little history.

When you make an appeal to history, it is important that you check your facts first:

Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, two years after Emperor Galerius had issued an edict of toleration in 311 AD. The Edict of Milan was also an edict of toleration. Neither of these edicts made Christianity the official religion of Rome, nor did they have any provision that “anybody who fought against that” be persecuted. They merely removed the illegal status of Christianity, stopped persecution, and allowed Christians to own property/build churches.

The Emperor Theodosius-- along with Gratian and Valentinian I-- in 380 AD issued the edict making Catholicism the only legitimate Christian religion, as recorded in the Codex Theodosianus. He suppressed Arianism and other heresies/non-Trinitarian sects. In 381 Theodosius convened the Council of Constantinople to repair schism between the East and the West.

In 388-391 AD Theodosius took action against pagan religions. He shut down their temples and ended Roman government subsidies to the upkeep of various pagan sites (the eternal flame in the Roman Forum for example).

A little history.

 

[Seeking12]

Very good, because Informed, Practcing Catholics Don’t!

“Oh yes you do!” you pray to Mary and the Saints.

Indeed we do, but it’s HONOR, not WORSHIP! And it would be more accurate to say that we pray THROUGH, than it is to say that we pray “to” but both are correct.

The most often prayed Marian prayer, The Hail Mary ends with the words: “pray for us sinners now, and the hour of our death.” That is precisely what is meant by “praying through” not just “to.”

“Hail Mary” is saying “hello Mary.” It’s a greeting (Lk. 1:26) not worship.

Have they or you ever asked you to pray for them, or someone who is sick? What is the difference? Both are one human praying for another sinner!

I do not believe it says that in the bible. What it does say; in fact the First Commandment is, "you shall have no strange gods before me."

We don’t. Catholics beleive that Redemption is through Jesus Alone!

We pray THROUGH Mary and the Saints because they have accomplised what we are striving to do, namely get to heaven. Mary and the Saints are already in God’s presence. They are our friends, and pray to God for us!

Good for them, they learned this from our CATHOLIC BIBLE! And we agree with them!

Look in up in the dictionary: “mediator” and “intercessor” are the same action!

Really Want to have some “fun” with them?

Ask them to explain Mt. 16: 18-20 — John 20:23 — and John 6: 40-60.

These verses:

1. Is Jesus telling Saint Peter that he alone is being the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. This power passes from Pope to pope.
2. John 20: "21* Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22* And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. *23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” ** How about that:thumbsup:
3. And John Chapter six:“53 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; 54 he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56* He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. 58* This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever.” 59* This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Caperna-um." This tells them that ONLY in the Catholic Church (s) can one find Jesus today! In Person! So why would you are anyone want to leave Jesus? Not a sign, not a symbol…read again the words of Jesus who is God and can’t lie!

Laura, I encourage you to get your bible out and look these up, and please read the verses before and after what I shared.

That’s nice But can he receive Jesus, be in the very Presence of the God that made him? Can he go to Confession, and know, absolutely lnow that his sins have been forgiven? Laura, you have the “Way, the Truth and the Light,” and they have fellowship. YOUR THE WINNER:clapping: :extrahappy:

Laura, so long as you know that their is ONE God with three Divine and seperate Natures (that are seperate but can’t be seperated) your in good shape. Simply decline the invitation. It might be good to avoid these other religious meeting as they are causing unrest within your Soul. Pray about it.

Go for it sister, God is on your side and so am I!

Love and prayers, Pat

Has anyone ever had a priest bless a statue of Mary? Just because words say someone doesn’t worship or venerate angels or saints, the action always speak louder. If it knowingly causes someone to stumble, which it obviously does, then you should not do it. It is not that difficult t see or understand.

 

[Seeking12]

When you make an appeal to history, it is important that you check your facts first:

Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, two years after Emperor Galerius had issued an edict of toleration in 311 AD. The Edict of Milan was also an edict of toleration. Neither of these edicts made Christianity the official religion of Rome, nor did they have any provision that “anybody who fought against that” be persecuted. They merely removed the illegal status of Christianity, stopped persecution, and allowed Christians to own property/build churches.

The Emperor Theodosius-- along with Gratian and Valentinian I-- in 380 AD issued the edict making Catholicism the only legitimate Christian religion, as recorded in the Codex Theodosianus. He suppressed Arianism and other heresies/non-Trinitarian sects. In 381 Theodosius convened the Council of Constantinople to repair schism between the East and the West.

In 388-391 AD Theodosius took action against pagan religions. He shut down their temples and ended Roman government subsidies to the upkeep of various pagan sites (the eternal flame in the Roman Forum for example).

A little history.

Next you’ll be teaching me that Constantine did not worship the pagan sun god as well and many people questioned whether he was even a Christian at all based on what he did, not on what he said. Revisionist history; like taking Scripture out of context, is always necessary to maintain power and authority over people. Look at Islam for example.

 

[PJM]

**
What you call historical I would call something totally different; if that verse were interpreted as God meant it, I know of at least one religion that would fall. But that is not for this thread and you already know the arguments.

Julian was the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire who tried to reverse the decision of Constantine. You remember back in the fourth century, Constantine had determined that the whole of the Roman Empire would become Christian and he established Christianity as the only religion and anybody who fought against that was persecuted. A little history.**

My dear friend on Christ,

Because we choose to call "BLUERED does not alter what is fact.

Historians have agreed that the entire New Testament was written by the end of the First Century, hundreds of years before Constantine.

If the Bible existed then, so MUST HAVE Christianity, and the only form of Christianity was Catholism, for more than 1000 years.

Constanine did not invent Catholism, he only embrassed it, and spread it:tiphat:

We agree that in hindsite, forcing any religious practice on another is to be avoided. No, I am not saying one can chose to disobey God’s Laws, ot the Laws of His Church, with impunity!

So my dear friend, I’m a bit slow, but I still don’t understand the point that your trying to make. Please, please try again, I’d like to be able to respond to your concern.

 

[Seeking12]

The Church of Christ has a particular imperviousness to any kind of theological argument. Since each congregation is self-governing and independent in its belief system with a very few exceptions (baptism by immersion only, for example) and really has no doctrinal system (claiming the bible is their only doctrine) each one is simply confirmatory of what the congregation’s leaders already think. The leaders do study the bible intensely, but again, only for the purpose of verifying what they already think. The remainder of the congregation is directed in their own reading by those “elders”, and those who do not believe as they do are ejected from the congregation.

Since “fellowship” among the members is intensely cultivated, ejection is a serious emotional blow, particularly to people whose intellectual isolation has been encouraged for a long time. Ejection is consignment to social as well as spiritual “hell”.

It has no difficulty at all in simply denying that generally accepted history (of its own origins, for example) is true.

Consequently, within the very wide parameters of its very limited “theology” its congregations are fundamentally “cults of personality” determined by their own leaders. Like many protestant sects, they select the preachers of whose preaching they already approve, and the whole sect is an informational “closed loop” that never hears anything other than what its own leaders hold. Since the leaders are “chosen” by the congregation, (though the leaders really do direct belief) the whole thing is totally confirmatory of what is already believed.

The fundamental flaw in this sect (or more properly, group of sects) is the flaw that besets protestantism generally and accounts for its disunity. It simultaneously affirms the primacy of personal interpretation of the bible (de facto, as is inescapable when there is no commonly held theology and theological authority is atomized) yet is adamant in its exclusive possession of truth, notwithstanding that each congregation (sect) has its own “truth”.

Such groups are profoundly, and inherently violative of biblical injunctions to unity.

**No doctrinal theology, only what the Bible teaches? Do you not see something inherently wrong with that statement?

“really has no doctrinal system (claiming the bible is their only doctrine)”

You have an interesting view of Scriptural doctrines. Any idea what this may mean for your own soul?**

 

[Cathhsmom]

I know that you said that you googled Catholic churches in your area, but I would second the recommendation to go to www.masstimes.org , and make sure that their are no other masses in your area. Another idea for you, especially if you would like to hear or see the mass more often, is to get Sirius radio or see if your TV has the mass. I get it daily on my radio. It is not the same thing as being there and does not replace our obligation to go, but for when you are sick or unable to go, it is such a blessing. I listen to the daily readings, hear the homilies ( I listen to ch. 159- The Catholic Channel and after their homily switch to ch160-EWTN and listen to their homily, too. ), and pray along with the prayer intentions. They also have really good apologetics programming.

I would also recommend that you take full advantage of the Catholic Answers site for answering the questions that the COC will be throwing at you either directly or indirectly through your dh. Arm yourself with some good apologetics books. I personally love my NAB Catholic Answers Bible which has inserts with common questions that are brought up and their answers along with biblical support. amazon.com/New-Catholic-Answer-Bible-American/dp/1592761402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236104053&sr=1-1 This link is to the soft cover, but I have the leather one with the rosary on the back.

You are going to have a hard time with this, but remember that we can do all things through God who strengthens us. This may turn out to be a blessing to you. I got into apologetics because of JWs at my door asking questions. It forced me to go deeper and not just float along on the surface. I love to learn and this helped me to focus some of my reading time on what really matters, my soul and my relationship with God. I will pray for you and your dh. I am getting from your posts that either he is not Catholic or is not an active Catholic. Enjoy your rides to church. Get some copies of talks on tape or church music, or the rosary for the drives. I love the mp3 downloadable scripture rosary from www.rosaryarmy.com , anything by Fr. Corapi, Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, etc. EWTN’s website has many free downloads in their audio library section of their website.

 

[Seeking12]

I know that you said that you googled Catholic churches in your area, but I would second the recommendation to go to www.masstimes.org , and make sure that their are no other masses in your area. Another idea for you, especially if you would like to hear or see the mass more often, is to get Sirius radio or see if your TV has the mass. I get it daily on my radio. It is not the same thing as being there and does not replace our obligation to go, but for when you are sick or unable to go, it is such a blessing. I listen to the daily readings, hear the homilies ( I listen to ch. 159- The Catholic Channel and after their homily switch to ch160-EWTN and listen to their homily, too. ), and pray along with the prayer intentions. They also have really good apologetics programming.

I would also recommend that you take full advantage of the Catholic Answers site for answering the questions that the COC will be throwing at you either directly or indirectly through your dh. Arm yourself with some good apologetics books. I personally love my NAB Catholic Answers Bible which has inserts with common questions that are brought up and their answers along with biblical support. amazon.com/New-Catholic-Answer-Bible-American/dp/1592761402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236104053&sr=1-1 This link is to the soft cover, but I have the leather one with the rosary on the back.

You are going to have a hard time with this, but remember that we can do all things through God who strengthens us. This may turn out to be a blessing to you. I got into apologetics because of JWs at my door asking questions. It forced me to go deeper and not just float along on the surface. I love to learn and this helped me to focus some of my reading time on what really matters, my soul and my relationship with God. I will pray for you and your dh. I am getting from your posts that either he is not Catholic or is not an active Catholic. Enjoy your rides to church. Get some copies of talks on tape or church music, or the rosary for the drives. I love the mp3 downloadable scripture rosary from www.rosaryarmy.com , anything by Fr. Corapi, Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, etc. EWTN’s website has many free downloads in their audio library section of their website.

That is great advice if you want to feel like you were thrown to the wolves; eaten alive, and swallowed up. Also, if you like to drive a wedge between you and your spouse. From the Protestant goggles; the errors of the Church are so obvious and many, that no amount of apologetics will change a true believers mind on anything concerning the Church. I’m just telling you; so you don’t create unnecessary strife; so take it for what it is worth.

 

[1ke]

Next you’ll be teaching me that Constantine did not worship the pagan sun god

I do not know what gods Constantine worshiped throughout the course of his life. I would presume that he worshiped the Roman pantheon of gods for most of his life if he worshiped any gods at all. His conversion experience did not come until late in life.

He received Baptism before he died.

Revisionist history; like taking Scripture out of context, is always necessary to maintain power and authority over people. Look at Islam for example.

Wow, that’s pretty comical.

 

[scooter469]

Hi, I was raised church of Christ but will be received into the Catholic Church on Easter. And there is a huge difference between the two. The church of Christ believes there are the one true church, founded AD 33 and that you must be a part of there church to make it to Heaven. They do take communion every Sunday but do not believe in the real presence, there is no music in church because they say it isn’t in the New Testament bible therefore it shouldn’t be in the church. I could go on and on about the differences. I would recommend that you try to locate a Catholic church - even if it’s somewhat of a drive. My parents still don’t know that I’m attending the Catholic Church - it’s that bad!!
If you would like to ask me any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.
Tracie

Hi Tracie? What happened that made you decide to leave Church of Christ? What gets me confused and frustrated is that everyone is always searching for the truth. My question is Why so many denominations. why did the True Church that Christ built get divided?

All I want is to feel the Holy Spirit when I go to Church and I am not feeling it here lately.

 

[Cathhsmom]

That is great advice if you want to feel like you were thrown to the wolves; eaten alive, and swallowed up. Also, if you like to drive a wedge between you and your spouse. From the Protestant goggles; the errors of the Church are so obvious and many, that no amount of apologetics will change a true believers mind on anything concerning the Church. I’m just telling you; so you don’t create unnecessary strife; so take it for what it is worth.

I am sorry that you took offense at my recommendation that she arm herself with answers to the questions that the COC people were throwing at her. I am not asking or suggesting that she attack her dh or cause a rift between them. She is Catholic. It is a fact of life. This is not something new in their marriage. He is the one that wants her to change and go to this other church. I am just saying that since she is unsure of how to answer them, then she needs to start looking for what the Catholic church actually teaches vs. what others say we teach. IF her dh or any of the COC people try to corner her on it, then she can gently correct their misunderstanding or distortion of what the church actually believes and teaches.

I come from a Protestant background myself. I know that I was told things about the Catholic church that were just not true. I don’t think the people saying it were deliberately spreading lies and distortions. I think they just passed on what others said or taught. I think that it is always best to look things up and not just from your own side. I hope that you will take this time here on these forums to really hear what we as Catholics believe and why. A good place to start for biblical info on where we get things that you may have a proplem with would be www.scripturecatholic.com . I hope that you start new posts on specific points that you have a problem with to give us an opportunity to share with you.

 

[Seeking12]

I am sorry that you took offense at my recommendation that she arm herself with answers to the questions that the COC people were throwing at her. I am not asking or suggesting that she attack her dh or cause a rift between them. She is Catholic. It is a fact of life. This is not something new in their marriage. He is the one that wants her to change and go to this other church. I am just saying that since she is unsure of how to answer them, then she needs to start looking for what the Catholic church actually teaches vs. what others say we teach. IF her dh or any of the COC people try to corner her on it, then she can gently correct their misunderstanding or distortion of what the church actually believes and teaches.

I come from a Protestant background myself. I know that I was told things about the Catholic church that were just not true. I don’t think the people saying it were deliberately spreading lies and distortions. I think they just passed on what others said or taught. I think that it is always best to look things up and not just from your own side. I hope that you will take this time here on these forums to really hear what we as Catholics believe and why. A good place to start for biblical info on where we get things that you may have a proplem with would be www.scripturecatholic.com . I hope that you start new posts on specific points that you have a problem with to give us an opportunity to share with you.

**I apologize to you for being overbearing; I do know how it would go over, just as it does in this forum and being from a Protestant background.

What did you former church(s) tell you about Catholicism that you later found to be untrue?**

 

[Cathhsmom]

**I apologize to you for being overbearing; I do know how it would go over, just as it does in this forum and being from a Protestant background.

What did you former church(s) tell you about Catholicism that you later found to be untrue?**

Thank you for your apology. It is truely appreciated.

It was definately churches, in the plural. My mom was raised Mormon, but had a falling out with them when I was about 6 or 7. I actually was blessed as a baby in the Mormon church and vaguely remember going to Sunday school. After that, my mom moved us from church to church. I went to Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, Church of Christ (ours had singing and music), and 1st Church of the Nazarene. There might be more, but that is all that I can remember right now. I can’t remember which church or churches said what specifically, but I do remember the remarks about Mary and worshipping her and about idol worship. Also, about how Catholics don’t read the bible and don’t want you to read the bible. Different things of that nature. Oh, and I had questions about infant baptism which was the 1st thing that I tackled when I started the RCIA program. I was amazed that the Catholic church actually had a book that stated what they believed, why they believed it, and where they got it from, ie. scripture verses. That was the best find for me since I love to know “Why”.

 

[Ridgerunner]

**No doctrinal theology, only what the Bible teaches? Do you not see something inherently wrong with that statement?

You have an interesting view of Scriptural doctrines. Any idea what this may mean for your own soul?**

Since you want to parse my words and interpret them as you please, let me clarify. “No doctrinal theology, only the personal interpretation they put on the bible, among the many differing interpretations that various protestant sects impose upon them.”

How’s that?

You worry about your own soul, pardner. It is not your place to judge mine.

 

[Seeking12]

Since you want to parse my words and interpret them as you please, let me clarify. “No doctrinal theology, only the personal interpretation they put on the bible, among the many differing interpretations that various protestant sects impose upon them.”

How’s that?

You worry about your own soul, pardner. It is not your place to judge mine.

**
Thanks for clarifying what you said; I apologize for not understanding what you meant by what you said… Can you give 1 or 2 examples of differing interpretations that are imposed on the Scripture from your point of view?**

 

[scooter469]

I know that you said that you googled Catholic churches in your area, but I would second the recommendation to go to www.masstimes.org , and make sure that their are no other masses in your area. Another idea for you, especially if you would like to hear or see the mass more often, is to get Sirius radio or see if your TV has the mass. I get it daily on my radio. It is not the same thing as being there and does not replace our obligation to go, but for when you are sick or unable to go, it is such a blessing. I listen to the daily readings, hear the homilies ( I listen to ch. 159- The Catholic Channel and after their homily switch to ch160-EWTN and listen to their homily, too. ), and pray along with the prayer intentions. They also have really good apologetics programming.

I would also recommend that you take full advantage of the Catholic Answers site for answering the questions that the COC will be throwing at you either directly or indirectly through your dh. Arm yourself with some good apologetics books. I personally love my NAB Catholic Answers Bible which has inserts with common questions that are brought up and their answers along with biblical support. amazon.com/New-Catholic-Answer-Bible-American/dp/1592761402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236104053&sr=1-1 This link is to the soft cover, but I have the leather one with the rosary on the back.

You are going to have a hard time with this, but remember that we can do all things through God who strengthens us. This may turn out to be a blessing to you. I got into apologetics because of JWs at my door asking questions. It forced me to go deeper and not just float along on the surface. I love to learn and this helped me to focus some of my reading time on what really matters, my soul and my relationship with God. I will pray for you and your dh. I am getting from your posts that either he is not Catholic or is not an active Catholic. Enjoy your rides to church. Get some copies of talks on tape or church music, or the rosary for the drives. I love the mp3 downloadable scripture rosary from www.rosaryarmy.com , anything by Fr. Corapi, Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, etc. EWTN’s website has many free downloads in their audio library section of their website.

Thank you so much for the info…My Mom probably has these books and I am going to see her this summer and will see if she will let me borrow them. I am presently tight with finances right now so I will not be able to purchase any as of now.

Thank you again
Much Love in Christ
Lura

 

[Ridgerunner]

**
Thanks for clarifying what you said; I apologize for not understanding what you meant by what you said… Can you give 1 or 2 examples of differing interpretations that are imposed on the Scripture from your point of view?**

With all due respect, I am not presently disposed to debate with your sourcebook.Nor do I have mine near to hand. Been there and done that enough to know that it usually goes nowhere, though sometimes the scrap is enjoyable.

Suffice it to say for now that if you are a Protestant, and your profile suggests, at least, that you are, you could not possibly be familiar with Protestant sects other than your own without knowing there are a tremendous number of differing beliefs among them, and virtually all claim biblical support for them, notwithstanding their obvious disparateness.

Perhaps, instead of debating me, you could explain which of the Church of Christ positions regarding one cup versus many is best supported by Scripture, and why; giving both sides and your resolution of it. Perhaps, on a Catholic forum which you have decided to visit, you could bestow some information to which we might not otherwise be privy. I saw the scriptural argument for one side of it or the other long ago in a deed of some land, but I no longer remember the scripural references and never did see the references supporting the other side.

So, are you here to explain your religion, or are you just in here to attack ours? I have invited you to do the former. I trust you will respect the request of those in whose house, after all, you are but a guest.

 

[Seeking12]

With all due respect, I am not presently disposed to debate with your sourcebook.Nor do I have mine near to hand. Been there and done that enough to know that it usually goes nowhere, though sometimes the scrap is enjoyable.

Suffice it to say for now that if you are a Protestant, and your profile suggests, at least, that you are, you could not possibly be familiar with Protestant sects other than your own without knowing there are a tremendous number of differing beliefs among them, and virtually all claim biblical support for them, notwithstanding their obvious disparateness.

Perhaps, instead of debating me, you could explain which of the Church of Christ positions regarding one cup versus many is best supported by Scripture, and why; giving both sides and your resolution of it. Perhaps, on a Catholic forum which you have decided to visit, you could bestow some information to which we might not otherwise be privy. I saw the scriptural argument for one side of it or the other long ago in a deed of some land, but I no longer remember the scripural references and never did see the references supporting the other side.

So, are you here to explain your religion, or are you just in here to attack ours? I have invited you to do the former. I trust you will respect the request of those in whose house, after all, you are but a guest.

It is okay if you cannot answer the question. I have no idea what you were speaking of concerning “cup or many cups”; perhaps you could elaborate on that. If I’m a guest, then that makes you the host. Although my title say “New Member”; not New Guest", but I am in a Catholic forum, which is probably what you meant.

 

[Ridgerunner]

It is okay if you cannot answer the question. I have no idea what you were speaking of concerning “cup or many cups”; perhaps you could elaborate on that. If I’m a guest, then that makes you the host. Although my title say “New Member”; not New Guest", but I am in a Catholic forum, which is probably what you meant.

Inasmuch as this is a Catholic forum, you are a guest if you are not Catholic. Ultimately, some are reminded of that by the Moderators.

Well, let’s look at the “cups” thing. I took you for a member of the Church of Christ. As you have listed yourself as “Christian” and non-denominations generally use that term for themselves, and since the Church of Christ claims to be non-denominational, I thought you were. If you do not know about the “cups” dispute within the Churches of Christ, I am obliged to assume you are not a member. It’s simple, really. Some congregations maintain that the communion cup must be a communal cup; one cup only for the whole congregation. Some maintain that individual cups may be used. Each group has its own scriptural reasons for maintaining its position. As I thought perhaps you were C of C, I really was interested in knowing how that argument is constructed. Long ago, I had occasion to examine a deed for church purposes, in which the donor of land set out the whole argument right in the deed. He also set out his position relative to instrumental music in church; another division point among the Churches of Christ. His purpose was to cause the land to revert back to his heirs if a Church of Christ congregation located there ever went to the other side of those issues.

But as I said, I no longer recall the scriptural references the man used to support his position and, of course, he did not state the scriptural bases for the opposite positions. I thought perhaps you could supply those. If you can’t, that’s fine.

And no, it’s not that I “can’t” answer the question. I do not wish to get into a scripture sourcebook argument at this time. Perhaps another time. I was much more interested in re-learning how the C of C congregations supported their “cups” dispute positions from scripture. Perhaps someone else will address that.

And it might help if you did identify your denomination or non-denomination, so no one else makes the assumption that you know anything about the beliefs of the C of C which is, after all, the topic of the thread.

 

[Cathhsmom]

Thank you so much for the info…My Mom probably has these books and I am going to see her this summer and will see if she will let me borrow them. I am presently tight with finances right now so I will not be able to purchase any as of now.

Thank you again
Much Love in Christ
Lura

You might want to check out your local library. They might have them or be able to get them from interlibrary loan. I found some of Scott Hahn’s books on tape at my library and got to listen to them as I would drive around town. One of the churches in town, yes, I am lucky to live in an area with multiple Catholic churches, has a display where you can buy Catholic talks on cd for a $3 donation. Maybe, the church that you will be going to will have this. Then you can do it little by little. I know that they add new ones every so often, but the ones that I enjoy are The Lamb’s Supper (which is about the Eucharist), The Holy Rosary ( does all of the mysteries), and The Body and Blood of Christ. I have quite a collection of them. They are put out by Lighthouse Catholic Media, www.LighthouseCatholicMedia.com .