Jesus is not for [I]my[/I] generation

[KathyP]

Hey Vicki,
I am a Christ-follower and in my journey I have found that across the various Christian churches are scattered real believers and people who could be termed: Churchians - they love church and religion and believe that church and religion will open a door for them into heaven. I attend church - I think it is very important, but I have come to see that for many people church/religion can be a distraction from knowing and seeking God. Some denominations have this built right into their theology, to go through the motions of religion and as we do this, God is made happy and then lets us into heaven - this is not what Jesus came to do. Even among these denominations, God draws people to Him - some how God uses our brokenness and foolishness to reveal the truth to us. Even if our theology is on sideways, if we reach out to Him, God is there, calling us to Him. There are things I disagree with about Catholocism, but I know God uses it nonetheless. There is no perfect church - we are all broken and in need of the healer.
Read John 14-16
Jesus came so that we could experience God in a way that has never been had in human history (except maybe in the garden of Eden). This is done through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

My experience has given me personal proof that Jesus is who He says He is, so I have no doubt about who God is… In the same breath, other religions, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc… do not lead us into connection with God (which can only be done through Jesus).

I would say that the Catholic Church is perfect, since it was Jesus himself who established it. It’s the people in it that are not… and yes, God uses them nonetheless. Thank goodness we have the Magisterium, guided by the Holy Spirit to keep the Church as He intended until the end of time!

 

[thevickinator16]

If you are talking about chapters 14-16, then it would be apparent that Jesus came to save us through His Most Holy Passion and Death. The Holy Spirit came as a Teacher, so that we could preach the Gospels correctly and without human error.

As far as I know the Cahtoic church teaches the truth and in its constitency it does not waver in its teachings. This is why we follow a set pattern, so to speak, during our Masses and other litigurical celebrations. It is not to sitract from the importance of God and our beliefs. It is to ensure that the devil may not come in and speak through the priests and those assisting. We do not believe in just sitting there letting one go with the Holy Sirit and let what ever come out of the mouth. That would be insane. Since the Insitution of the Eurcharist (the first mass) we follow an example that is tried and true.

If you think that church is not good in the long run, there is always another church or desert some where. Only Jesus said when to or more gather in His name…

I think that maybe you are opposed to churchs for some reason of your own (my opinion) and it makes it easier to lump it all together. I did not like church for many years. I thought it boring and timeconsuming. Until I figured out it was my own soul that was not interested in being totally united with God. Anyone who truly wants to be united with God has to enjoy His Word (Jesus) and gathering to learn and worship.

God Bless!