Christ only established one Church, the Catholic Church. Every time you profess that the Bible is God’s word you honor the authority and infallibility of the Catholic Church from which the Bible proceeds.
no. the Christians did. they named themselves Catholics. do you have any objection to this? for Catholic it is. do you know why? because this is the name, a sign for the True Christians against heretics. this avoids confusion.
Thanks for taking the time to pass on your thoughts, Rob. I daresay you’re right on your first point.
Well, that’s certainly heartening. You’ll perhaps agree, though, that’s there’s quite a difference between making a judgment about an idea and passing judgment on a person and that it’s the latter that we Christians are commanded to keep away from. I came to this site because I’m no longer comfortable with the Evangelical position of Bible above Church and I’m reflecting upon the direction in which I ought to be looking.
That’s a fair comment. It is a Catholic site and I guess we who are not Catholic ought to remember that the site exists because Catholics cared enough to bring it into being. I can’t speak for anybody other than myself but I’m “searching” and so I’ve adopted a questioning mode. I daresay there are others here who are not Catholics and who have a motivation similar to mine (whether they’d be prepared to admit it or not) and so they, too, assume a questioning stance. I guess to some Catholics that may seem to be combative. But, sadly, there are some who are not Catholics who are clearly here to criticize the Catholic Church and insult the Catholics as they go about it. Why do they do that? Who could say? But when that happens we who claim the name of Christian all know within our hearts what the correct response ought to be. I think that thought is in the mind of the lady who initiated this thread.
I think that here you’ve probably alighted upon the central point and perhaps even the reason for the post in the first place. The manner in which we conduct ourselves together with the way in which we treat other people greatly reflects upon what we say we believe to be true.
To my mind, these points of disagreement are huge. But we are, as you say, brothers and sisters in Christ and if we must disagree we ought to do it in a way that is very different from those who are not Christians. We can be gentle and respectful. We can “be of the same mind in the Lord,” as Saint Paul phrased it, can’t we?The difference between the “Orthodox Churches” and the Roman Rite… the minutiae that can be driven by semantics and politics, but I think I can safely say that we consider each other “Brothers and Sisters in Christ”…and though we may not agree on absolutely everything…our points of agreement make pale our points of disagreement. I know that if I ever found myself somewhere that I could not attend a Roman Catholic Mass, I would not hesitate to attend an Orthodox Mass…
Why not just come right out and say it? Just say what you’re really thinking…“Anyone who dies who is not a Catholic is going straight to Hell for no reason other than not being Catholic.”**
Hi Guy,
Yes that is true,
We embrace all our real Orthodox brothers and sisters who’s churches have apostolic succession. One strange thing I learnt is although we freely allow them to take our Communion, they often deny our people from taking their’s. When I learnt why I actually agreeded with them!
There are currently 212 real sects that have the authority given by Christ to his Followers, The 61,000 protestant groups are all imitation and counterfeit following the devil away from Jesus and His real teachings.the have the auithority to convert to the true faith. Many good and holy people are deceived and endangering their souls. They need prayers!
God Bless**
That’s Feenyism. The Catholic Church doesn’t teach that.
It isn’t really logical to say the Catholic church “gave” us the Bible. The Old Testament was in existence long before Jesus walked the earth. So, it would make more sense to simply say the Catholic church gave us the new testament - if we are to give them credit at all for “giving” us scripture.
That’s fine, but with this particular poster I’m starting to believe that Feenyism is exactly what is being espoused.
Christ established one Church, but nowhere in His Word do we see this one church called “Catholic.” His true disciples are from all churches. It is blasphemy to say “My church wrote the Bible.” It is God’s Word and it came from Him only. It is given to humanity, not a particular church; for Christ speaks to everyone, not just Catholics. As Christ’s disciples, we discover the Bible, but we did not/cannot be it’s Author.
I find it interesting that you would bring this up. I am Protestant (Lutheran) but have been interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church. I’ve been reading what people write and have found what you’ve said to be true. I gravitate toward Catholics when there is compasion shown and judgemental attitudes left aside. I’ve seen both. I am absolutely turned off to those that “argue” with sarcasism. ( I’ve seen it with both Protestants outside this forum and Catholics on this forum) I think we all need to be vessels of Christ’s love and life. Less of me, more of HIM. If we responded with that perspective we would not all be so harsh with others and more loving
Show us where the Bible says “Catholic” for Church.
Why not just come right out and say it? Just say what you’re really thinking…“Anyone who dies who is not a Catholic is going straight to Hell for no reason other than not being Catholic.”
** Hi Hajnalc,
That , my friend, would be as foolish as saying that Protestants can be considered Christians just because they say so! I would be glad to say “Protestants are not following the complete and real teachings of Christ. Some are even teaching doctrines completely against Jesus’ teachings.” But even saying that, only God can judge people and determine who will go where. I surely am not a Judge, I am just a witness. I am a sinner in need of God’s gift of His son who demanded that we “Come Follow Me” for that reason I follow Him.
I can see that through no fault of their own, many good, holy, god fearing and caring people are following Satan while believing they are following Jesus. Jesus said come follow me 2,000 years ago and many did. Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Huss and others said come follow us 500 years ago and many foolish souls did. That my friend is History. That is the truth!
If you read the bible, it is obvious that 2,000 years ago Jesus predicted the Protestant reformation and told us what He would tell them. Do you remember? These are Jesus’ words : “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matt. 7 21 NIV
I find it hard to believe that Protestants don’t realize that when they baptize they are baptized into the one holy and apologetic church. The Catholic church.
Lets pray for the conversion of all sinners.
God Bless
**
**
So let’s draw this out.**
Hi Protest,
Show me where is says Bible! It was written by Christians, the only real Christians are Catholic and Orthodox, They have apologetic succession from the early church! The rest should never be called Christians. Protestant is what they are protesting against the “christian” church! They can no more be considered Christians than Seventh-day Adventist could be considerd Protestants! **
I ask one to consider whether this approach of determining one’s religion by picking from one faith here and choosing from another there is really following what the Holy Will of God established, or following what man’s intellect establishes? I propose that Christ established a Church. If Christ established a single Church, how could the method of creating a church by picking between some preexisting churches be the right thing to do in following what Christ has established?
**Hi MDK,
That has always made me wonder.It seems to be a Protestant thing to believe what they want and disregard anything else that they don’t. When they disagree too much they start another group. Presen tly, they have a blend of over 1,375 doctrines, dogmas and teachings in over 61,000 Protestant groups.
MDK are you ready for the real kicker? They all claim to get their “teachings” from the bible, and claim that their group is the only ones following the correct way.
Now this is even though scripture states that only follower of Jesus can say that with authority. The “Catholic churchs” (212 RCC and Orthordox sects) are those true christians. All other groups are counterfeits less than 500 years old!
The strang thing is these poor lost souls think that by saying the truth rather than attempting to help them break free from the lies, that I and others are spreading hate. I have never and will never say that I hate a child of God. I do hate people who preform Abortions. They are the Children of satan. God’s children could not kill innocent children for profit!
If I didn’t love the people who profess to be be 'Christians; yet refuse to follow His teachings I could do other things with the 30 to 40 hours I do researching and posting in my attempt to insure that the truth is presented to them/ I never lie like some other posters here. I have one personal rule. Tell the truth as God allows it to be revealed to me…
God Loves each and every one of us! If my being “rude” turns you from the catholic church. maybe, I said maybe Satan is providing yuou with an excuse to deny the truth.
I would have to answer to God if I am too lazy to attempt to teach the truth. You will have to answer to Him if you don’t listen to what I say just because you think I am rude!
People say I should be more Christ like. That makes me laugh. I and the other catholics here are all Christ like! We all love God and spend our time here attempting to help the people who desire information while fighting off the liars!
Many Catholics try their form of “charity” and gentleness and they wind up have a lovefest :grouphug: with you. And you go back to your false groups saying “some catholics are nice”! That won’t save your soul! Only the truth can do that! Do you learn anything about the truth?
Could I be “nicer” maybe but than I couldn’t tell the truth. There is no other word for a unauthorized imitation of a thing that I know of except “Counterfeit” It is what it is!
I have been told not to get angry. I can honestly state that no one here has actually made me angry except one poster that stated that Babies being aborted was a “good” thing because they get to be in heaven without waiting! Do I say some things in an angry maybe but it is in fact Christ like. I don’t remember Jesus going into the temple and saying “Excuse me, would you money changers please don’t do that In my father’s house! I thank you for listening to me!”
I may say someone said a foolish thing I never call a person a fool. I have seen many people being much more “insulting” that I would ever be. I insult false beliefs never the good people who may possess these false beliefs. Iggnorance can ce cured by education with the truth! That is all I attempt to do, Teach the truth.
“You know why the world is a stinking mess? I have failed to be as holy as I am called to be. Bottom line. I don’t have any control over anybody else. I’ve gotta deal with ME. One person at a time we must be perfected as our Heavenly Father is perfect.” - Fr John Corapi
Several people have told me it is impossible to make anyone see the truth. All I can do is try!
“There is no use trying”, said Alice; “one can’t believe impossible things.” " I dare say you haven’t had much practice", said the Queen." When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." – Lewis Carroll **
I am so glad you said this, it shows your true colors.**
Hi Protest,
Show me where is says Bible! It was written by Christians, the only real Christians are Catholic and Orthodox, They have apologetic succession from the early church! The rest should never be called Christians. Protestant is what they are protesting against the “christian” church! They can no more be considered Christians than Seventh-day Adventist could be considerd Protestants! **
i think you are being very sensitive. we as Catholics are only defending our Faith. we are not accusing you of anything like so many non Catholics do to us. we know you dont like to hear but it must be said. it may even sounds arrogant but it is not. it is only the Truth. i know you guys want to be considered true Christians also, but you can’t since you are outside the Church.
**
As a Seventh-day Adventist, I am still a Protestant . Unfortunately; your church does support this statement you make, and I believe that this is exactly the kind of judgmental, self-seeking religion that Jesus has condemned.
The Church was not ever called “Catholic” in the Bible. Augustine sounds like he was on cocaine when he wrote that.
