quote] Originally Posted by Della View Post
I don’t think you “get it,” my dear. These people have no more concept of “truth” than the average dog. They are immune to God’s grace because they are perfectly content or they have never had any opportunity to avail themselves of God’s grace. The latter are as culpable as someone living in the bush who has never heard of God. And thank God, their judgment, and ours,** is not up to us–it’s up to God. end quote**
I usually try to avoid reply to our friend Della to avoid arguments ; BUT the highlighted comments REQUIRE correction.
- God in order to be GOD commits Himself to OFFER every human souls sufficient grace that that ALL could get to know, love and serve HIM. Its a OFFER that can be and too often is refused, BUT that is that Souls choice, not our God’s fault.
1Tim.2 Verses 3 to 4 "[3] This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
[4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth
- The choice of Eternal Hell or eternal Heaven is OUR"S to make; it is NOT determined by God
“Before man is life and death, good and evil, that which he shall choose shall be given him:” …[Ecclesiasticus 15:18]
Isa.43: 7 & 21 [7] every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made. & [21] the people whom I formed for myself that **they might **declare my praise.
God Bless you!
Patrick
Hi Della and Steve,
You are having an excellent discussion and I don’t want to inappropriately step in (and frankly it might be a bit off topic), but I just wanted to add something. I agree with both of you as it relates to “truth” and “ignorance” and one thing that I believe has a big impact on this is the acceptance of the “cafeteria” style Catholic. Not that the Church officially accepts this type of Catholic that picks and chooses what Catholic beliefs they will and won’t believe, but there is a lack of vigilance on this topic in my opinion.
I’d love to know what % of Catholics believe in 100% of all Church dogmas, yet alone teachings? How many truly believe in the authority of the Church? I believe a very small number and it has such a profound impact. Without 100% belief how can there be passion? Without 100% belief there is doubt…doubt in the Church’s authority and teachings, which leave a crack that can only get wider and be “that one last straw” that makes them leave the Church.
IMO, anything less than 100% is cause for grave concerns.
True FAITH is a GIFT from God through the HS, it is to be sought and prayerd for. For ourselves as well as others.
And sometimes this “cafeteria style” Catholic can come in the most innocent form. Take the Protestant vs the Catholic bible. There are many Catholics (even on this forum as I’ve debated this topic on other threads) that believe a Protestant bible is “incomplete” rather than wrong. Being politically correct has taken over for defending the truth. Believing that anything less than a 73 book bible is anathema (per the Council of Trent) is viewed today as being divisive.
Incomplete [the 7 deleted books] is a given certainty
That it is wrong is too a fact, but needs to be specified to be so. FAR more often is a personal interpretation, or a individual desired understanding NOT based on what the bible say;s but what they choose to believe it is saying, that is the root issue.
2Peter 1: 19-21
And we have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: [20] Understanding this first,** that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.** [21] For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.
[Douay explanation]
[20] No prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation: This shews plainly that the scriptures are not to be expounded by any one’s private judgment or private spirit, because every part of the holy scriptures were written by men inspired by the Holy Ghost, and declared as such by the Church; therefore they are not to be interpreted but by the Spirit of God, which he hath left, and promised to remain with his Church to guide her in all truth to the end of the world. Some may tell us, that many of our divines interpret the scriptures: they may do so, but they do it always with a submission to the judgment of the Church, and not otherwise. End Quotes DOUAY CATHOLIC BIBLE
We as Catholics have to stop apologizing for our great faith, stop thinking it’s divisive to proclaim the truth, and start acting like the Church Jesus established!! Then people will know what the truth is, ignorance won’t be caused due to confusion of what Catholics really believe, and the Church will grow in “on fire” Catholics.
OK, jumping off my soap box now!!!
AMEN!