Not catholic, not protestant

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allischalmers

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Hello:
This is my first post and first thread. Just so that you know I am not a Catholic nor a Protestant but I am a believer. I have been looking for a church and have talking to protestant friend about it. he belongs to one of these mega churches. I have told he that I was considering a Catholic Church because I think that the inside of the CCatholic Churches looks more like what a church should look look like than what protestant churches do.
Then he tells me this; Have you ever noticed that the Catholic church is always in the news compared to protestant churches. When ever some thing happenes in Roman like the Popes speaks on Easter or Christmas the news always makes a big deal about it. And when the Pope died and they elected a new Pope that you heard about on th news.
He says you know why? I say no! Well He says that the devil owns that world. That God lost the deed to the world when Adam sinned and Satan now has it. that is how satan could offer Jesus all the kingdoms when Jesus fasted for forty days. Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.

would you believe that?

Peace
Allischalmers
 
Hi Allis,

Congratulations on your first post. It’s a coincidence that your post today should closely match another answered by the Apologetics today, just thought that I’d pass it on

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=85089

God is calling you, congratulations for answering His call. Keep looking around this site.

You’ll be in my prayers.

May the peace of Christ be with you my friend.

“Coincidence is when God choses to remain anonymous”
 
Where is the charity? I happen to disagree with aspects of Protestant theology, but I will happily discuss them point by point. I don’t condemn them to Hell or think that they’re spawns of Satan, but try to see what truth we have in common. I think that’s a far more Christian approach then blasting the Catholic Church as Satan’s church—sorry, but it’s just anti-Catholic bigotry and ignorance. Your friend sounds like he probably comes from a Baptist or Fundamentalist background, where a lot of anti-Catholicism is found.

Every objection that the Baptist or Fundamentalist raises against the Church can be answered. It may be that the Baptist or Fundamentalist will not agree with explanations of Catholic doctrine, but fer Pete’s sake, “the church of Satan’s world”?!! It’s a substitute for thought. I would pray for your friend.
 
Hello Allischalmers,
God bless you for your sincere search. I think you know the answre to your own question. You presented your friend with a reasonable question and he threw mud in response. Any of us could do the same toward his “mega-Church”, but I don’t think that is what you are searching for. That would probably be as appealing as an afternoon of negative advertisement during political season. Rather, I want you to know that I (and I imagine others here) are praying for you in your journey, as well as for your friend, who I hope can come to respect his fellow Christians even when he disagrees with us. You seem to be searching for an intellectual understanding of how the “true” church is supposed to look. Can I suggest that you head back to the main page of Catholic Answers and visit the library of tracts available on the left-hand side of the page. You should visit, first and foremost, the section on “Scripture and Tradition” and read the stuff on the Bible. I think you will find our view of Scripture very refreshing and much different from what others think we believe. In addition, feel free to e-mail me at spencerallen@midamerica.net and I’ll send you a several page list I’ve compiled of all the Scripture that supports distinctly Catholic doctrine.
All best,
Spencer
 
There is also this perspective from Archbishop Fulton Sheen (from another thread): (it’s source is at the end of the text). (I had some trouble copying the font…)

If I were not a Catholic and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hates. My reason for doing this would be that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, he must still be hated as he was when he was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world.
Look for the Church that is hated by the world as Christ was hated by the world. Look for the Church which is accused of being behind the times as our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned. Look for the Church which men sneer at a socially inferior as they sneered at our Lord because he came from Nazareth. Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil as our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. Look for the Church which, in seasons of bigotry, men say must be destroyed in the name of God as men crucified Christ and thought they had done a service to God. Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible as Pilate rejected Christ because he called himself the Truth. Look for the Church which is rejected by the world as our Lord was rejected by men.

Look for the Church which amid the confusion of conflicting opinions its members love as they love Christ and respect its voice as the very voice of its founder, and the suspicion will grow that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly it is other-worldly. Since it is other-worldly it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ himself. But only that which is divine can be infinitely hated and infinitely loved. Therefore the Church is divine (Radio Replies, preface, p. ix, source, slightly edited for readability).
 
He says you know why? I say no! Well He says that the devil owns that world. That God lost the deed to the world when Adam sinned and Satan now has it. that is how satan could offer Jesus all the kingdoms when Jesus fasted for forty days. Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.
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Your friend has crossed over the line to anti-Catholic bigotry. Treat it like you would any other kind of bigotry and let him know you would be glad to discuss Catholicism any time, as long as he leaves his uninformed prejudices at home.
 
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allischalmers:
Hello:
. I have been looking for a church and have talking to protestant friend about it. he belongs to one of these mega churches. . . . … Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.
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your friend’s thinking does not represent the teaching of most mainstream Protestant denominations. There are plenty that disagree vehemently with Catholic teaching on many topics, but it is only the extreme anti-Catholic fundamentalist sects that still base their teaching on this type of thinking. You may want to find some knew friends.
 
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allischalmers:
Hello:
This is my first post and first thread. Just so that you know I am not a Catholic nor a Protestant but I am a believer. I have been looking for a church and have talking to protestant friend about it. he belongs to one of these mega churches. I have told he that I was considering a Catholic Church because I think that the inside of the CCatholic Churches looks more like what a church should look look like than what protestant churches do.
Then he tells me this; Have you ever noticed that the Catholic church is always in the news compared to protestant churches. When ever some thing happenes in Roman like the Popes speaks on Easter or Christmas the news always makes a big deal about it. And when the Pope died and they elected a new Pope that you heard about on th news.
He says you know why? I say no! Well He says that the devil owns that world. That God lost the deed to the world when Adam sinned and Satan now has it. that is how satan could offer Jesus all the kingdoms when Jesus fasted for forty days. Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.

would you believe that?

Peace
Allischalmers
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Hmmmmm…sounds like this dude is speaking for the devil himself…IGNORANCE!!! The devil is the father of lies!!!

Therefore, what you heard this guy talking was a big FAT OL’ LIE!!!
 
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allischalmers:
Hello:
This is my first post and first thread. Just so that you know I am not a Catholic nor a Protestant but I am a believer. I have been looking for a church and have talking to protestant friend about it. he belongs to one of these mega churches. I have told he that I was considering a Catholic Church because I think that the inside of the CCatholic Churches looks more like what a church should look look like than what protestant churches do.
Then he tells me this; Have you ever noticed that the Catholic church is always in the news compared to protestant churches. When ever some thing happenes in Roman like the Popes speaks on Easter or Christmas the news always makes a big deal about it. And when the Pope died and they elected a new Pope that you heard about on th news.
He says you know why? I say no! Well He says that the devil owns that world. That God lost the deed to the world when Adam sinned and Satan now has it. that is how satan could offer Jesus all the kingdoms when Jesus fasted for forty days. Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.

would you believe that?

Peace
Allischalmers
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I’d find new friends :eek: . Your friend is #1 misinformed, and #2 has an anti-Catholic hatred that is irrational. You cannot reason with people like this.

But aside from that, I’d suggest that you contact a local Catholic parish and inquire about the RCIA process-- it’s for people to learn what the Church teaches and discern whether they want to become Catholic or not. There is no “committment”, just a process where you can learn. Also attend Mass and observe.

You will only learn actual Catholic teaching from Catholic sources. You are on the right path, don’t let misinformed people dissuade you.
 
I am not a theologian, by any means, but I have a hard time considering your friend’s claim that God “lost the deed to the world and now Satan has it.” The world is God’s creation! We are HIS. He is all powerful, all knowing, and perfect in His justice. Yes, sin entered the world by one man, Adam, but Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior redeemed the world by his dying and rising! Anyone who would put the deed of the world into Satan’s hands has a much bigger problem than mere “anti-Catholic bigotry.” Perhaps their understanding of God’s justice, mercy, love, and power are skewed as well?

And as for the Church always being in the news. . .Jesus Christ tells us:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

I would just encourage you on your journey to really consider why it is that so many people throughout 2000 years of Christianity have looked upon and scrutinized the Church. The Church has always bee a very visible sign of unity in the world. Its members are not perfect. There have always been weeds among the wheat and will continue to be until the end of time. However, the Church has always preserved the gospel in the face of sin, distraction, and scandal. That should not be overlooked.
 
Thanks for coming by. We’re always elated by those who are honestly seeking the truth. I hope you come by often to see what’s being said.
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allischalmers:
Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church. would you believe that?
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No, I wouldn’t believe that. Would Satan’s church continually preach against the injustices of the world: abortion, oppression, euthanasia, Communism, Socialism, Nazism, etc. etc? Satan’s tactics are to twist the truth for his own gain. Where is his gain in the examples of Pope John Paul II or Mother Theresa? It is Satan’s trick to have women believe, “It’s my body, I can do what I want,” so they will murder their unborn child and fall into his clutches. It is Satan’s trick to have people believe, “I can interpret the Bible for myself,” so he can lead them into all kinds of error. It is Satan’s trick to have people believe, “God favors the United States,” so he can lead them into leading depraved, lustful, glutonous lifestyles while much of the rest of the world starves. The world is Satan’s - the Church is God’s.
 
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allischalmers:
Hello:
This is my first post and first thread. Just so that you know I am not a Catholic nor a Protestant but I am a believer. I have been looking for a church and have talking to protestant friend about it. he belongs to one of these mega churches. I have told he that I was considering a Catholic Church because I think that the inside of the CCatholic Churches looks more like what a church should look look like than what protestant churches do.
Then he tells me this; Have you ever noticed that the Catholic church is always in the news compared to protestant churches. When ever some thing happenes in Roman like the Popes speaks on Easter or Christmas the news always makes a big deal about it. And when the Pope died and they elected a new Pope that you heard about on th news.
He says you know why? I say no! Well He says that the devil owns that world. That God lost the deed to the world when Adam sinned and Satan now has it. that is how satan could offer Jesus all the kingdoms when Jesus fasted for forty days. Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.

would you believe that?

Peace
Allischalmers
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Hello,

Well, compare your friend’s beliefs to the majority of Catholics. Most Catholics believe that Protestants are Christians. Pope John Paul 2 even called Protestants 'our seperated brethen."

You’re friends words are uncharitable but luckily they are not held by the majority of protestants. His views might not even be shared by the other members of his mega church.
 
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1ke:
I’d suggest that you contact a local Catholic parish and inquire about the RCIA process-- it’s for people to learn what the Church teaches and discern whether they want to become Catholic or not. There is no “committment”, just a process where you can learn. Also attend Mass and observe.You will only learn actual Catholic teaching from Catholic sources. You are on the right path, don’t let misinformed people dissuade you.
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Yeah man, that is good advice. Give it a little gas and plow a furrow stright to the nearest RCIA Class. You will learn what Catholics actually believe and do without having to make any prior commitment beyond showing up and listening. My first cousins used to use Allis Chalmers tractors and equipment. The name evokes fond memories of life on the farm. 👍
 
Allis:

Welcome! As you investigate the Catholic Faith, I would invite you to take two things.

One, the CC respects your freedom. At no time will you be compelled to make a decision by anyone, not even the Pope. The CC has to offer immeasurable riches from history, theology, humanities, filiation, etc.etc. As Christ promised, there are many mansions!!! It begins here on earth in the Catholic Church. When you’re ready to come home, you are welcome.

Two, when you are unclear about any issue at all, ask. We are here to assist. And don’t just take our word for it, if truth is what you are desiring, study what the church teaches along with scripture and see how the two are indespensible to each other.

Stick around and God bless.

in XT.
 
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allischalmers:
Hello:
This is my first post and first thread. Just so that you know I am not a Catholic nor a Protestant but I am a believer. I have been looking for a church and have talking to protestant friend about it. he belongs to one of these mega churches. I have told he that I was considering a Catholic Church because I think that the inside of the CCatholic Churches looks more like what a church should look look like than what protestant churches do.
Then he tells me this; Have you ever noticed that the Catholic church is always in the news compared to protestant churches. When ever some thing happenes in Roman like the Popes speaks on Easter or Christmas the news always makes a big deal about it. And when the Pope died and they elected a new Pope that you heard about on th news.
He says you know why? I say no! Well He says that the devil owns that world. That God lost the deed to the world when Adam sinned and Satan now has it. that is how satan could offer Jesus all the kingdoms when Jesus fasted for forty days. Then he says that the Catholic church is the church of Satans world and that he uses the news to premote his church.

would you believe that?

Peace
Allischalmers
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Most Protestants that convert to the Catholic religion are more interested in ritual than a relationship with God. The Catholic religion is very beautiful and mystical but that is not what gets you to heaven. It is a personal relationship with Jesus. First you must aknowledge that you are a sinner and repent of your sins. You must be sincere in your repentence and turn away from those sins. The only way you can truly repent of your sins is if the Holy Spirit is convicting you of sin. Your conviction will be unbearable. If you are truly sorry for your sins the next step is to ask God to forgive you. After that, ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. It is as simple as that. That is what is meant by being a Born Again Christian.
 
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Alfie:
Most Protestants that convert to the Catholic religion are more interested in ritual than a relationship with God…
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Can you quote statistics on this fact or is this your own personal opinion?
 
Alfie:

Most conversion stories actually tell the inverse of your assumption, most are freaked out by the ritual but are convinced by the biblical logic of Catholicism. Better yet, maybe the converts here can assist us on this.

Like what Deb said, please provide info on this statement.

in XT.
 
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AquinasXVI:
Allis:

Welcome! As you investigate the Catholic Faith, I would invite you to take two things.

One, the CC respects your freedom. At no time will you be compelled to make a decision by anyone, not even the Pope. The CC has to offer immeasurable riches from history, theology, humanities, filiation, etc.etc. As Christ promised, there are many mansions!!! It begins here on earth in the Catholic Church. When you’re ready to come home, you are welcome.

Two, when you are unclear about any issue at all, ask. We are here to assist. And don’t just take our word for it, if truth is what you are desiring, study what the church teaches along with scripture and see how the two are indespensible to each other.

Stick around and God bless.

in XT.
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You need to get yourself a King James Bible. The first book of the Bible you should read is Romans which is located in the New Testament. The book of Romans will tell you everything you need to know on how to be saved.
 
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Alfie:
Most Protestants that convert to the Catholic religion are more interested in ritual than a relationship with God.
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As a convert in progress (former Lutheran), I must say that my relationship with God has never been stronger, thanks to the Church. He called me here, and I listened. I trust Him to not lead me astray. This is where He wants me.

Rituals were - and still are - the last thing on my mind regarding the Church.
 
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mylo:
As a convert in progress (former Lutheran), I must say that my relationship with God has never been stronger, thanks to the Church. He called me here, and I listened. I trust Him to not lead me astray. This is where He wants me.

Rituals were - and still are - the last thing on my mind regarding the Church.
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Well, I certainly can understand why you left the Lutheran church. What exactly drew you to the Catholic religion… Tradition? There is more to being a Christian than Tradition. Being sorry for your sins is the key to being a Christian and not man-made religion. I realise that the Lutherans are way too liberal but you could have found a Bible believing church like the Baptist or Penacostal. You have everthing you need to know to be a Christian just by reading your King James Bible. Why make things so complicated? Have you actually read a Bible?
 
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