Is it a “Christian” sin to knowingly lie about Catholicism?

[Ronald_E]

I haven’t met many people who intentionally misrepresent Catholicism, but I’ve encountered countless people who recklessly misrepresent Catholicism by wild accusations, rumor-mongering, and other irresponsible conduct which circulates misconceptions about Catholicism.

I remember Paul writing about refraining from gossip because that was divisive.

 

[thecoach]

Hello NDfan,

Is it a sin to “poke some fun” at a Catholic?
(Joking…I’m joking… )

I know, that you know, that I do not worship Mary…I also know that Jesus will not mind, that I too, love His mother.
Jesus knows the “thoughts of my heart”.

Peace

Perhaps you dont, but when Rome starts toying with the concept of Co-Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix, then you are looking for trouble!

 

[Ronald_E]

Perhaps you dont, but when Rome starts toying with the concept of Co-Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix, then you are looking for trouble!

Coach, Think about this. Research shows that mothers retain the cells of their children’s bodies throughout their lives after giving birth. This was in SCIENCE in a 2002 article.
Consequently, Mary retained the actual cells of Jesus in her body after giving birth.
What does this mean? It means that as a Catholic or a Protestant we must look deeper into the mystery of our faith rather than reject something that we haven’t even begun to investigate through the Holy Spirit.
I love the infinite mystery of God.

 

[thecoach]

Coach, Think about this. Research shows that mothers retain the cells of their children’s bodies throughout their lives after giving birth. This was in SCIENCE in a 2002 article.
Consequently, Mary retained the actual cells of Jesus in her body after giving birth.
What does this mean? It means that as a Catholic or a Protestant we must look deeper into the mystery of our faith rather than reject something that we haven’t even begun to investigate through the Holy Spirit.
I love the infinite mystery of God.

You are going down a theologically dangerous road with thinking like that my friend. I am a Christian because of Jesus Christ, not Mary. I am redeemed by Christ’s death, not Mary’s. This is indeed a slippery slope you are on.

 

[JonNC]

I see Catholics generalizing about ie. misrepresenting Protestants on here on a daily basis. Why is this different?

It isn’t . I do spend a fair amount of my time here correcting misrepresentations of, specifically, Lutheran belief. I find, however, that most of it is unintentional, just as I think usually noncatholic misunderstandings about Catholics is unintended. When it is intentional, either way, it violates the eighth commandment.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

I agree JonNC. Is it a sin to tell the Catholic that she or he is not saved? Or does it depend upon the underlying disposition of heart that motivates the person to make such a statement?

I don’t know if it is a sin to tell someone they are not saved, but it sure is presumptuous. I don’t think that either Catholics or noncatholics have the authority to make a statement of this kind! I wouldn’t dare elevate myself into the position of speaking for God on the matter of who is or isn’t saved. Instead, I pray that all people are saved.

Jon

 

[Ronald_E]

You are going down a theologically dangerous road with thinking like that my friend. I am a Christian because of Jesus Christ, not Mary. I am redeemed by Christ’s death, not Mary’s. This is indeed a slippery slope you are on.

I am a Catholic for the same reason. All I am saying is to think about the science of being a mother and then that same science being applied to God’s Mother.
It is not slippery for me. I am not afraid to ponder a mystery. My faith in Jesus is secure and I know who my Savior is.
Now I have freedom to explore God’s Mystery within the Catholic faith. I did not have that mystery to explore in non-denominational churches.
I am curious. Why did you dismiss exploring the consequences of Mary retaining the cells of Jesus in her body throughout her life?
I guess this is for another thread.

 

[angelusm]

Liars will not enter the Kingdom of God. Even if protestants think that it’s justified to tell lies about the CC.

 

[ralphinal]

Jimmy and all,
Does this work in reverse? I will rephrase my own quote from before. Hope this isn’t confusing. The crossed out words are replaced by those in bold print.

To say "-]Catholics worship Mary/-] Lutherans don’t have the Eucharist" is not true, because -]Catholics don’t/-] Lutherans believe that they -]worship Mary/-] do have the Eucharist. They have specific and credible explanations for what they do. If, knowing this, I continue to say “-]Catholics worship Mary/-] Lutherans don’t have the Eucharist” that would then be a lie, and a sin, even if in my belief system I -]consider it "worship/-]"believe they don’t. What I can say is, “in my belief system we -]don’t venerate Mary in the same way because, for us, it appears to be worship/-], believe we are only Church with the Eucharist, but we understand your point of view.”

I have no issue with what you are putting forth in this statement. When we discuss various theology, we should be clear about what the other side beleives and then why, according to our own, this is inccorect. That is fair.

Where many of us get into trouble is with blanket statements or assumptions that are baseless.

 

[Lampo]

Re: Is it a “Christian” sin to knowingly lie about Catholicism?

I believe it affects our salvation. Hypothetical – you and I have doctrinal differences on baptism. Which means, both of us cannot be right on that issue where we differ. So, at least one of us has to be wrong on baptism. The one who is wrong – whether it’s you or it’s me – is believing a lie, and we know who the father of all lies is. In other words, when one believes in a false doctrine, he/she is believing Satan instead of Christ. Could that affect one’s salvation? Could that affect one’s relationship to his fellow man? I believe it can, and the Bible supports me on that. Doctrine is important, because truth is important, because Jesus Christ is the Truth.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Is it a “Christian” sin to knowingly lie about Catholicism?

For example – When non-Catholic “Christians” knowingly perpetuates the false myth that “Catholics worship Mary”; are they committing a sin? Is it a mortal sin? Are any false statements regarding Catholicism or any other religion a violation of the 8th Commandment?

The Eighth Commandment – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”

The Ten Commandments, also here.

Your Thoughts?

 

[JonNC]

I have no issue with what you are putting forth in this statement. When we discuss various theology, we should be clear about what the other side beleives and then why, according to our own, this is inccorect. That is fair.

Where many of us get into trouble is with blanket statements or assumptions that are baseless.

Agreed. And it goes both ways.

Jon

 

[Robert_in_SD]

Is it a “Christian” sin to knowingly lie about Catholicism?

For example – When non-Catholic “Christians” knowingly perpetuates the false myth that “Catholics worship Mary”; are they committing a sin? Is it a mortal sin? Are any false statements regarding Catholicism or any other religion a violation of the 8th Commandment?

The Eighth Commandment – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”

The Ten Commandments, also here.

Your Thoughts?

*Knowingly *perpetuating a falsehood is a lie. A lie is a sin when it bears false witness, as does a lie that Catholics worship Mary. If one knows that the assertion is untrue, but makes it anyway, even if for a seemingly “good purpose” then it is a sin. If it causes one to lose their faith, it is in my opinion, a very serious sin indeed.

Peace,
-Robert

 

[Jimmy_B]

*Knowingly *perpetuating a falsehood is a lie. A lie is a sin when it bears false witness, as does a lie that Catholics worship Mary. If one knows that the assertion is untrue, but makes it anyway, even if for a seemingly “good purpose” then it is a sin. If it causes one to lose their faith, it is in my opinion, a very serious sin indeed.

Peace,
-Robert

Thank you Robert,

I agree.

Peace