It is from the Latin Church that I began to believe that there was no real difference with the Orthodox other then the Pope, from that idea I began to think that it did not matter if a person wanter to join the Latin,Oriental or Orthodox Church.
As I study both Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, my conclusion is that while there are many similarities between the two there are also many significant differences. But even with those differences, I cannot find myself saying that either one is not the true Church of Christ. That is why I pray for unity.
Also it was from the Latin Church that I got the idea that all protestants should be viewd as containing mabey 90 percent or 85 percent of Christianity, while The Latin Church has 100 percent. Well that view point leaves no urgency to preach to protestants because it would not matter.
I used to think, without a doubt, that Catholicism had the fullness of the truth. Now, I must admit, I am not 100 percent sure of that. Sometimes I wonder if Catholicism is missing some of the truth present in Eastern Orthodoxy. I am convinced, however, that Protestantism is not even close to “85 percent” of the truth. They have some truth and Jesus is definitely present in them, but they have unfortunately distorted much of the truth by rejecting the Holy Tradition passed down from the Apostles, which was present since much earlier than the New Testament Canon of Scripture. There are just too many different interpretations of the “truth” within the thousands of Protestant denominations.
Also RCIA I still remember listening to yhani as a way to get ready for prayer. And sitting in small groups talking about silly topics like " if Christ came to your door, what would you ask him"…What on earth dose that have to do with learning about the Catholic Church??
It was more just siting in circles and discusing our ideas about things. Again as if traditional Catholic beliefs and issues don’t matter, let’s just talk about how Jesus loves everyone.
Sadly, your experience does not surprise me. As an RCIA instructor and coordinator, I have seen way too often how Catholic instruction is “watered down” to the point where basic beliefs and practices are not adequately discussed. RCIA should be a process in which the catechumen or candidate is introduced and received into the Church through prayer and formation. It should not only focus on study of basic Catholic doctrine, but it should also be a process of conversion. Unfortunately, not every parish has a solid RCIA program, much less an effective process of formation, evangelization, and conversion.
I know and understand where you are coming from.
So when I saw a video on youtube of The world council of churches with shamans and wican warlocks and taoists performing religious rituals with Christians I was not completely shocked to see the Pope there…
Just keep in mind that just because the Pope meets with many religious leaders, it does not mean that he agrees with their practices or beliefs. As a worldwide spiritual leader, the Pope seeks to foster religious cooperation to improve things such as human rights, poverty, unjust wars, moral values, etc. This does not mean that every religion is the same or has the fulness of truth.
but I was shocked to see that Eastern Orthodox were there
Or if I’m mistaken it must have been eastern Catholics… but the man in the video said patriarch of Jeruselam etc…so I think they were in fact Orthodox bishops meeting with this world group of religions.
Orthodox leaders meet in these gatherings for similar reasons. They want to foster cooperation and understanding, but they do not acknowledge that these other religions or beliefs have the truth as have been revealed by Jesus Christ through his Church.
God bless!
