I don't get it...if you are a non-Catholic Christian, then why aren't you a Catholic Christian?

[tweetymom]

Noncatholic Christians are Christians, only lacking the title of catholic! And just because we don’t sit in a confession box once a week, or however frequent is required, does not mean that we do not confess our sins We believe in 1John 1:9, which tells us that God will forgive our sins if we confess them to Him. And I cannot in good conscience call anyone mortal, Holy Father; this is God’s domain! Yes, there are godly men in my life, but I do’nt call them Holy Father. I respect the pope, but he is just the leader of the catholic church!

Amen amen amen.

 

[Loboto-Me]

Noncatholic Christians are Christians, only lacking the title of catholic! And just because we don’t sit in a confession box once a week, or however frequent is required, does not mean that we do not confess our sins We believe in 1John 1:9, which tells us that God will forgive our sins if we confess them to Him. And I cannot in good conscience call anyone mortal, Holy Father; this is God’s domain! Yes, there are godly men in my life, but I do’nt call them Holy Father. I respect the pope, but he is just the leader of the catholic church!

We sit in a “confession box” as often as needed because it’s “required” as often as we do a mortal sin.

I’m glad you believe what God tells you through John

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity.

Problem is that you’re cherry picking the bible and not including the part where they tell the apostles, and later, through The Laying of Hands, their priests

John

21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. 23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

In order for the apostles to retain or forgive sin, people had to tell them their sins. Jesus certainly didn’t tell them to take a guess at it.

 

[1beleevr]

We sit in a “confession box” as often as needed because it’s “required” as often as we do a mortal sin.

I’m glad you believe what God tells you through John

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity.

Problem is that you’re cherry picking the bible and not including the part where they tell the apostles, and later, through The Laying of Hands, their priests

John

21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. 23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

In order for the apostles to retain or forgive sin, people had to tell them their sins. Jesus certainly didn’t tell them to take a guess at it.

So, tell me, do you commit mortal sins every week? And, yes, I do believe what John relates to us in 1John 1:9!:thumbsup:I have experienced His faithfulness for all of my Christian walk! And of course we all know that God is the “HE” in He is faithful to forgive us of our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You see, mortal man cannot do this; any more than he can save himself! There are so many ways to interpret John 20:20-23, that I have lost count! Also, are there documented records anywhere of the disciples actually forgiving sins; I haven’t been able to find any? And did the disciples receive the power of the Holy Spirit twice, then? IN Acts, they were empowered and came out of hiding, and boldly went forth teaching the Gospel! I for one, do not believe that Jesus gave them, or any other mortal man authority to forgive sins, as God doesIt is possible that He meant, if someone confesses their sins, and repents, their sins will be forgiven(by God, of course). And if they didn’t believe in Jesus, and refused to repent, then their sins would not be forgiven! And since joining this forum, my cherry pickin’ has grown exponentially!

 

[1beleevr]

Praise God for your wife. Praise His Holy name:thumbsup:

Thank you so much for your prayers, my sweet sister in Christ! During this ordeal, I experienced a myriad of emotions; God giving me hope and encouragement, the Devil. doubt and fear! Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus, Our Blessed Redeemer! So how are you, tweetymom?

 

[1beleevr]

Why is that necessarily a problem?

This is the question I am asking you. If God is so opposed to ritual, why did He create so much of it?

There are some of both.

For some reason you think that, because the priest is present, people do not confess directly to God. Instead of seeing the minister of God as an agent of His grace, you perceive him as a “blockage”. You do the same with intercessory prayer. I think it reflects a deficient understanding of the Church.

No one is “compelled” to go to confession every week.

I am interested to see how you dispense with the scripture.

I am not sure it is a “rule” either. More like a custom. In the East, they follow different customs.

It depends upon the discipline of their Rite.

Oh, I think you have done this since you got here.

It is ok. I am sure she is praying for you whether you are aware of your "need’ or not.

So, if I were to use your logic, in regards to condemnation, then it may be possible to infer that disagreement=condemnation Under these “rules”, both sides would be equally guilty, not just noncatholics! It reminds me of 2003, when the Iraqi conflict began, and if you didn’t support the incursion wholeheartedly, you were labeled “un American”, or unpatriotic! Dissension does not=disloyalty. Just because we don’t see things ey-to-eye, does not mean we condemn your religion!And you are grasping at straws by saying that Mary is praying for me; it’s what you want to believe! Men of God should be recognized and lifted up, as they have been ordained by God, to lead His people, but there is no need to call any of them holy father(sorry pope!) Something we didn’t mention, which is a big part of a Christian’s life, is communion! I know that catholics partake of it more often than the rest of us, but Jesus did say,“For as often as you do this, do it in rememberance of Me.” What exactly is the origin of and purpose for refraining from meat on Fridays? Rituals really only become a problem if one follows them to the point of obssession. Don’t you believe that God established commandments, rather than rituals? And I suppose the scripture you are referring to is John 20:20-23. Nowhere in these verses or in James 5:16, or for that matter,1John 1:9, does it explicitly instruct US to go to confessional on a weekly basis. Because of what Jesus did on the Cross, we are able to boldly enter the “throneroom of grace.”

 

[tweetymom]

Thank you so much for your prayers, my sweet sister in Christ! During this ordeal, I experienced a myriad of emotions; God giving me hope and encouragement, the Devil. doubt and fear! Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus, Our Blessed Redeemer! So how are you, tweetymom?

Thank you I am fine and got great news from my mamogramm It is great no signs of anything. Praise God.

 

[tweetymom]

So, if I were to use your logic, in regards to condemnation, then it may be possible to infer that disagreement=condemnation Under these “rules”, both sides would be equally guilty, not just noncatholics! It reminds me of 2003, when the Iraqi conflict began, and if you didn’t support the incursion wholeheartedly, you were labeled “un American”, or unpatriotic! Dissension does not=disloyalty. Just because we don’t see things ey-to-eye, does not mean we condemn your religion!And you are grasping at straws by saying that Mary is praying for me; it’s what you want to believe! Men of God should be recognized and lifted up, as they have been ordained by God, to lead His people, but there is no need to call any of them holy father(sorry pope!) Something we didn’t mention, which is a big part of a Christian’s life, is communion! I know that catholics partake of it more often than the rest of us, but Jesus did say,“For as often as you do this, do it in rememberance of Me.” What exactly is the origin of and purpose for refraining from meat on Fridays? Rituals really only become a problem if one follows them to the point of obssession. Don’t you believe that God established commandments, rather than rituals? And I suppose the scripture you are referring to is John 20:20-23. Nowhere in these verses or in James 5:16, or for that matter,1John 1:9, does it explicitly instruct US to go to confessional on a weekly basis. Because of what Jesus did on the Cross, we are able to boldly enter the “throneroom of grace.”

Great post and heartly agreed with.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

**1Co 14:33 For God is not the God of dissension, but of peace: as also I teach in all the churches of the saints. **

 

[Cristian_B]

Is the greatest authority the truth or not?

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Is the greatest authority the truth or not?

Cristian B,

It really seems you’re understanding what we’re saying, but still looking for a ‘loophole’ to support your view. In an ‘authoritative’ establishment, there is a hierarchy of authority. Of course the ‘truth’, Christ, is the head authority. Then you move down the ladder of authority, as told to us in scriptures.

1Co 12:28 And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.

God set the authority in His earthly Church, and scriptures tells us the order of that authority.

 

[tweetymom]

Cristian B,

It really seems you’re understanding what we’re saying, but still looking for a ‘loophole’ to support your view. In an ‘authoritative’ establishment, there is a hierarchy of authority. Of course the ‘truth’, Christ, is the head authority. Then you move down the ladder of authority, as told to us in scriptures.

God set the authority in His earthly Church, and scriptures tells us the order of that authority.

There is no loophole we all have the authority of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. God Bless

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

There is no loophole we all have the authority of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. God Bless

When you make a statement, in a discussion, you should have something to support that view; i.e. scriptures, early Church fathers, etc.

Christ chose and appointed those He set over His Church, as shown in the verse I provide in the post that you quoted. He never told the ‘multitudes’, ‘you have my authority, through the Holy Spirit’. I am open to correction if you want to provide the scriptures, that we can discuss to determine whether we can agree with your interpretation.

 

[tweetymom]

When you make a statement, in a discussion, you should have something to support that view; i.e. scriptures, early Church fathers, etc.

Christ chose and appointed those He set over His Church, as shown in the verse I provide in the post that you quoted. He never told the ‘multitudes’, ‘you have my authority, through the Holy Spirit’. I am open to correction if you want to provide the scriptures, that we can discuss to determine whether we can agree with your interpretation.

Romans 8:14-26

John 14:16-17

That is my authoruty and many more but I am sure you know or can paste and copy. They mean I have the Holy Spirits authority who is Jesus Christ. Know you disagree but thats ok with me. That disagreement doesn’t do a thing for me. God Bless

 

[Loboto-Me]

When you make a statement, in a discussion, you should have something to support that view; i.e. scriptures, early Church fathers, etc.quote]

There is much hiding behind other people’s posts and passive-agressiveness going on.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Romans 8:14-26

John 14:16-17

That is my authoruty and many more but I am sure you know or can paste and copy. They mean I have the Holy Spirits authority who is Jesus Christ. Know you disagree but thats ok with me. That disagreement doesn’t do a thing for me. God Bless

I don’t see where Romans 8:14 - 26 grants authority.

I cannot agree with John 14:16 - 17 meaning ‘everyone’ received an authority, as the story tells us that the only audience to Christ’s words was the Apostles, that He chose and appointed Himself. I’m sure you’ve heard ‘the moral of the story’ used on reading different literatures. The Bible is no different. It must be read in context and who was being spoken to specifically is part of that context. You can’t provide any scriptures showing Christ gave a ‘blanket’ authority to include multitudes, the same would hold true for us today.

I can copy and paste, from a Bible program I have on my computers. Does that bother you? It gives an opportunity to discuss passages, line by line and word by word.

Do you think your disagreement, without discussion, does anything for anyone else? I’m not sure I understand your point by that statement. It appears to be just another chance to disagree with Catholicism. Is that your only point?

 

[tweetymom]

I don’t see where Romans 8:14 - 26 grants authority.

I cannot agree with John 14:16 - 17 meaning ‘everyone’ received an authority, as the story tells us that the only audience to Christ’s words was the Apostles, that He chose and appointed Himself. I’m sure you’ve heard ‘the moral of the story’ used on reading different literatures. The Bible is no different. It must be read in context and who was being spoken to specifically is part of that context. You can’t provide any scriptures showing Christ gave a ‘blanket’ authority to include multitudes, the same would hold true for us today.

I can copy and paste, from a Bible program I have on my computers. Does that bother you? It gives an opportunity to discuss passages, line by line and word by word.

Do you think your disagreement, without discussion, does anything for anyone else? I’m not sure I understand your point by that statement. It appears to be just another chance to disagree with Catholicism. Is that your only point?

Thanks for disagreeing, knew you would and that is great. When Jesus or Paul or Peter was speaking they were speaking to all of believers, sorry you chose to believe different. Jesus’ words hold true for all believers,me, you, other believers.

C.opy and past to your hearts content

I am not looking for an chance to disagree with anyone, just stating my beliefs as you and others do. My only point is I KNOW in whom I have beleive in and who saved me from the pits of hell, my Saviour Jesus Christ.

God Bless you

 

[reteeks21]

I don’t see where Romans 8:14 - 26 grants authority.

I cannot agree with John 14:16 - 17 meaning ‘everyone’ received an authority, as the story tells us that the only audience to Christ’s words was the Apostles, that He chose and appointed Himself. I’m sure you’ve heard ‘the moral of the story’ used on reading different literatures. The Bible is no different. It must be read in context and who was being spoken to specifically is part of that context. You can’t provide any scriptures showing Christ gave a ‘blanket’ authority to include multitudes, the same would hold true for us today.

I can copy and paste, from a Bible program I have on my computers. Does that bother you? It gives an opportunity to discuss passages, line by line and word by word.

Do you think your disagreement, without discussion, does anything for anyone else? I’m not sure I understand your point by that statement. It appears to be just another chance to disagree with Catholicism. Is that your only point?

Great points. I think that people don’t realize that the Bible wasn’t spoken or, for that matter, written to us. It was written FOR us. We always need to keep in mind the context of Jesus’s words as well as the words of the other writers/speakers. When we do that then we can really get a better understanding of what Jesus meant by what He was saying.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Thanks for disagreeing, knew you would and that is great. When Jesus or Paul or Peter was speaking they were speaking to all of believers, sorry you chose to believe different. Jesus’ words hold true for all believers,me, you, other believers.

Actually, most of Paul’s writings are to the authority in the Churches of many locations. We can still learn from them, but we shouldn’t take on an authoritative posture because of something written specifically to the leaders of the Churches. For instance, if I wrote a letter to your Church today, who would receive it? I don’t believe it would be copied and distributed to all members of that Church.

C.opy and past to your hearts content

I will. As I said, it’s the only real way to discuss verses/passages line by line and word by word, as well as compare translations, depending on the versions of Bibles being used by those in the discussion. If there are different versions, it’s always nice to copy and paste the Greek and discuss the translations.

I am not looking for an chance to disagree with anyone, just stating my beliefs as you and others do.

Then I invite you to share an explanation of your view, instead of simply stating ‘I believe…’, or ‘I disagree…’ I don’t mind someone telling me that they disagree, but it’s nice to see their explanation, with sources supporting their view.

My only point is I KNOW in whom I have beleive in and who saved me from the pits of hell, my Saviour Jesus Christ.

God Bless you

Finally, we agree. Catholics believe in Christ and His sacrifice for ALL.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

There is no loophole we all have the authority of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. God Bless

On another thread, I wondered how you would apply the authority being discussed there, to yourself. That authority was the authority to forgive and retain sins. Christ taught us the Lord’s prayer, which asks for us to be forgiven as we forgive others. He doesn’t teach us all to ‘retain’ sins. How do you apply that authority to yourself tweetymom?

 

[StevenFrancis]

http://fratres.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/pope-benedict-xvi-blessing-of-the-host.jpg
I don’t get it…if you are a non-Catholic Christian, then why aren’t you a Catholic Christian?
This is a serious question, so please post your reason here… Please, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion and to defend your own particular denomination.
I am not the only Catholic here at CAF, or elsewhere, who wonders and wants to know the answer to this question.
If any Catholics, or any converts to Catholicism here, have any insight to the answer, or possible answer(s) to this question, then please post a response here.
Your thoughts?

I just found this thread. There are many many pages, so I’ll have to pick through it slowly here and there. It’s a simple sounding, but deeply profound questions. After wandering in the desert wastelands of new age muckery for 40 years, Jesus rescued me, and brought me to the altar across the Tiber. It began life for me. In all seriousness, I died, and was reborn as a new creation into His Church. I don’t even understand why I wasn’t a Catholic now. I look back on my life, and don’t even know me. All I can come up with is that after a little taste of Church when I was a child, I had to get banged up enough to understand the need for Jesus and His Church, and to develop the humility and serenity necessarry for submission and obedience. Now I can’t understand not being Catholic. It will interesting to read this stuff. My guess is, there will be a lot of legalistic statements about little bits of scripture out of context, or failure to consider history and tradition, etc. That flows through this whole Forum, in every thread. But my guess is that the real reason is that people haven’t opened themselves up to possibility of Jesus Christ and His Apostles being who they said they were, and meaning what they said. That…and not wanting to submit to truth. To admit that some things one does are wrong and sinful, and that to not turn away from them is further sin. Rather than amend their lives, it is easier to find a relativistic exegisis of Christ’s teachings, and a church which is a democracy at it’s core. To want a church which adapts to us instead of wanting to adapt ourselves to The Church. We’re looking for the feel good shortcut to salvation. It’s natural. It really is. I feel for everybody not yet tapped. Or those who have been tapped, and declined. I understand. Yes…His yoke is easy and His burden is light, AFTER you have submitted to the life He wants for you, and chosen to ask for that life. Until that day, it’s the hardest and most incoceivable thing there is. May the Holy Spirit lead each and every one of us to the heart of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and His Church, so that we’re all standing ready to battle the real enemy on the last day.