Do Protestants Really Hate Catholicism?

[diggerdomer]

Hi Nancy,
RCIA is Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is generally a once a week class that lasts for several months in a parish.

Candidates and Catechumens cannot receive the Eucharist until they are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass, this is a practice that dates all the way back to the early church.

Just a few notes about RCIA that may be more obscure than warranted…sorry if I’m taking up time unnecessarily.

RCIA does not necessarily entail once a week classes, and there’s more to it than classes. Every diocese and parish seems to have their own way of doing things.

Candidates can be received into the Church any time, not just at the Easter vigil. Actually, the Easter Vigil is the preferred time for catechumens to be initiated, so likewise it’s usually preferred to receive Candidates separately.

Yes, these practices date back to the late 4th century.

Cheers

 

[Jerry_Marino]

So, Jerry, you agree that we must confess our sins if we are to be saved. Jerry has never said you must not repent sin. You think God will give the true believer a chance to repent before they die.

first of all to your last question, a true believer is one who has repented and trusted in Christ alone for salvation.

like the scripture i’ve noted if a person is a true believer walking in the light of Christ and sins will stand convicted by the Holy Spirit and will confess their sins to God.

God Bless

 

[jlhargus]

You found it ! and just why would the body (sacrifice) not be exceptable to God and they usto say Lord if it be possible let tihs sacrifice be exceptable unto thee 1959. That is what they usto say when i went to church.60’s,70’s,80’s,.I went to funerals and to church with my dad now and then when i visit. Nancy

JL: I came to the Church in 73 as an adult, I have never heard, “Lord if it be possible let this sacrifice be acceptable.” in any echaristic prayer.

 

[SteveGC]

first of all to your last question, a true believer is one who has repented and trusted in Christ alone for salvation. like the scripture i’ve noted if a person is a true believer walking in the light of Christ and sins will stand convicted by the Holy Spirit and will confess their sins to God.
God Bless

Let me tell you a little story about that, Jerry…a story that isn’t speculative, it’s about me.

I came to Christ in my twenties, after 10 years of sinful, and in some ways, quite detestable ways of living.

When I attended a Christian retreat with a college friend, God spoke to my heart. I suddenly saw the previous 10 years of my life clearly for what it was, and I was genuinely sorrowful for the way that I had rejected God in my life, and the many times He had tried to reach out for me. I came to Christ the non-Catholic way, that day. I spoke, from my heart and with the whole of my being, the “sinners prayer”, confessing my sins, inviting Christ into my life, the whole bit. It was VERY VERY genuine, my friend.

And for quite a while, that change in my life manifested itself in fruitful living. I turned from many sins, and began to have a routine of prayer and fellowship, and Bible study.

Fast-forward about 3 years from then. Through the course of distracting work, family life, etc., I began to make lesser time for God in my days. It got to the point, over some time, where I was back into the habit of sin (various significant ones), and did not have a repentent bone in my body. That lasted for atleast 10 more years.

Now…are you telling me that I was not genuine (nor really “saved”) on that spring day 17 years ago when I gave my life to Christ? I would take serious objection to that claim. Serious objection. I know what was happening in my life…I know my intention to accept Christ fully.

So, now what? How do we account for a genuine profession of faith from the heart (not just the lips)…and yet a significant return to an unrepentent, sinful, lifestyle. One thing you might say is that Christ works with me over time, and will always bring me back to Him when He wants. And so, “eventually” (over a 10 year span), I became repentent of my sinful ways. I can buy that, in a way. As long as you can buy the fact that the way He brought me back was to show me His Church, and today I am Catholic. If you can’t buy that as the way in which I returned to Christ, then what are we to make of this “conviction to confess” that makes me OSAS?

God Bless

 

[Ferde_Rombola]

…a true believer is one who has repented and trusted in Christ alone for salvation.

Without more, Jerry, that’s just jargon. It could mean everything, it could mean anything, it could mean nothing.

like the scripture i’ve noted if a person is a true believer walking in the light of Christ and sins will stand convicted by the Holy Spirit and will confess their sins to God.

Ditto. How do we know such people will confess their sins to God?

I invited you to read Matthew 25:31-46 and tell me what it says about OSAS and ‘faith alone’ and, for the second time, you have not responded. Are you having trouble with that passage? Let’s talk.

 

[jlhargus]

first of all to your last question, a true believer is one who has repented and trusted in Christ alone for salvation.

like the scripture i’ve noted if a person is a true believer walking in the light of Christ and sins will stand convicted by the Holy Spirit and will confess their sins to God.

God Bless

JL; As a Catholic I can know if I am in a state of grace and on the road to eternal life at anytime, by examining my conscience, in light of Christ’s teaching taught by his Church. right now I am in grace. However, I have no absolute assurance that I will perserver to the end. I have confidence I will and I have absolute assurance that Christ will provide the way and grace for me to overcome any temptation, but I have free will at all times to choose life or death, this day or any other day. I also have absolute assurance if I willfully sin in a serious matter, losing the life of God within (the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), and repent (sorrow and intention to sin no more) and confess I will be cleansed by the blood of Christ and restored to life in Christ. One cannot willfully commit adultery and expect the life of God to remain within, when one has freely choosen death orver life, the soul that sins will die spiritually.

Joh 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth hath eternal life. Yes but, 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands TAKE HEED LEST HE FALL.

JN 6:54 He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Yes but, 1Cor 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

JN 10:28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who hath given [them] unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father`s hand. Yes but, Galatians 5:1,4 . . . stand fast therefore, and do not submit AGAIN TO a yoke of SLAVERY . . . You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; YOU HAVE FALLEN AWAY FROM GRACE.

Ga 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Yes but, Ga 3:3 Are ye so foolish? Having BEGUN IN THE SPIRIT, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Hb 3:12-14 Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you TO FALL AWAY FROM THE LIVING GOD. But exhort one another every day . . . that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For WE SHARE IN CHRIST, IF ONLY WE HOLD our first confidence FIRM TO THE END.

Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Yes but, 1 Timothy 4:1 Now THE SPIRIT EXPRESSLY SAYS that in later times SOME WILL DEPART FROM THE FAITH by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Tm5:15 For SOME HAVE already STRAYED AFTER SATAN.

1Jn5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Yes but, Philippians 3:11-14 that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. NOT THAT I HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED THIS OR am already PERFECT; but I PRESS ON to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I DO NOT CONSIDER that I HAVE MADE IT MY OWN . . . I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:27 but IPOMMEL MY BODY and subdue it, LEST after preaching to others I MYSELF SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED.

2 Peter 2:15,20-21 FORSAKING THE RIGHT WAY THEY HAVE GONE ASTRAY; they have followed the way of Balaam, . . . For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR Jesus Christ, THEY ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED in them AND OVERPOWERED, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been BETTER FOR THEM NEVER TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY of righteousness than AFTER KNOWING it to TURN BACK from the holy commandment delivered to them.

Jms 5:19 My brethren IF any ONE among you WANDERS FROM THE TRUTH and some one brings him back 20 let him know that whoever BRINGS BACK A SINNER from the error of his way WILL SAVE HIS SOUL from death and will cover a multitude of sins If one has assurance of salvation how could his soul be saved from death by one who BRINGS HIM BACK FROM SIN to repentance. If he is BROUGHT BACK he had to be in grace before he sinned

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

JL: I came to the Church in 73 as an adult, I have never heard, “Lord if it be possible let this sacrifice be acceptable.” in any echaristic prayer.

Hi do you have any scriptuer that the souls in purgatory can hear us when we pray? Does the Blessed virgin hear you ? This is very important Love of Christ Nancy

 

[grannymh]

Hi do you have any scriptuer that the souls in purgatory can hear us when we pray? Does the Blessed virgin hear you ? This is very important Love of Christ Nancy

Hi Nancy,

I do know that souls in purgatory benefit from our love and our prayers for them, I believe that the scripture is in one of the passages omitted in Martin Luther’s Bible.

Yes, the Blessed Virgin hears us. This is indicated when Christ was dying on the cross. *John 19: 25-27 *He said to John, “Behold your Mother”. Christ was giving His Mother to John who was representing all the people in the future.

Christ was NOT saying that the Blessed Virgin should be worshiped like God. Oh, no. Christ was saying that the Blessed Virgin is like a human mother who cares deeply about her children and listens to them with understanding. Just like we would talk to someone who cares about us, we can talk to the Blessed Virgin. Many times we ask her to talk to Christ about our needs. Her picture would belong on the wall right along with our own family portraits.

Blessings,
granny

All human beings are worthy of profound respect.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

Let me tell you a little story about that, Jerry…a story that isn’t speculative, it’s about me.

I came to Christ in my twenties, after 10 years of sinful, and in some ways, quite detestable ways of living.

When I attended a Christian retreat with a college friend, God spoke to my heart. I suddenly saw the previous 10 years of my life clearly for what it was, and I was genuinely sorrowful for the way that I had rejected God in my life, and the many times He had tried to reach out for me. I came to Christ the non-Catholic way, that day. I spoke, from my heart and with the whole of my being, the “sinners prayer”, confessing my sins, inviting Christ into my life, the whole bit. It was VERY VERY genuine, my friend.

And for quite a while, that change in my life manifested itself in fruitful living. I turned from many sins, and began to have a routine of prayer and fellowship, and Bible study.

Fast-forward about 3 years from then. Through the course of distracting work, family life, etc., I began to make lesser time for God in my days. It got to the point, over some time, where I was back into the habit of sin (various significant ones), and did not have a repentent bone in my body. That lasted for atleast 10 more years.

Now…are you telling me that I was not genuine (nor really “saved”) on that spring day 17 years ago when I gave my life to Christ? I would take serious objection to that claim. Serious objection. I know what was happening in my life…I know my intention to accept Christ fully.

So, now what? How do we account for a genuine profession of faith from the heart (not just the lips)…and yet a significant return to an unrepentent, sinful, lifestyle. One thing you might say is that Christ works with me over time, and will always bring me back to Him when He wants. And so, “eventually” (over a 10 year span), I became repentent of my sinful ways. I can buy that, in a way. As long as you can buy the fact that the way He brought me back was to show me His Church, and today I am Catholic. If you can’t buy that as the way in which I returned to Christ, then what are we to make of this “conviction to confess” that makes me OSAS?

God Bless

you ask many questions and none of what you ask would i claim to be an expert in. as to your first question, about your commitment to Christ when you said the ‘sinners prayer’ and gave your life to Christ: you’ve answered it yourself that you knew what was happening in your life no one can say for sure of another’s commitment to Christ. a person has to come with a broken heart and sincerely ask God for forgiveness cause without sincerity there is no repentance and the person will eventually return like you state to his or her sinful lifestyle.

you ask,’’

 

[SteveGC]

you ask many questions and none of what you ask would i claim to be an expert in. as to your first question, about your commitment to Christ when you said the ‘sinners prayer’ and gave your life to Christ: you’ve answered it yourself that you knew what was happening in your life no one can say for sure of another’s commitment to Christ. a person has to come with a broken heart and sincerely ask God for forgiveness cause without sincerity there is no repentance and the person will eventually return like you state to his or her sinful lifestyle.

you ask,’’

So, your answer is that, I was most likely never “saved” to begin with, no matter how genuine I felt my conversion was…since I continued a life of unrepentent sin?

What do you think would be your reaction, Jerry…if I told you that when you gave your life to Christ…it wasn’t really good enough? It wasn’t authentic, nor genuine…it wasn’t really from your heart. What would you say to such a claim?

Wouldn’t you be in total disagreement? Wouldn’t you claim that’s nonsense since only YOU really know how you felt? But sometime in the distant future, if you were to demonstrate a lifestyle of unrepentent sinfulness…even if you’re still a ‘good guy’, and then I made the same claim as above…what would your reaction be then?

Lastly, would you claim that there is NO CHANCE that you could return to an unrepentent sinful lifestyle? That there is absolutely no chance whatsoever that that could ever happen? You know for CERTAIN that the sins you commit in your future will always be followed by a contrite, repentent heart?

 

[Boxcar]

Hi, David. Does ‘harsh’ mean not true? Jerry said he believes he can commit murder and go to heaven without repenting of his sin. Is it possible for anyone to hold such a belief and be a Christian?

“Otherwise you don’t really believe in Him” means you’re not a Christian. Unless I’ve lost my marbles.

That said, you’re the most knowledgeable not-yet-Catholic person I’ve encountered. You are ready for the Vigil!! I will pray for you.

Let’s look at this as all Powerful all Merciful all Loving God , who created us, meaning everyone,I had a friend who brother was a parinoid skitzofrenic ,just before he died, a Jesuit was brought in who understood Aramaic,as the patient was speaking in that language, and told them that he was talking about who was in heaven. He told them that Hitler was in heaven,Do we really understand the Mercy of God,? or would we rather condem everyone else to justify ourselves, take your pick…

 

[qui_est_ce]

Dear Nancy, Here is your question:

:and just why would the body (sacrifice) not be exceptable to God and they usto say Lord if it be possible let tihs sacrifice be exceptable unto thee 1959. Nancy

Here is the an anwer by tmac

.
I don’t know what you are talking about with that. Below is what is spoken at our parish:
“May the Lord accept this sacrifice at your hands;
for the praise and glory of His name;
for our good and for the good of all his Church.”

Here is your response:

You found it ! and just why would the body (sacrifice) not be exceptable to God and they usto say Lord if it be possible let tihs sacrifice be exceptable unto thee 1959. That is what they usto say when i went to church.60’s,70’s,80’s,.I went to funerals and to church with my dad now and then when i visit.

Another poster answered as well:

JL: I came to the Church in 73 as an adult, I have never heard, “Lord if it be possible let this sacrifice be acceptable.” in any echaristic prayer.

Here is your response to the above quote Nancy:

JL: I came to the Church in 73 as an adult, I have never heard, “Lord if it be possible let this sacrifice be acceptable.” in any echaristic prayer.

Hi do you have any scriptuer that the souls in purgatory can hear us when we pray? Does the Blessed virgin hear you ? This is very important Love of Christ Nancy

I gues it’s true what what TMAC says:

Ladies and gentleman – what we have here is a perfect example of the doctrinal dance. Nancy never even attempted to refute my arguments from scripture – she simply changed the topic; a typical protestant tactic when backed into a corner

 

[Ferde_Rombola]

Let’s look at this as all Powerful all Merciful all Loving God , who created us, meaning everyone,I had a friend who brother was a parinoid skitzofrenic ,just before he died, a Jesuit was brought in who understood Aramaic,as the patient was speaking in that language, and told them that he was talking about who was in heaven. He told them that Hitler was in heaven,Do we really understand the Mercy of God,? or would we rather condem everyone else to justify ourselves, take your pick…

In order; the idea of an “all Powerful all Merciful all Loving God” as taught by flower-child priests left over from the '60s has led directly to the notion by liberal Catholics and their children for about four generations now, that we can no longer sin, there’s no such thing as hell and we can just about do anything we want because this all Powerful all Merciful all Loving God is going to forgive us no matter what we do. A further result is the idea by these liberal, pseudo-Catholics that abortion is acceptable some of the time, contraception is acceptable all the time, we don’t necessarily have to go to Mass on Sunday (we can pray at home) and I don’t have to believe what the Church teaches if I don’t want to.

I know nothing about your friend’s brother and I submit, you don’t either if you really believe a seriously mentally ill man can see into heaven.

I hope I understand the mercy of God. I doubt yours is any more insightful then mine.

Was I condemning everyone to justify myself? Please explain.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

Dear Nancy, Here is your question:Here is the an anwer by tmacHere is your response:

Another poster answered as well:

Here is your response to the above quote Nancy:
I gues it’s true what what TMAC says:

Hay TMAC FYI ive been busy trying to find out how to come back to the church and i have an apointment with a Father John this Wensday at the Catholic Church rectory at 10 am.He said since i never got married Catholic he would have no problem getting me back,that it would be easy and my dads church was to contact him today for him to be able to recieve communion again.Thanks to a few beautiful Catholic on this forum who took the time to stick it out with me,and vice-versa. I;m nervous but i’ll get by.And I studied Baptist and we never believed you could murder and get to heaven God said" send them to me" That i may deal with them,so they do get a special treatment and so do child molesters and rapest. I can look it up cause it’s written down. Love of Christ Nancy

 

[Jerry_Marino]

marriage, plz explain the churches teaching on marriage. this is what i heard not long ago, ‘if a catholic is married to a protestant that marriage is not valid’, is this so?

 

[zach_dunn]

marriage, plz explain the churches teaching on marriage. this is what i heard not long ago, ‘if a catholic is married to a protestant that marriage is not valid’, is this so?

I’ve never heard that, but I do believe mixed marriages are discouraged. If a Catholic and a non-Catholic get married, the non-Catholic spouse has to promise to bring any children up Catholic and not interfere with their religious upbringing. I think that’s how it goes, but I’m not an authority by any means.

Pax,
Zach

 

[diggerdomer]

marriage, plz explain the churches teaching on marriage. this is what i heard not long ago, ‘if a catholic is married to a protestant that marriage is not valid’, is this so?

No, that’s not true, as long as they observe proper form it’s valid.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

if you would read these different passages from matthew and john and explain to me what Jesus is teaching us. i put in all of it’s context to get a better meaning of what He might be teaching. the verses in bold are the one’s of emphasis to the common thread He is speaking of here.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you— but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

I’ve never heard that, but I do believe mixed marriages are discouraged. If a Catholic and a non-Catholic get married, the non-Catholic spouse has to promise to bring any children up Catholic and not interfere with their religious upbringing. I think that’s how it goes, but I’m not an authority by any means.

Pax,
Zach

then my friend you don’t know what your church teaches.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

No, that’s not true, as long as they observe proper form it’s valid.

so you know more than the priest and apologist i heard on the etwn radio?