If you are a Christian, what is the real reason for you not being a Catholic?

[Publisher]

It’s about as likely a request to be fulfilled as the ever-mysterious “Essential Doctrines which we all agree on” request.

Namesake, please show us that at least ONE protestant is capable of supporting their statements! I’m really getting tired of these non-thinking irrational “feeling-thoughts” that you folks seem to have but don’t want to share.

I guess we’d all better watch out!!! I’m sure there will be ramifications to you 'being tired of" that most of us won’t be able to deal with…we are duly warned…thank you for the warning.

 

[CalmDownWisWins]

Publisher:
I guess we’d all better watch out!!! I’m sure there will be ramifications to you 'being tired of" that most of us won’t be able to deal with…we are duly warned…thank you for the warning.

Hah ha ha ha! Yeah,… well,… the only ramifications that I ever seem to generate are longer thread lengths and more dead pixels which the “green” folks are always writing me letters to complain about. Well, that and more use of the “ignore” switch.

 

[Publisher]

Hah ha ha ha! Yeah,… well,… the only ramifications that I ever seem to generate are longer thread lengths and more dead pixels which the “green” folks are always writing me letters to complain about. Well, that and more use of the “ignore” switch.

LOL

 

[Jimmy_B]

Hey Namesake, I noticed that you answered the questions of a couple Catholics here and then gave up, does that mean that you going to become a Roman Catholic now?

Why won’t you answer any of my questions in post’s, #814, #815, #817, and #823 but especially post # 846. Aren’t you up to the challenge? Don’t give up now.

 

[Namesake]

Hey Namesake, I noticed that you answered the questions of a couple Catholics here and then gave up, does that mean that you going to become a Roman Catholic now?

Why won’t you answer any of my questions in post’s, #814, #815, #817, and #823 but especially post # 846. Aren’t you up to the challenge? Don’t give up now.

Sorry, I didn’t know about any questions that you directed at me. I don’t read everything here. I think you are way beyond me in defending your religion. I can’t begin to compete with you.

 

[jblake]

Namesake;:

I think you are way beyond me in defending your religion. I can’t begin to compete with you.

The questions you are being asked are a direct result of your statements. All Jimmy was asking was for you to provide a reasonable, scripturally based, defense of your statements.

xan

jonathon

 

[CalmDownWisWins]

Sorry, I didn’t know about any questions that you directed at me. I don’t read everything here. I think you are way beyond me in defending your religion. I can’t begin to compete with you.

It’s relatively easy to use the “profile” link (up at the top up there on the page) to keep track of your “subscribed” threads.

You can also do a search, in “advanced search”, on your name (namesake), with the “posts” radio-button (not the “threads” one) selected, to see what the LAST posting you made in a particular thread was, so that you can see if there are any responses to that (or previous) postings of yours.

You can also look at threads in “tree” format to see if anyone has responded to some “subthread” that you created.

There’s very little excuse to not responding to responses other than disinterest or unwillingness to be responsive to something “bothers” you. Giving up is to do poorly in educating those of us who rely on the wisdom of others.

Please be as educational as possible! It’s very very much appreciated.

 

[Namesake]

There’s very little excuse to not responding to responses other than disinterest or unwillingness to be responsive to something “bothers” you. Giving up is to do poorly in educating those of us who rely on the wisdom of others.

Please be as educational as possible! It’s very very much appreciated.

In cases such as yours, I will in the future apply an ignore function, if I can find it.

 

[CalmDownWisWins]

In cases such as yours, I will in the future apply an ignore function, if I can find it.

Click on my name, then find the text-link what says,“Add CalmDownWisWins to Your Ignore List”.

That should do it!

 

[whatisthetruth]

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some.

Just to let you know CalmDownWisWins stated on another thread afterquoting one of my statements,

I would not accept anything this person has to say as meaningful.

And here is how I responded. thank you all for your time we had.

Why CalmDownWisWins, is attacking easier than trying to understand.

Lets attack and start a false rumor about another one of those “Protestants” than try to understand him.

Oops I am sorry CalmDownWisWins, please forgive me. I just called you, a Christian, a liar and falsely accused you.

CalmDownWisWins it is totally against my nature to judge anyone as a liar and I did just that.

Please forgive me.

So let me comment on what you said because you always tell the truth especially about “protestants”

Hi all, since CalmDownWisWins has suggested from his heart

"not to

accept anything I have to say as meaningful" I have regretably made a decision that I wish I did not have to make.

Since, I can not be sure CalmDownWisWins has you second guessing anything I post from this point forward, I have decided to post anything more on any thread at CAF.

I will not waste my time expressing my heart, if you are not going to believe what I write anyway.

**So, why should I post? **

Congratulations, CalmDownWisWins, you have you wish.

**I AM DONE.

PERIOD!!!**

Are you happy CalmDownWisWins?
How are you feeling right now?

** ?

?

?

?

:clapping: ?

:banghead: ? **

If I sound a little hurt, you dang right I am.
I am so sorry it came down to this.

BTW CalmDownWisWins, no need to apologize to me, I forgive you for hurting me.

But I got bad news, I can not clear the pain you caused against God by hurting me. I pray that He accepts your sincere confession.

I really **do not care **at this point if you believe I mean it.

I am so wrong in venting but maybe this is what it will take to get my message across.

Then again,

I am just a “protestant”
Why should you care?.

Maybe by seeing the hurt first hand, might be cause for some to start caring about this nonsense between the Catholics and the “protestants”.

As some are welcoming me home to Christ’s one true church,
others are like CalmDownWisWins.

Why should I come back if what I say has no meaning to you?
Is that thaught about me going to change overnight should I walk through your door tomorrow?

Who believes in thier heart of hearts I feel God’s love right now?

Oh God, please forgive me. Of all I said above,
I am so sorry God, but you know my hurt.
I ask forgiveness of you all at CAF for lashing out.
I am sorry. For any pain I just caused by anything I said here or anywhere else.
In no way do I set out to hurt anyone.

I feel guilty in asking this but,

If by chance you are one who valued our conversation and you have any question of me or thaught you like to share I invite you to PM.

I will gladly communicate with you in PM if you are sincere.

If you do nothing else, may I ask you to read the following.
“My Signature Letter”

Even though CalmDownWisWins does not believe it, it would mean a lot to me if just one of you believes anything I wrote and let me know, please…thank you.

I ask of you as a Christian brother/sister just that one small favor.

To most of you, thank you again for sharing your thaughts, beliefs and most important love with me while I was here on the threads.

For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

 

[whatisthetruth]

bump

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some.

Just to let you know CalmDownWisWins stated on another thread after quoting one of my statements,

I would not accept anything this person has to say as meaningful.

And here is how I responded. thank you all for your time we had.

Why CalmDownWisWins, is attacking easier than trying to understand.

Lets attack and start a false rumor about another one of those “Protestants” than try to understand him.

Oops I am sorry CalmDownWisWins, please forgive me. I just called you, a Christian, a liar and falsely accused you.

CalmDownWisWins it is totally against my nature to judge anyone as a liar and I did just that.

Please forgive me.

So let me comment on what you said because you always tell the truth especially about “protestants”

Hi all, since CalmDownWisWins has suggested from his heart

"not to

accept anything I have to say as meaningful" I have regretably made a decision that I wish I did not have to make.

Since, I can not be sure CalmDownWisWins has you second guessing anything I post from this point forward, I have decided to post anything more on any thread at CAF.

I will not waste my time expressing my heart, if you are not going to believe what I write anyway.

**So, why should I post? **

Congratulations, CalmDownWisWins, you have you wish.

**I AM DONE.

PERIOD!!!**

Are you happy CalmDownWisWins?
How are you feeling right now?

** ?

?

?

?

:clapping: ?

:banghead: ? **

If I sound a little hurt, you dang right I am.
I am so sorry it came down to this.

BTW CalmDownWisWins, no need to apologize to me, I forgive you for hurting me.

But I got bad news, I can not clear the pain you caused against God by hurting me. I pray that He accepts your sincere confession.

I really **do not care **at this point if you believe I mean it.

I am so wrong in venting but maybe this is what it will take to get my message across.

Then again,

I am just a “protestant”
Why should you care?.

Maybe by seeing the hurt first hand, might be cause for some to start caring about this nonsense between the Catholics and the “protestants”.

As some are welcoming me home to Christ’s one true church,
others are like CalmDownWisWins.

Why should I come back if what I say has no meaning to you?
Is that thaught about me going to change overnight should I walk through your door tomorrow?

Who believes in thier heart of hearts I feel God’s love right now?

Oh God, please forgive me. Of all I said above,
I am so sorry God, but you know my hurt.
I ask forgiveness of you all at CAF for lashing out.
I am sorry. For any pain I just caused by anything I said here or anywhere else.
In no way do I set out to hurt anyone.

I feel guilty in asking this but,

If by chance you are one who valued our conversation and you have any question of me or thaught you like to share I invite you to PM.

I will gladly communicate with you in PM if you are sincere.

If you do nothing else, may I ask you to read the following.
“My Signature Letter”

Even though CalmDownWisWins does not believe it, it would mean a lot to me if just one of you believes anything I wrote and let me know, please…thank you.

I ask of you as a Christian brother/sister just that one small favor.

To most of you, thank you again for sharing your thaughts, beliefs and most important love with me while I was here on the threads.

For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

 

[CalmDownWisWins]

…

Dude, I didn’t even bother to read your nonsense.

I’m tired of your endless prattling on, which is actually pretty funny since I’m notorious for endlessly prattling on, myself.

Anyway, there does come a limit when “stimulation” becomes “torturous irritation”. That limit was reached a while back listening to your interminable circularity which never comes to a point.

Best of luck in your spreading the “church of Pope Whatis” to the deprived masses, namely us Catholics here, and I’d suggest you get someone to help you out with the formatting and otherwise “making readable” your musings so that the denizens of CAF don’t lose anymore eyeballs than they absolutely want to.

 

[Jimmy_B]

bump

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some…

…For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

**Here is a general comment **

***Whatisthetruth, ***what is the truth?

Here is truth; “words, words, words…word, words, words, words, words, that’s all it is, words”.

*Let me share a story about an old Army First Sergeant and a young Army Specialist in a bar. This is a story I think about when I feel frustrated here at CAF. *

**An old First Sergeant went out for a couple of drinks with another younger Sergeant and sitting at the other end of the bar, was a young Specialist, the young man, who also happen to be in the First Sergeant’s Chain of Command, had obviously, way too much to drink. **

---

**The First Sergeant told the specialist to, “take it easy Mister”, responding to having just watched the Specialist “go off” shouting at the bar tender and making a scene. **

*The Specialist turned to the First Sergeant and he went”nuts”, calling the First Sergeant every name in the book. The First Sergeant, without saying another word, calming looked away, quickly finished his drink and he told the other Sergeant, that he had arrived with, “Come on, lets get out of here”. *

*They walked out of the bar and down the street. The other Sergeant, who was much younger, shocked at what he had just seen, asked the First Sergeant, “Why didn’t you do anything back there?" *
**
*The First Sergeant smiled and said, “Words, words, words…word, words, words, words, words, that’s all it is”. *
**
*The younger Sergeant asked, “What are you going to do to him when he gets back to the Fort? *
**
*He (the First Sergeant) said, “Well… I know that kid, and he’s a great soldier, I am going to find out what the real problem is, he wasn’t yelling at me, he is more frustrated about something that’s going on in his own life”. *
**
*He went on, ”Maybe it is the separation from his girl, maybe he has a drinking problem, maybe it’s because he is worried about going to war, or maybe he is simply having a bad night, who knows?, I am going to find out what’s bothering him and see what I can do to help him”. *

When I usually tell this story it is much longer, but here is the point Whatisthetruth, sometimes we have to smile and remind ourselves, “words, words, words…word, words, words, words, that’s all it is” and try to think about what it is, that we can do to help.

*The story above illustrates, among many other things, “real” leadership, maturity and patients but it also illustrates Christian forgiveness and Christian charity. *

I hope this helps and that you return CAF soon.

 

[SIA]

If you are a Christian, what is the real reason for you not being a Catholic?

Are you ready for some truth; most people don’t like the truth so much?

The reason I asked this question is that I find many Christians somewhat disingenuous when it comes to the real reason or reasons that they are not Catholic or are no longer Catholic.

I feel that many of the Catholic dissenters here who love to quote Bible verses and argue against Catholicism have a personal reason for not being Catholic and not a biblical reason. That is why you can never get anywhere with these people. I have also found this to be true in my real-life contacts and conversations with Catholic dissenters.

For example, a vast majority of people I have met over the years who say that they left the Catholic Church, for this reason or that, it turns out, had no religion in their lives what so ever, for many years.

They didn’t leave the Catholic Church on Sunday to become a “Born-Again” on Monday. They left the Catholic Church on Sunday and became a “Born-Again” twenty or thirty years later.

They left their Faith, turned their back on God and did as they pleased, without guilt, what a life.

They where having “fun” living a promiscuous lifestyle and guess what the guilt finally catches up with them (sin has a way of doing that, don’t you know). They were just full of sin and at the point in which they felt it was time to “go back to church” they discovered that the Roman Catholic Church (actually that God) had a problem with their previous years of bad behavior and now their existed a hurdle or two to overcome and confession can be pretty humbling.

One thing leads to another and before you know it, these same people are now “former Catholics” and bible scholars, not to mention an authority on the Catholic religion, almost over-night. “It’s a miracle!”

It’s not a miracle, it’s disingenuous and hypocritical. Moreover, arguing now against Catholicism is a way for them to have God on their terms instead of His terms and to make them feel better about themselves. There isn’t’ anything wrong with experiencing guilt. We all sin and we all feel guilt, it is the human condition, welcome to life.

Here is some more reality; Many of these “on-fire” Christians who are bound and determined to save all us Catholics, it turns out, if the truth be known, would probably be Catholic today if it wasn’t for the three or four marriages, which occurred in the interim period, during their “non practicing, Christians years”, before they were on fire…

I also know of many other personal rather than biblical reasons why many are not Catholic, however there are too many to list here. Don’t get me wrong, I love all my Christian Brothers, but like an alcoholic, you have to admit you have a problem before you can seek a cure.

**Why aren’t you Catholic? Tell the truth. **

Wanna hear some straight talk buddy? I was born and raised Roman Catholic and received all the Sacrements an individulal can receive. I was Catholic for decades. I wasn’t a part time or half genuine Catholic, I was a devout Catholic. For years I attended mass EVERY Sunday and many times during the week when I could. I observed the holy days of obligation and fasted when necessary by the church. I even fasted more often than that on some occasions. I prayed the Rosary (which I still do). I attended Confession at least once per month and sometimes more and attended Adoration as often as I could. A friend of mine made a remark that he thought I spent more time in the church than I did at work or at home. He might have been actually correct. For the last several years that I was a devout Catholic, I felt empty inside. I met with my priest on several occasions and told him. I talked of it in my Confessions as well because I thought that it may be because of sin. I talked with priests from other parishes. Years went on and nothing happened. I sat in the pew and almost felt all alone and with all due respect to Cathoilics, I felt completely dead and cut off from the spirit. It wasn’t there not even at Christmas time or Easter. many times in Lenten seasons I would pray and pray. I felt nothing regardless. I left the church a few years ago and began attending an Anglican church where i knew nobody. The service was very much the same as a Catholic mass so it was not discomforting. I began to know the priest very well and attended every Sunday and Wednesday. I became accepted into the church and my wife was Confirmed as well. After many weeks the spirit began to not just trickle but to rush through me and my wife and through the church. I’ll never forget as long as I live on a particular Sunday the Holy Spirit decended upon me during mass so heavily that all i could do was cry. I received the Eucharist and came back to sit and pray and sing and all I could do was cry. I’ll never forget it. God may be in the Catholic church but he is in others too, this I know. I am currently a very active member in my church and I am a Vestry member. My priest is one of my best friends who has seen myself and my wife through medical struggles, financial struggles and marriage struggles. I would literally give up my life for this man of God. I am truly home in my church and i will be there until God calls me home.

 

[whatisthetruth]

Hi Jimmy,

thank you for the story, I can relate I was in the military.
And as you stated, it definitely brings to light a very powerful lesson of leadership.

I hope you noticed, I said I forgave him and I meant it.

We had been down the road a couple of times and exchanged apologies

I thought all was settled, apparently not and I felt the need to take a stand.

There are only so many times you can stick your finger in the door and trust that this WILL NOT be the time that such a person will not slam the door on it again.

I was not looking forward to have him post behind me,
do not take anything I say as meaningful.

There are enough challenges I am facing here by being a non Catholic,

Wow!! I just niticed Calm got banned

I sure hope that was not because of my doing.

anyway thank you again for the story JIM,

God bless,

truth

I may be back, but for now I am resting in the wings.
the door is always open to PM

 

[angelusm]

Right now, I’m not Catholic because:
*I have yet to be convinced that everything the Church says is true (and I refuse to convert otherwise, as that would be false witness).
*I think the Church is, in some cases, much too legalistic.
*I see a LOT of God’s goodness/blessings/Holy Spirit outside the Catholic church.

I’m not really sure what you mean “too legalistic”. If we want to live in unity (over 1 billion of people!) there has to be a proper order, there has to be obedience, otherwise there will be divisions just like between protestants. I agree that Holy Spirit works also outside the CC, but outside you won’t find miracles like in Fatima or Guadalupe.
What false witness do you mean? Just check, read about things you’re not sure about and make a decision.

 

[angelusm]

The real reason I cannot be Catholic is because of a closed Eucharist to baptized Christians. I do know all of the reasons - and I’ve never been able to reconcile them theologically, particularly with those who embrace the Real Presence.

O+

It’s not enough to be a baptised christian to receive a Eucharist, protestants are not allowed to do it in the CC. Don’t you think that the CC has an obvious right to make internal rules? And if somebody from the outside comes, has to respect them.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Wanna hear some straight talk buddy? I was born and raised Roman Catholic and received all the Sacrements an individulal can receive. I was Catholic for decades. I wasn’t a part time or half genuine Catholic, I was a devout Catholic. For years I attended mass EVERY Sunday and many times during the week when I could. I observed the holy days of obligation and fasted when necessary by the church. I even fasted more often than that on some occasions. I prayed the Rosary (which I still do). I attended Confession at least once per month and sometimes more and attended Adoration as often as I could. A friend of mine made a remark that he thought I spent more time in the church than I did at work or at home. He might have been actually correct. For the last several years that I was a devout Catholic, I felt empty inside. I met with my priest on several occasions and told him. I talked of it in my Confessions as well because I thought that it may be because of sin. I talked with priests from other parishes. Years went on and nothing happened. I sat in the pew and almost felt all alone and with all due respect to Cathoilics, I felt completely dead and cut off from the spirit. It wasn’t there not even at Christmas time or Easter. many times in Lenten seasons I would pray and pray. I felt nothing regardless. I left the church a few years ago and began attending an Anglican church where i knew nobody. The service was very much the same as a Catholic mass so it was not discomforting. I began to know the priest very well and attended every Sunday and Wednesday. I became accepted into the church and my wife was Confirmed as well. After many weeks the spirit began to not just trickle but to rush through me and my wife and through the church. I’ll never forget as long as I live on a particular Sunday the Holy Spirit decended upon me during mass so heavily that all i could do was cry. I received the Eucharist and came back to sit and pray and sing and all I could do was cry. I’ll never forget it. God may be in the Catholic church but he is in others too, this I know. I am currently a very active member in my church and I am a Vestry member. My priest is one of my best friends who has seen myself and my wife through medical struggles, financial struggles and marriage struggles. I would literally give up my life for this man of God. I am truly home in my church and i will be there until God calls me home.

Hello SIA, thank you, great post!

I don’t know how much reading you do, but may I suggest four books that I really enjoyed that I believe will help you in your spiritual growth?

*Here they are, you might already have some of them, I don’t know. All five of these books are a must read for both Catholics and non-Catholic Christians alike… They do contain some (a very small amount) of”Catholic” ideology but all of the books contain important messages, advice and understanding that can be helpful to all Christians: *

All Christians will find these books helpful in their own spiritual journey.

****1. ****The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis (the Red Book)

Note: If you or Christian and you can read the first six pages of this book and put it down, I will be surprised. On-line book

2. Fire Within, by Thomas Dubay, S.M.

Note: this book will help you understand your journey.

**3. **God is Near Us by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

4. ****A Guide to Living the Truth, By Michael Casey

5. ****The How-to Book of the Mass, By Michel Dubruiel

Note: if you or any Christian can get passed the “Preface” or the first chapter in this book and put it down, I will be surprised.

 

[qui_est_ce]

Wanna hear some straight talk buddy?

For the last several years that I was a devout Catholic, I felt empty inside. I met with my priest on several occasions and told him. I talked of it in my Confessions as well because I thought that it may be because of sin. I talked with priests from other parishes. Years went on and nothing happened. I sat in the pew and almost felt all alone and with all due respect to Cathoilics, I felt completely dead and cut off from the spirit. It wasn’t there not even at Christmas time or Easter. many times in Lenten seasons I would pray and pray. I felt nothing regardless. I left the church a few years ago and began attending an Anglican church where i knew nobody. The service was very much the same as a Catholic mass so it was not discomforting. I became accepted into the church and my wife was Confirmed as well. After many weeks the spirit began to not just trickle but to rush through me and my wife and through the church. I’ll never forget as long as I live on a particular Sunday the Holy Spirit decended upon me during mass so heavily that all i could do was cry. I received the Eucharist and came back to sit and pray and sing and all I could do was cry. I’ll never forget it. God may be in the Catholic church but he is in others too, this I know. *** I am currently a very active member in my church and I am a Vestry member***. My priest is one of my best friends who has seen myself and my wife through medical struggles, financial struggles and marriage struggles. I would literally give up my life for this man of God. I am truly home in my church and i will be there until God calls me home.

When the Euphoria wears off, you still have to face Truth. Even Jesus went through the “desert” experience. Yes, God is in ALL places at ALL times. Truth is not dependent on how at home you feel.

I have found the more involved I am in my parish, the more “at home” I feel there. When I go to daily 6:30 AM mass in the winter, it is dark and cold outside. It I don’t want to get out of bed. I walk into church, the smell of candles and incense feed my senses. I slip off my shoe and feel the warmth radiating from the floor. I am home with Jesus. One of the best reasons outside of Truth to being Catholic, is the rituals that sustain you through the desert.
youtube.com/watch?v=h0nSjxDKJEo&mode=related&search=

Yes, it was “dead” there many years. The old priest wasn’t excited about anything, but I knew my faith did not depend on a man. We parishioners fellowshipped and prayed. We prayed for a dynamic pastor for six years. In God’s time, we got one. Many new ministries were begun. I started Welcome ministry. We now have the reputation of being the most welcoming parish in our neck of the city. We have prayer services, share Vacation Bible School, Health Ministry, Outreach to the poor and elderly, with the Lutheran church across the street.

I thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for letting me share mine.

 

[BigSquigglyEVIL]

Wow!! I just niticed Calm got banned

I sure hope that was not because of my doing.

Nah,… seems to have been due to some PASTA related issue!