Pastor negative Catholic comment

[OneMoreLife]

I was HOPING this would not happen.

I have returned to my roots as a Catholic several years ago. I met my wife in a Protestant Church. She remains a Protestant. I have insisted we go to church together because we are drifting apart as a family. She has gone to the Catholic Church with me on occasions but has let me know she has not plans on converting to Catholicism.

I have read of a great Catholic Apologist who went to the Protestant Church (in addition to the Catholic Mass), with his family and had the blessing of his Priest. Eventually his wife converted. But conversion is not my reason for this post.

I was worrying this might happen and I want to know how to handle it. This morning my wife, teenager and myself started attending a Protestant Church. My wife and I met at this church many years ago. The sermon was good except for the part where the Pastor claimed that “a Catholic Cardinal tried to give Martin Luther gold at the request of the Pope to try to quite him.” SIGH… How do I even know if this is true!!! For all I now this can be anti Catholic propaganda! Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

How do I handle this?

 

[Micosil]

How do I handle this?

Easy. Do not go back to that church. Stay home.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Martin Luther was put on trial for heresy, if the Church gave him an out, so to speak, that might be spun into an attempted bribe. Unless he can point to scholarly evidence of the bribe, he should stick to tending his congregations 21st century needs. You should not so much argue as smile and show them what Catholicism is today. You probably can’t win an argument, but you can demonstrate Catholic ideals.

 

[peter26]

Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

This is true as far as it goes. The Church does not teach that we are saved by works, rather that works are a sign of salvation (or at least that’s hoe my priest explained it).

 

[ComplineSanFran]

I believe that the story of the gold sent by the Pope to be used as an incentive to keep Martin Luther silent is well known. I have no idea where the original sources are, but I have heard it for years. It must originate in some documents. We’ll have to ask our Lutheran friends if they know where it is written.

We all know that the years of the Reformation were incredibly difficult on both sides. The European world was upside down. Thankfully, 500 years later, Lutherans and Roman Catholics are joining together in prayer to mark the anniversary. We’ve come a long way.

 

[OneMoreLife]

I believe that the story of the gold sent by the Pope to be used as an incentive to keep Martin Luther silent is well known. I have no idea where the original sources are, but I have heard it for years. It must originate in some documents. We’ll have to ask our Lutheran friends if they know where it is written.

We all know that the years of the Reformation were incredibly difficult on both sides. The European world was upside down. Thankfully, 500 years later, Lutherans and Roman Catholics are joining together in prayer to mark the anniversary. We’ve come a long way.

So you have heard about it. I would like to research it to see if it’s true or just propaganda. But after so many years who is to say how much of it is true?

Why can’t we just love God and Jesus and be saved without having to get a PHD IN THEOLOGY? Why do denominations make this so difficult?

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

I was HOPING this would not happen.

I have returned to my roots as a Catholic several years ago. I met my wife in a Protestant Church. She remains a Protestant. I have insisted we go to church together because we are drifting apart as a family. She has gone to the Catholic Church with me on occasions but has let me know she has not plans on converting to Catholicism.

I have read of a great Catholic Apologist who went to the Protestant Church (in addition to the Catholic Mass), with his family and had the blessing of his Priest. Eventually his wife converted. But conversion is not my reason for this post.

I was worrying this might happen and I want to know how to handle it. This morning my wife, teenager and myself started attending a Protestant Church. My wife and I met at this church many years ago. The sermon was good except for the part where the Pastor claimed that “a Catholic Cardinal tried to give Martin Luther gold at the request of the Pope to try to quite him.” SIGH… How do I even know if this is true!!! For all I now this can be anti Catholic propaganda! Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

How do I handle this?

Stop going to Protestant services
Is this a trick question?

 

[hadulzo]

For fun asked the pastor why is ministry requires him to put down Catholics. Ask him where in the bible it says he should do that?

 

[Billy_Buescher]

I was HOPING this would not happen.

I have returned to my roots as a Catholic several years ago. I met my wife in a Protestant Church. She remains a Protestant. I have insisted we go to church together because we are drifting apart as a family. She has gone to the Catholic Church with me on occasions but has let me know she has not plans on converting to Catholicism.

I have read of a great Catholic Apologist who went to the Protestant Church (in addition to the Catholic Mass), with his family and had the blessing of his Priest. Eventually his wife converted. But conversion is not my reason for this post.

I was worrying this might happen and I want to know how to handle it. This morning my wife, teenager and myself started attending a Protestant Church. My wife and I met at this church many years ago. The sermon was good except for the part where the Pastor claimed that “a Catholic Cardinal tried to give Martin Luther gold at the request of the Pope to try to quite him.” SIGH… How do I even know if this is true!!! For all I now this can be anti Catholic propaganda! Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

How do I handle this?

First I would have has him for the Bible verse that states were are saved by faith alone. If they are Bible believers only, then he should have no trouble finding that verse.

 

[smokedog]

What a difficult situation to be in. My suggestion is to be a shining example of a devout, humble Catholic: a servant of God and of your family. Do the things that the Church requires, go to Mass, confession, etc. Pray for your family. Fast for your family. Pray novenas for your family. Do not fight and argue, but lead by example. This will be a long process. Patience and persistence are your allies. Remain peaceful. Talk to your priest for advice, but it is permissable for you to go to a Protestant service as long as you fulfill your Sunday obligation to attend Holy Mass. Be a witness to the Church by how you live and how you sacrifice for your family just as Christ did for all of us sinners: without complaint or resentment.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Why can’t we just love God and Jesus and be saved without having to get a PHD IN THEOLOGY?

Well, we can.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

I was HOPING this would not happen.

I have returned to my roots as a Catholic several years ago. I met my wife in a Protestant Church. She remains a Protestant. I

What kind of church is it? Lutheran? Presbyterian? Non-denominational?

 

[Tomdstone]

A possible suggestion would be to tell your family that the Protestant pastor is absolutely wrong and that the Catholic Church is absolutely correct.

 

[Tommy999]

What a difficult situation to be in. My suggestion is to be a shining example of a devout, humble Catholic: a servant of God and of your family. Do the things that the Church requires, go to Mass, confession, etc. Pray for your family. Fast for your family. Pray novenas for your family. Do not fight and argue, but lead by example. This will be a long process. Patience and persistence are your allies. Remain peaceful. Talk to your priest for advice, but it is permissable for you to go to a Protestant service as long as you fulfill your Sunday obligation to attend Holy Mass. Be a witness to the Church by how you live and how you sacrifice for your family just as Christ did for all of us sinners: without complaint or resentment.

Very good advice, Smokedog. In my opinion, actions speak a lot louder than words.

To OneMoreLife,
Your wife may possibly never convert to Catholicism, but your actions from now on will allow for a more conducive atmosphere for the family to remain together and live in harmony if you do not react in anger. For the record, that pastor was out of line in my opinion.

I will pray that the Lord will help strengthen your family and your marriage because it sounds like it is a little fragile right now. We all need prayer from time to time. I know I sure do.

I want to assure you that not all Protestant pastors behave in this manner. In fact, I’ve attended Protestant churches all my life and I’ve never witnessed a pastor speak ill of the Catholic Church in all my days as an evangelical Protestant. Most don’t speak about Catholicism at all, but those who did spoke respectfully of it. I’m sorry that happened to you.

Note: My younger sister has been married around 20 years to a Catholic man and they have two kids who have grown into a very nice and decent people. Mixed marriages of this type are not impossible but they take work – perhaps a little more than two people of the same faith tradition.

 

[Karen107]

I was HOPING this would not happen.

I have returned to my roots as a Catholic several years ago. I met my wife in a Protestant Church. She remains a Protestant. I have insisted we go to church together because we are drifting apart as a family. She has gone to the Catholic Church with me on occasions but has let me know she has not plans on converting to Catholicism.

I have read of a great Catholic Apologist who went to the Protestant Church (in addition to the Catholic Mass), with his family and had the blessing of his Priest. Eventually his wife converted. But conversion is not my reason for this post.

I was worrying this might happen and I want to know how to handle it. This morning my wife, teenager and myself started attending a Protestant Church. My wife and I met at this church many years ago. The sermon was good except for the part where the Pastor claimed that “a Catholic Cardinal tried to give Martin Luther gold at the request of the Pope to try to quite him.” SIGH… How do I even know if this is true!!! For all I now this can be anti Catholic propaganda! Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

How do I handle this?

I don’t know why the politics of religions ever have to be part of sermons anyway…. It should be Christ centered… In my opinion I would ignore what they say at the other Church because you’re not going to change the opinion of anyone on their hallowed ground especially. It’s their beliefs and as you wish to be mindful of yours you need to be mindful of theirs. If your wife is resistant to Catholicism you must find some middle ground but you can still remain true to yourself and be a witness to your faith as appropriate and you will know best how to do that… Of course your experiences are what helped you understand and come back to the Church but they are not the same as experiences as she had so she is coming from a different perspective than you…And you married her knowing that she had a protestant background so you’ll have to make it work out. If God is on your team it will! :thumbsup:Always remember that we are all in this together with Jesus as Our Lord and be thankful that your wife is beholden to Jesus even if she doesn’t see eye to eye with the Catholic Church … What you could do though is pray that maybe someday she will learn more about it and will embrace it more even if it be for your sake…Love takes sacrifice!! No longer each individual, its two people joined as one May God bless your marriage always and May Jesus reign over it!.. …

 

[ChurchSoldier]

So you have heard about it. I would like to research it to see if it’s true or just propaganda. But after so many years who is to say how much of it is true?

Why can’t we just love God and Jesus and be saved without having to get a PHD IN THEOLOGY? Why do denominations make this so difficult?

First, I would walk up to the Pastor and ask his source, then go research it.

On your second point, not to sound negative, but that is not a PHD in Theology, it is a basic tenet every Christian, and particularly Roman Catholic should be able to discuss in a knowledgable manner. Read James 2:21 for further information. Only place in the Bible the words “faith” and “alone” are next to each other.

Hope your marriage finds healing through God’s grace btw. Relationship difficulties are not easy and I’m sorry you are experiencing them.

 

[johnnyc176]

I was HOPING this would not happen.

I have returned to my roots as a Catholic several years ago. I met my wife in a Protestant Church. She remains a Protestant. I have insisted we go to church together because we are drifting apart as a family. She has gone to the Catholic Church with me on occasions but has let me know she has not plans on converting to Catholicism.

I have read of a great Catholic Apologist who went to the Protestant Church (in addition to the Catholic Mass), with his family and had the blessing of his Priest. Eventually his wife converted. But conversion is not my reason for this post.

I was worrying this might happen and I want to know how to handle it. This morning my wife, teenager and myself started attending a Protestant Church. My wife and I met at this church many years ago. The sermon was good except for the part where the Pastor claimed that “a Catholic Cardinal tried to give Martin Luther gold at the request of the Pope to try to quite him.” SIGH… How do I even know if this is true!!! For all I now this can be anti Catholic propaganda! Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

How do I handle this?

I thought protestants went by Scripture alone. Where is that in the Bible lol?

 

[johnnyc176]

Why can’t we just love God and Jesus and be saved without having to get a PHD IN THEOLOGY? Why do denominations make this so difficult?

How does Jesus say we are to love Him?

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Obviously Jesus wants us in the Church that He founded, the Catholic Church. Don’t have to have a theology degree to know that.

 

[johnnyc176]

Then he mentioned “we are saved by faith alone and not works…”

How do I handle this?

I would ask this protestant by what authority he gets to interpret Scripture for us?

Also this is a great opportunity to proclaim the Truth of Jesus Christ and His Church, the Catholic Church. In fact doing so is a work that he denies.

 

[Cathoholic]

Hello OneMoreLife.

My suggestion?

Focus on Church teachings and not Church men.

Even if the gold story is invented, there have been enough bad Church men over the years that her minister will just find another example that may be TRUE.

So you didn’t gain much by refuting it.

But if you focus on theological errors, that might be helpful.

Especially if you are spending time in Adoration on behalf of your wife. Praying extra for her too. Fasting some on your wife’s behalf as well (how bout a bread and water lunch on Fridays offered for your wife?).

The theological errors will remain . . . erroneous.

You will need to focus on just a couple.

I would aim at the foundational errors of Bible only Christianity.

I’d recommend teaching yourself IN DETAIL about the sola Scriptura errors and sola fide (justification by faith alone) errors in this case.

You will need to train yourself in DEPTH though.

This will be a big commitment for YOU.

I’d get ahold of an in-depth review of both these subjects, read them over and over again.

Teach these subjects to your wife and kids in small increments.

Wait for and pray for “teaching moments”.

If you want to PM me, I have a couple that I wrote (so there are no copyright issues).

There are many other fine studies on line too.

Catholic Answers has some great things absolutely free.

As your wife and kids get catechized, when her pastor starts talking about sola Sciptura and sola fide, she will begin to see the errors.

Being taught falsehoods, bothers people when they KNOW they are falsehoods.

This may help.

God bless.

Catholic

PS. When talking about these issues, use the same language as her pastor. He may never mention the phrases sola Scritura etc. Use HIS language when teaching.

This way your wife and kids will instantly recognize it.

And don’t underestimate your kids. Don’t think they are too young to get at least SOME of these teaching points you will frequently bring up (when natural, not forced, situations arise).