If the 12 apostles did not belong to the Catholic church...

[jmcrae]

Lutheranism is seen as a “German thing”? I wonder how many Lutherans not of German ancestry are shaking their heads right now.

Lutheranism is most certainly not an ethnically Germanic confession. It is the state religion of Sweden, of Denmark, and of Norway, incidentally, and has spread 'round the world.

Perhaps I should have said, Northern European - in any case, we find Lutheran churches in predominantly German communities, and not really very prevalent in, for example, Nigerian communities - but there is a Catholic Church in every community.

The Greek Orthodox Church may be quite Greek, but it is only one component of the broader Orthodox Church, bear in mind. That having been said, all of the other Orthodox churches are ethnically-designated as well.

That’s exactly my point.

 

[JonNC]

=jmcrae;7183152]Perhaps I should have said, Northern European - in any case, we find Lutheran churches in predominantly German communities, and not really very prevalent in, for example, Nigerian communities - but there is a Catholic Church in every community.

There is a very strong Lutheran presence in southern Africa, but you point is well taken. As for Orthodoxy, now that some of the opression they’ve faced through the centuries is lifting, we see the OCA and the expansion of other more “ethnic” Orthodox Churches.

Jon

 

[david2nd]

Jesus our Lords peace be whit You.
First,I like a joke my self,but when it comes to matter that has to do whit the Church,it is improper. And even moore when some one ask a question that may be ever so stupid,he still has the right to the best ansver he can get. I am offended by jokes towards any religion,not only catholic faith. A good joke now and then during the day is OK,I do so myself,but not when it comes to forums like this.
And Your question is not stupid,and will try to ansver You in the best way I can and I am sorry for those ansvers that wos a bit out of line.
All apostles did belong to the Catholic Church,back then it had no name,or no real organisation,that came first a few hundred year later. As we know from the Bible,Jesus gave St.Peter the “keys to heaven” (Matt.16:17-19) and at the same time “start” the Catholic Church. So all 12 apostles did belong to the church that now are known as the Catholic Church. So there is no “if’s”. I wish this wos what You needed to know,moore facts You find in my favorit book,and I do want you all to daily read atleast one chapter,and before you send a question here,the Holy Bible or the Catechism.

if peter was the first pope, aren’t popes supposed to be celibates? then why did peter get married? 1st Corinthians 9:5…?

 

[adrift]

if peter was the first pope, aren’t popes supposed to be celibates? then why did peter get married? 1st Corinthians 9:5…?

You do not have a good grasp of the Catholic Faith. What you are referring to is a discipline. That means they are rules givne by the Church that can and are changed. There is a lot to be said about what you asked but it is off topic. Please do a search or start your own thread. Not all priest are celibate. We do have married priest. It is not the rule however for the latin rite. This link might help you understand link

 

[david2nd]

my question is on the office of the pope. any reference to married popes? by the way, i read that link you sent.

 

[jmcrae]

my question is on the office of the pope. any reference to married popes? by the way, i read that link you sent.

The discipline of celibacy came later, when it became clear that family men were not as willing to martyr themselves for Christ. We have retained the discipline because it remains easier and less expensive for unmarried men to move around as needed.

 

[rev_kevin]

The discipline of celibacy came later, when it became clear that family men were not as willing to martyr themselves for Christ. We have retained the discipline because it remains easier and less expensive for unmarried men to move around as needed.

So celibacy is only a matter of convience?

 

[jmcrae]

So celibacy is only a matter of convience?

It is also a path to greater personal holiness, which is also an advantageous thing to have, in a priest or Bishop.