I'm Catholic, Ask Me Anything (for non-Catholics)

  • Thread starter Thread starter thephilosopher6
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
I was just stating that was an example of early major persecutions. Yes, Early Christians were persecuted from the beginning.
 
Yes, I have a handle on the Trinity thanks to you and others. My question, however, is simply, if one DOUBTS the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, would it have been possible for G-d to have resurrected Jesus, Who was, after all, the (human) Messiah? I know this is not Catholic theology but COULD it have been the case that Jesus was resurrected by G-d, NOT by Himself? And, linking this to my other question, why would Jews of that period NOT have believed this is what happened rather than that Jesus resurrected Himself?
 
Last edited:
My apologies @thephilosopher6. You began this tread with an offer to answer questions. I will back out
 
What does that last statement mean? That is, when you say G-d exalted Jesus as Lord and King of the Cosmos, I thought Jesus is believed to be G-d Himself? How can G-d exalt G-d, or how can G-d the Father exalt G-d the Son if they are one nature? (Or is G-d exalting the Messiah?) And what does the word “Lord” mean in Christianity?
 
“…who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

– Philippians 2:6-11
 
Last edited:
Oh didn’t realise you were excluding catholics in asking questions. Maybe you should have stated that was your focus point. I generally didn’t know the answer to my question.
 
Did you not read the title or description I gave? I thought I laid down my purpose for this thread very clearly.
 
Last edited:
meltzerboy2 said:
And what does the word “Lord” mean in Christianity?
Click to expand...
Sorry, didn’t answer that.

Calling Jesus “Lord” means he is master over all the world, he is King, he is the resurrected Messiah. Jesus becomes Lord through his resurrection.
 
Last edited:
Does Lord also mean G-d the Son, or its use restricted to the resurrected Messiah?

One further question: for Christians, the Messiah (Jesus) is supposed to absolve us of sin in a general sense as the Savior. Is this correct? If so, where is this role mentioned or inferred in the Old Testament (not the New Testament)?
 
Last edited:
I’m sorry, I was just excited to expand my knowledge with fellow Catholics.
 
Well, I suppose it depends on how you use it. Certainly it can mean both, but in the New Testament is specifically refers to Jesus having been resurrected and exalted by God the Father. This can be clearly seen in the Greek as well when “the Lord” is referred to we can tell it’s talking about Jesus when the definite article precedes it, whereas when it’s talking about Yahweh (the divine nature) there is no definite article.
 
Last edited:
Well, I am going to don my AI hat, and will ask as a respectful AI would. I hope that is acceptable. So for the time being I am just an inquisitive artificial person. If you wish to think of me as an alien from a distant galaxy, who just learned about humanity, that is fine as well. 🙂 But assume almost total ignorance. The question:

Why was Jesus’ sacrifice necessary? After all God could have simply forgiven humanity’s transgressions. God is omnipotent, so he can do everything - except logically incoherent actions. But unconditional forgiveness is not logically impossible, one does not need anything except a little tolerance. And that is what every loving parent does when their children disobey.
 
Last edited:
meltzerboy2 said:
for Christians, the Messiah (Jesus) is supposed to absolve us of sin in a general sense as the Savior. Is this correct? If so, where is this role mentioned or inferred in the Old Testament (not the New Testament)?
Click to expand...
It’s hinted at throughout the Old Testament, as we see with animal sacrifice, as well as the near sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, and Isaiah 53 (the servant here is probably not Israel, though even if it is it doesn’t negate this as clear foreshadow). Of course, the sacrifice that the Messiah had to make is not fully realized until Christ himself instituted the Eucharist. Throughout the Gospels it is explained that the disciples didn’t understand that the Christ had to die and rise until they experienced him risen and received the Holy Spirit, who revealed all truth to them.
 
Last edited:
meltzerboy2 said:
the Messiah (Jesus) is supposed to absolve us of sin in a general sense as the Savior. Is this correct? If so, where is this role mentioned or inferred in the Old Testament
Click to expand...
there are others, here are a couple:

“We considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isa. 53:4-6

“Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makesc his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of lifed and be satisfiede; by his knowledgef my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” Isa. 53:10-11
 
meltzerboy2 said:
Yes, I have a handle on the Trinity thanks to you and others. My question, however, is simply, if one DOUBTS the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, would it have been possible for G-d to have resurrected Jesus, Who was, after all, the (human) Messiah? I know this is not Catholic theology but COULD it have been the case that Jesus was resurrected by G-d, NOT by Himself? And, linking this to my other question, why would Jews of that period NOT have believed this is what happened rather than that Jesus resurrected Himself?
Click to expand...
Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man. So yes, Jesus was resurrected by God… Maybe this will help:

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
 
Ok, I’ll bite.

Plenary indulgances. I’m curious about the practical mechanics involved. As is: who includes what actions merits them? Is there a difference across dioceses and the different rites? Do they change over time? How is the information imparted to the laity? And so on.

I do understand why Catholics believe they are benevolent, so there’s no need to go full apologetics at me. I’m asking How, not Why.
 
Favorite prayer book–Magnificat
Must Read Catholic Books–The Catechism of the Catholic Church
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top