The only “True Church” is the invisible one composed of all believers in Christ, regardless of their denomination. It is this Church that the Gates of Hell will not prevail against, and to which the other promises Christ and the apostles give to the Church apply.
how does this apply to JW and Mormons and Muslims who all believe in Jesus but each according to his “prophet”?
But this is confusing too. Because you said that the individuals are the church (that believe) but I dont see how individuals can introduce doctrine and determine what is orthodox “right belief” for themselves, dont they have a guide of some kind in addition to the Creeds, (thanks for explain that on anther thread) ?
how does this apply to JW and Mormons and Muslims who all believe in Jesus but each according to his “prophet”?
They do not introduce doctrine, they are given doctrine through the teachings of the apostles, who were the mouthpieces for God.
Okay. Its getting to be a matter of less interest anyway, as someone is telling me right now I need a declaration of nullity for a mistake I made many years ago, as a NON BELIEVER!
You already have a declaration of nullity; it is called the crucifixion
if you become a believer, you will desire it…it must be a source of joy, not frustration
No, this poster told me that even though my marriage was not sacramental its still an issue, and I cant even take the RCIA until I do that. That is downright cruel. Maybe I dont understand why christians are so complicated. I did not even believe, and make a mistake. Why do they need to remind me of my mistake! I am reminded of it enough on my own. I am sorry I married a stupid man who was violent, and nearly killed me. I should have known better because he did show all the signs for that before I married him. We did not marry in a church. Oh boy. But this has nothing to do with the topic of Church/church or maybe it does depending on if one believes any church has the right to scrutinize a non believers life to measure up to ITS standards when they were not even a member of it at the time!You already have a declaration of nullity; it is called the crucifixion
Those are rules that have been declared by men and has no part with the Word of God. The guidelines for a divorce situation are presented to us in Scripture. A Church cannot bind your conscience in the way that you are being told.
I certainly understand where you are coming from. If you are looking for answers here I think you are going to just end up with more questions.
Oh how great–I hope you choose to continue your journey…and hopefully, become Catholic, too. I, too, have been confused in my life, when it comes to my own faith–and I grew up Catholic, in a very conservative Catholic, Italian family. Loving God doesn’t mean that we will never have questions, seeking His Son, will never mean that we will always understand fully everything presented to us. Sometimes, you have to accept what you don’t fully understand and allow your faith to move you forward. If we as humans could understand the mind of God, He would cease to be God, when you think about it. lol
Hi Triune–what rules are you speaking of…‘declared by men?’ Are you talking about annulments, in general?
Oh how great–I hope you choose to continue your journey…and hopefully, become Catholic, too. I, too, have been confused in my life, when it comes to my own faith–and I grew up Catholic, in a very conservative Catholic, Italian family. Loving God doesn’t mean that we will never have questions, seeking His Son, will never mean that we will always understand fully everything presented to us. Sometimes, you have to accept what you don’t fully understand and allow your faith to move you forward. If we as humans could understand the mind of God, He would cease to be God, when you think about it. lol
I noticed that you were in a non Sacramental marriage…and now want to go through RCIA, I’m assuming, to explore becoming Catholic. So, you have been told that your non Sacramental marriage is an impediment to moving forward with RCIA?? I am of the understanding, that if you were married in a Catholic church, and are now divorced legally…that an annulment would be necessary to move forward through the RCIA process, but I don’t know why you would be stopped from becoming Catholic, if you were married OUTSIDE of the RCC??
But, going with that…why do other denominations leave out purposely, apostolic succession and accept lay people to preach the Gospel? Why do other denoms leave out Confession, and other Sacraments, that Christ expressly instructed their Apostles to carry out? I understand what you are saying, and not arguing the point. But, why would Jesus ask His Apostles to forgive sins, giving them this ability through Him, and other denoms just dismiss that as having no relevance? Why do some denoms treat the Last Supper as a symbolic thing, other than a literal translation to be followed to the letter? (the Eucharist) I mean, if we are to be fully following Christ–why do so many Christians pick and choose what was important enough to follow? The RCC didn’t make up these rules, they were handed down by Christ Himself, as we can see in Scripture.
But…the Church doesn’t recognize your marriage to begin with–ok, let me check out this thread a little later. Sorry for the confusion. Please don’t let this sway your thoughts on becoming Catholic…it is actually not a confusing faith at all–but, when you are new to the faith, or thinking of becoming Catholic, it can seem daunting to understand.Just take bite size portions–
I think you will find that the Church is all about inclusiveness, not exclusiveness…although, it seems opposite now…I would agree with everything you’ve stated except as regards to apostolic succession as Rome teaches it. However, any denomination that denies the doctrine of the Real Presence, that sins are remitted for Christ’s sake through faith in Holy Absolution and other such denials of biblical doctrines, shows that those particular bodies, while many of their members are part of the True Church, are not gathering in a visible, orthodox church; because said church teaches heterodoxy.But, going with that…why do other denominations leave out purposely, apostolic succession and accept lay people to preach the Gospel? Why do other denoms leave out Confession, and other Sacraments, that Christ expressly instructed their Apostles to carry out? I understand what you are saying, and not arguing the point. But, why would Jesus ask His Apostles to forgive sins, giving them this ability through Him, and other denoms just dismiss that as having no relevance? Why do some denoms treat the Last Supper as a symbolic thing, other than a literal translation to be followed to the letter? (the Eucharist) I mean, if we are to be fully following Christ–why do so many Christians pick and choose what was important enough to follow? The RCC didn’t make up these rules, they were handed down by Christ Himself, as we can see in Scripture.