How Do You Know Your Interpretation Is Correct?

[Cinette]

As you know, Anna, last week was the first week Kate and I went back to the Catholic Church. Will we stay or will we go (sounds like a punk song!)…hard telling. We really felt a sadness missing our Anglican parish already. But we did enjoy the honor given to Mary and the music, especially Ave Maria, was lovely. But I’m still not much of a ‘saint-invoker’ always just taking my needs and prayers to the feet of Christ Himself. I’m not opposed to it but that’s just my style. I’m glad you had a good encounter at that service. I guess it shows that there’s devotion to Mary outside of Roman Catholic parishes…

*Practice makes perfect, as the adage goes…! We Catholics should practice our Faith so that we can be made perfect. Alas! I understand how much you must miss your Anglican parish - you forgot to bring them with you? It must be comfortable, I am sure, to be around your fellow Anglicans and it takes tremendous courage to make the change (if you do of course).

Are you familiar with “The Journey Home” programme on EWTN? I have come to have tremendous admiration for many of the converts who come into the Catholic Church - they are a treasure.

Cinette

 

[Pitcharan]

I’ve heard of Jews for Jesus but Hindus for Mary!? That’s a new one!

Consider visiting my country (India) between 31 AUG and 8 SEP any year and take a look at what goes on in any of these three churches (actually there are many more):

1. 
   *]Our Lady of Bandel Bascilica Church, Bandel near KOLKATA (West Bengal state)
   *]St. Mary’s Church, Shivajinagar, BANGALORE (Karnataka state)
   *]Our Lady of Good Health Church, Vailakanni, NAGAPATINAM (Tamilnadu state)

 

[benedictus2]

If I could believe all that Catholicism requires, I would be a good Catholic,

And what in your defintion would be a good Catholic?

as I greatly admire its work among the poor, through its hospitals, and its schools around the world. But one has to be honest with oneself. Polls seem to suggest that half or so of Catholics in the US share my doubts about major doctrines.

And if a majority of the people in the US are atheists therefore there is no God? Is a truth a matter for the Morgan polls?

So, I certainly don’t feel isolated or a pioneer of any sort. Many have traveled this route before.

And been as misinformed.

1. For those of you who believe that God ordered Joshua to murder the inhabitants of Jericho and Ai and that he commanded Saul to murder every remaining Amalekite, I assume you believe also that the ends justify the means.

How is that so?

I have some difficulty with this, and especially where God is concerned. How many abortions, for example, have been justified based on that concept? Millions.

Duhh! Since when has abortion been justified based on the ground that God commanded them to do so?

God bless everybody who seeks to live by the teachings of Christ, which - as he said - were basically love him and one another.

Basically. But Christ did not come to earth just so he can say love me and every one else. Or else we would probably have only ten verses in the NT.

Dig up your Bible and start reading the Gospels. And prepare to be surprised.

 

[benedictus2]

*I answered the first two items of your post and had to run off and now that I have read the rest I realise that what you lack is belief in Jesus, *

Nailed that one in the head. I would even go as far as to say that Roy is an atheist at heart.

 

[benedictus2]

Hi Roy,
there is no doubt that you have really researched a lot for truth. But you own posts confirm that you search continues and you’ve reached nowhere… I have no intention to offend while giving this piece of genuine advice:

• Your search is mostly (or wholly?) out of mere curiosity and you already have preconceived bias
• God and His truth are never too far from those who sincerely seek with simplicity of heart
• Preconceived beliefs will only lead you to see what you wanted to see and reinforce your preconceived beliefs

Wow! Excellent!:clapping::clapping:

 

[Cinette]

Here, in my home state Protestants, Hindus and Muslims throng the Catholic Churches enmasse for all Marian feasts. The crowds are unmanageable and the state administration goes all out to make the best arrangements because of the popularity of the devotion. Once I saw a Hindu police officer come on stage and sing specially composed songs (different from our regular ones) in praise of Mother Mary.

*I have been in the home of several Hindu families and noticed statues of Mary on their shrines, among their other statues! they love Mary. Yes, I am told also there are some Muslims who also love her (Turks).

Cinette*

 

[benedictus2]

Hi, Roy5,
This makes me wonder why you are bother to post if you just want to make statements and not engage in debate.
Aaah, Tom, don’t you know it’s because of truth? If one engages in debate one might be forced to face truth. And that, is frightening.

 

[Cinette]

Quote:
Not entirely. I respect most faiths because none of us has the full truth. I join other seekers and pilgrims.

*I found this quote in Benedictus’s post and think it came from Roy2 (can’t go and check now).

I can only appeal to logic and reason.

Jesus founded his Church on earth and told Peter and the Apostles to spread the Good News and said “…whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven…whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven…” He sent the HS to guide his Church into all truth. He put everything in place.

Only…only, to FORSAKE His Church and break his promises*?

Don’t you see how crazy that is? That Jesus would do such a thing?

What are you thinking Roy when you say that “none of us has the full truth”

Oh Maaan!!!

“Oh God - have patience with us”:banghead:
Cinette

 

[benedictus2]

Still, I came away from that Feast with a sense that the Blessed Virgin Mary is there watching over me. I didn’t expect this. It came so quietly into my spirit. Oddly, the Priest did not emphasize Mary’s intercession during the sermon. At the very end, he said, “Hail Mary, full of grace, please pray for us.”

Anna

And our Lady does indeed. When people tell me they don’t believe in Mary I say to them, well, Mary believes in you enough to pray for you and when you get to heaven you will realize just how much she loves and how important she is in the overall economy of salvation.

What most people don’t really think about is Mary’s role is God’s will. He didn’t have to become Incarnate through here but He chose to do so.

I am currently reading Fr Amorths book “An Exorcist Tells his story”. He emphasizes there the efficacy of Mary’s intercessions.

And while many will not believe in that, many more have been helped / healed through her intercession.

This is a beautiful conversion story where Mary’s hand is clearly evident.

marypages.com/ratisbonneEng1.htm

 

[benedictus2]

• What are you thinking Roy when you say that “none of us has the full truth” *

This is Roy’s view. And to this day, as far as Roy is concerned, no one knows quite what the elephant is.

Six Wise Men of Hindustan
http://homepage.usask.ca/~wae123/misc/prose/elephant.gif There were six men of Hindustan,
to learning much inclined,
Who went to see an elephant,
though all of them were blind,
That each by observation
might satisfy his mind.
The first approached the elephant,
and happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
at once began to bawl,
“This mystery of an elephant
is very like a wall.”
The second, feeling of the tusk,
cried, “Ho, what have we here,
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear,
This wonder of an elephant
is very like a spear.”
The third approached the elephant,
and happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
thus boldly up and spake,
“I see,” quoth he,
“the elephant is very like a snake.”
The fourth reached out an eager hand,
and felt above the knee,
“What this most wondrous beast
is like is very plain” said he,
“'Tis clear enough the elephant
is very like a tree.”
The fifth who chanced to touch the ear
said, “E’en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
deny the fact who can;
This marvel of an elephant
is very like a fan.”
The sixth no sooner had begun
about the beast to grope,
Than seizing on the swinging tail
that fell within his scope;
“I see,” said he, “the elephant
is very like a rope.”
So six blind men of Hindustan
disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
exceeding stiff and strong;
Though each was partly in the right,
they all were in the wrong!

 

[Pitcharan]

*I have been in the home of several Hindu families and noticed statues of Mary on their shrines, among their other statues! they love Mary. Yes, I am told also there are some Muslims who also love her (Turks).

Cinette*

Still waiting for you response to my post to you on another thread. Since it is relevant here I am giving the link and look forward to your response this time:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=6948326#post6948326

 

[Cinette]

*Hello Roy5! I referred to you as Roy2 on my other post! LOL I brought you down three pegs!!

Here is something you should read every day until it sinks in:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths,

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

It will be healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.

PROVERBS 3:5-8*
Bod bless you Roy5

Cinette*

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Benedictus2,

I think you are right.

This guy is simply adrift on his own ideas. My concern is the ones he is influencing with these heresies.

God bless

Aaah, Tom, don’t you know it’s because of truth? If one engages in debate one might be forced to face truth. And that, is frightening.

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Benedictus2,

I have not seen this poem in years - thanks for including it. Yes, I laughed and laughed… it was sooooooooooooooo appropriate!

God bless

This is Roy’s view. And to this day, as far as Roy is concerned, no one knows quite what the elephant is.

Six Wise Men of Hindustan
http://homepage.usask.ca/~wae123/misc/prose/elephant.gif There were six men of Hindustan,
to learning much inclined,
Who went to see an elephant,
though all of them were blind,
That each by observation
might satisfy his mind.
The first approached the elephant,
and happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
at once began to bawl,
“This mystery of an elephant
is very like a wall.”
The second, feeling of the tusk,
cried, “Ho, what have we here,
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear,
This wonder of an elephant
is very like a spear.”
The third approached the elephant,
and happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
thus boldly up and spake,
“I see,” quoth he,
“the elephant is very like a snake.”
The fourth reached out an eager hand,
and felt above the knee,
“What this most wondrous beast
is like is very plain” said he,
“'Tis clear enough the elephant
is very like a tree.”
The fifth who chanced to touch the ear
said, “E’en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
deny the fact who can;
This marvel of an elephant
is very like a fan.”
The sixth no sooner had begun
about the beast to grope,
Than seizing on the swinging tail
that fell within his scope;
“I see,” said he, “the elephant
is very like a rope.”
So six blind men of Hindustan
disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
exceeding stiff and strong;
Though each was partly in the right,
they all were in the wrong!

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Cinette,

I think the real hope is that this type of logic - while lost on Roy5 - is of benefit to others reading these posts. He has been confronted with the seriousness of his error and simply ingored the refutation. That is fine - for it shows the hollowness of his arguments. But, the challenge is the scandal he is spreading: claiming to be Catholic and to have had many opportunities and yet we see what he says.

Providing sound doctrine and encouragement is something we can do - and, I think that is very important. Keep up the good work. Your last line sounded a bit discouraged … so take heart, others are reading your posts.

God bless

Quote:
Not entirely. I respect most faiths because none of us has the full truth. I join other seekers and pilgrims.

*I found this quote in Benedictus’s post and think it came from Roy2 (can’t go and check now).

I can only appeal to logic and reason.

Jesus founded his Church on earth and told Peter and the Apostles to spread the Good News and said “…whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven…whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven…” He sent the HS to guide his Church into all truth. He put everything in place.

Only…only, to FORSAKE His Church and break his promises*?

Don’t you see how crazy that is? That Jesus would do such a thing?

What are you thinking Roy when you say that “none of us has the full truth”

Oh Maaan!!!

“Oh God - have patience with us”:banghead:
Cinette

 

[Pitcharan]

This is Roy’s view. And to this day, as far as Roy is concerned, no one knows quite what the elephant is.

Six Wise Men of Pakistan
http://homepage.usask.ca/~wae123/misc/prose/elephant.gif There were six men of Pakistan,
to learning much inclined,
Who went to see an elephant,
though all of them were blind,
That each by observation
might satisfy his mind.
…Though each was partly in the right,
they all were in the wrong!

A slight correction Benedictus. That part of Hindustan when this poem was written, is now Pakistan

 

[Cinette]

Hi, Cinette,

I think the real hope is that this type of logic - while lost on Roy5 - is of benefit to others reading these posts. He has been confronted with the seriousness of his error and simply ingored the refutation. That is fine - for it shows the hollowness of his arguments. But, the challenge is the scandal he is spreading: claiming to be Catholic and to have had many opportunities and yet we see what he says.

Providing sound doctrine and encouragement is something we can do - and, I think that is very important. Keep up the good work. Your last line sounded a bit discouraged … so take heart, others are reading your posts.

God bless

*No Tom Roy4 is not Catholic and I can’t say to what denomination he belongs because he has not shared this with us.

Roy3 should have the courage to face his opposition and debate fearlessly.

OK Roy3?

Cinette *

 

[PRmerger]

Gurney,

Are you and I ever going to figure this out? I think we are setting a record or something.

Anna

Anna! I didn’t know! When did you change your religious id (here on the CAFs) to:
“Considering Anglicanism, Catholicism, & Eastern Orthodox”?

LOVE it! God is calling you to the fullness of Truth, my sister.

I still remember one of your first (?) posts here in which you, as a protestant, posted that you had gone to a Christian forum and had been defending Catholicism and received a severe rebuke for proclaiming correctly what we believed. God bless you…

 

[shaky]

Anna! I didn’t know! When did you change your religious id (here on the CAFs) to:
“Considering Anglicanism, Catholicism, & Eastern Orthodox”?

LOVE it! God is calling you to the fullness of Truth, my sister.

I still remember one of your first (?) posts here in which you, as a protestant, posted that you had gone to a Christian forum and had been defending Catholicism and received a severe rebuke for proclaiming correctly what we believed. God bless you…

PRmerger

I have been speaking to people about what i have been learning here. They come up with Answers Like the bible is Final Authority. One said the word {Heresies} was wrongly Inserted in the bible. So the church can call us Heretics. He thinks Heresy is not a SIN.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Anna! I didn’t know! When did you change your religious id (here on the CAFs) to:
“Considering Anglicanism, Catholicism, & Eastern Orthodox”?

LOVE it! God is calling you to the fullness of Truth, my sister.

I still remember one of your first (?) posts here in which you, as a protestant, posted that you had gone to a Christian forum and had been defending Catholicism and received a severe rebuke for proclaiming correctly what we believed. God bless you…

Hi PRmerger,

Yeah, that was a Baptist forum and I posted there before I formally left the Baptist Church. I did defend Catholicism, because they were making false claims about Catholics. They banned me, claiming I was a “Catholic troll.” lol It’s a strange world.

I’ve been considering Anglicanism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox for awhile now.

God’s peace,
Anna