M
mongladz
Guest
I guess not :nope:, it only benefited non-Catholics. So please enlighten me on this.
Peace!
Peace!
- Status
C
Contarini
Guest
You apparently don’t want to be enlightened. You have made up your mind.
I disagree that ecumenism only benefits non-Catholics. But that isn’t a case a non-Catholic like myself can very well make to a Catholic. So I’ll stick to this point–why do you think that ecumenism is about your benefit? I can say with no shadow of a doubt that ecumenism has benefited us greatly, in ways that should bring you joy. Protestants are rediscovering the beauty of Tradition. They are abandoning their anti-Catholic traditions. They are practicing the Christian year, fasting, even extolling celibacy. They are following the lead of the Catholic Church on social justice issues such as abortion.
We need you very badly. Whether you need us as well is for you to decide. I think you do, but my opinion is of little importance. What I know is that we Protestants cannot be authentic Christians without you.
Edwin
M
mongladz
Guest
Hello Edwin,
In a way yes, I have made up my mind since im on the Catholic side of the wall. However, my statement “I guess not” is obviously not final but then, I understand your concern my dear non-Catholic brother.
The point is, I should have addressed the question to Catholics and my apology for that. You also said that Protestants are rediscovering the beauty of Tradition. They are abandoning their anti-Catholic traditions. They are practicing the Christian year, fasting, even extolling celibacy. They are following the lead of the Catholic Church on social justice issues such as abortion. May I ask though, I hope if it is ok and no offense meant. Are you making this statement on behalf of Protestants in general? Because my experience here speaks otherwise.
Peace!
mongladz
In a way yes, I have made up my mind since im on the Catholic side of the wall. However, my statement “I guess not” is obviously not final but then, I understand your concern my dear non-Catholic brother.
The point is, I should have addressed the question to Catholics and my apology for that. You also said that Protestants are rediscovering the beauty of Tradition. They are abandoning their anti-Catholic traditions. They are practicing the Christian year, fasting, even extolling celibacy. They are following the lead of the Catholic Church on social justice issues such as abortion. May I ask though, I hope if it is ok and no offense meant. Are you making this statement on behalf of Protestants in general? Because my experience here speaks otherwise.
Peace!
mongladz
J
Jeanette_L
Guest
I think it has helped all of us, especially in that we can all come together for common social causes without animosity or fearful suspicion (except extreme Fundamentalists who will hate all of us non-Fundamentalists on this side of heaven). I don’t think that would have happened too often in previous generations.
Edwin is correct in some respects, although there is a huge trend in the non-denominational churches to go in quite the opposite direction of tradition, being very mainstream and trendy in their approach to worship and the whole church experience.
But a lot of Evangelicals and Protestants that are tired of all of that trendiness are indeed seeking out more traditional forms of worship, and I think they are feeling more comfortable with these choices because of the ecumenism in Christianity today. And some of us have made it into the Catholic Church because of it.
Edwin is correct in some respects, although there is a huge trend in the non-denominational churches to go in quite the opposite direction of tradition, being very mainstream and trendy in their approach to worship and the whole church experience.
But a lot of Evangelicals and Protestants that are tired of all of that trendiness are indeed seeking out more traditional forms of worship, and I think they are feeling more comfortable with these choices because of the ecumenism in Christianity today. And some of us have made it into the Catholic Church because of it.
S
StCsDavid
Guest
Ecumenism is important if for no other reason it allows Catholics to dispell some the myths, lies, and misunderstandings that have engrained themselves in many Protestant faiths. Plus, we always need to leave the light on for our brethren if and when they decide they no longer want to be in an imperfect communion and want to return home to the only Church Christ gave to humanity.
M
mongladz
Guest
Hello Jeanette L,
Ok, I may agree on social issues, but forgive me if I may not pertaining to Christian issues there are still a lot of animosity, an example of which you may find in every religion forum and I guess it is also why CA is here and apologetics exists. This may also be useful: The Decree on Ecumenism – Read Anew After Forty Years
Furthermore, I still cannot get how *communio *would be so when one is yet non-Catholic.
Peace!
Ok, I may agree on social issues, but forgive me if I may not pertaining to Christian issues there are still a lot of animosity, an example of which you may find in every religion forum and I guess it is also why CA is here and apologetics exists. This may also be useful: The Decree on Ecumenism – Read Anew After Forty Years
Furthermore, I still cannot get how *communio *would be so when one is yet non-Catholic.
Peace!
M
mongladz
Guest
Hi StCsDavid,
Very well said! That’s what ecumenism is supposed to be in the first place. Ok, :whacky: Just a twist though, would it mean that the church was unable to realize that before ecumenism’s implementation 40 years ago?
Peace!
J
Jeanette_L
Guest
I’m not sure I understand the question. Isn’t it saying that communio starts with legitimate Christian baptism, regardless of denomination? That in a sense this brings all Christians into the Church ontologically, just not full comminion? Am I misunderstanding?Hello Jeanette L,
The Decree on Ecumenism – Read Anew After Forty Years
Furthermore, I still cannot get how *communio *would be so when one is yet non-Catholic.
Peace!
M
mongladz
Guest
Hello Jeanette L,
You understood very well, however, it does not end to baptism either. Conversion which is the primary goal is at it’s all time low as what world christian database shows.
Peace!
You understood very well, however, it does not end to baptism either. Conversion which is the primary goal is at it’s all time low as what world christian database shows.
Peace!
T
trogiah
Guest
In my opinion:
There is, always has been, and always will be, one Church. It is the one that Jesus started when Peter said “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” It is made up of all those who share Peter’s belief.
I believe there is great historical and institutional significance to the Bishop of Rome, the successor of Peter. But I don’t believe that those who fail to fully appreciate that significance - either because they value it too little or too much - are somehow not part of the same Church. I am a Catholic and I am certain that I don’t fully understand and appreciate the significance of the Pope. But I am sure that Jesus is the Messiah that leads us to knowledge and understanding of God’s kingdom. As long as I can hold onto that belief I am part of the one Church that includes all others who share that belief.
Ecumenism is effective if it promotes the vision that all those who put their faith in Jesus are part of one Church.
That is how I see it.
-Jim
There is, always has been, and always will be, one Church. It is the one that Jesus started when Peter said “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” It is made up of all those who share Peter’s belief.
I believe there is great historical and institutional significance to the Bishop of Rome, the successor of Peter. But I don’t believe that those who fail to fully appreciate that significance - either because they value it too little or too much - are somehow not part of the same Church. I am a Catholic and I am certain that I don’t fully understand and appreciate the significance of the Pope. But I am sure that Jesus is the Messiah that leads us to knowledge and understanding of God’s kingdom. As long as I can hold onto that belief I am part of the one Church that includes all others who share that belief.
Ecumenism is effective if it promotes the vision that all those who put their faith in Jesus are part of one Church.
That is how I see it.
-Jim
- Status