Peace In Yourself

[Clovis]

I often am to goofy on this site, and wish I had more to say that was concise. When I stop and glance at some of the postings here I see great knowledge of scripture, and many who know it far more than myself. I’ve also tried hard to understand Catholicism, as well as the different sects and their reasons for separation. When I get to see each as justifiable, I am seeing maybe as Luther did. But when accusation either fling from the Catholics or the Protestants, I am not pleased to say they have lost in the accusation what they wished to say in the first place. No matter how much people might observe my silliness, bluntness, or simplicity, I still am bleeding for the desire of understanding. I look forward to the day when I and all are free from the great guilts which come from sin, and the savage halls we claw at for fear and hope combined. We sinners, are not actually as decrepit as all that, we were born in sin, but still can identify what is wrong from what is right, and by are clawing we only invite more wrath for ‘the watcher of men’. We are all far more innocent than many of you imagine. For your own peace of mind, I wish all would realize this at least a hair.

 

[thistle]

I often am to goofy on this site, and wish I had more to say that was concise. When I stop and glance at some of the postings here I see great knowledge of scripture, and many who know it far more than myself. I’ve also tried hard to understand Catholicism, as well as the different sects and their reasons for separation. When I get to see each as justifiable, I am seeing maybe as Luther did. But when accusation either fling from the Catholics or the Protestants, I am not pleased to say they have lost in the accusation what they wished to say in the first place. No matter how much people might observe my silliness, bluntness, or simplicity, I still am bleeding for the desire of understanding. I look forward to the day when I and all are free from the great guilts which come from sin, and the savage halls we claw at for fear and hope combined. We sinners, are not actually as decrepit as all that, we were born in sin, but still can identify what is wrong from what is right, and by are clawing we only invite more wrath for ‘the watcher of men’. We are all far more innocent than many of you imagine. For your own peace of mind, I wish all would realize this at least a hair.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation not only absolves you of your sins but frees you from the guilt of those sins. Nobody who sincerely repents of their sins at Confession, and is absolved should come out of Confession still having guilt. After Confession and absolution you are free from that guilt.

 

[Clovis]

I look at it more like this thistle; If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have made such a balls of my life. I wouldn’t have laid this foundation on the sand, and now I’m like a hatching sea turtle trying to make it to the sea before the ever wise seasonal things that lurk at where the sea and the sand join come to torment me as their substance, though deep down I know I’m not them, but just as all those with light on this earth are their nourishment, it doesn’t mean I’m sad all the time; as I said, “if I only had known”, and “I know I’m not them”. How many more answers does the soul need then those?

 

[goodcatholicman]

I’ve also tried hard to understand Catholicism, as well as the different sects and their reasons for separation. When I get to see each as justifiable, I am seeing maybe as Luther did.

You are right, you do sound silly. What you are desperately seeking is to be understood by those in this forum. And what you understand, is as Luther understood, which is painfully convulted. You run into Catholics that are passionately devout and unyielding in their convivtions on this site, then wonder why they don’t see it your way. That is silly.

 

[Clovis]

You are right, you do sound silly. What you are desperately seeking is to be understood by those in this forum. And what you understand, is as Luther understood, which is painfully convulted. You run into Catholics that are passionately devout and unyielding in their convivtions on this site, then wonder why they don’t see it your way. That is silly.

**You’re a jerk! **

 

[Ruthie]

Hey, Clovis, re-read what goodcatholicman said again, but “hear” the tone of voice as friendly instead of criticizing. Not condescending, either. When read *that *way, I agree with him.

In my family, “silly” is not a put-down, but an affectionate way of saying “You haven’t thought this through.” or something similar.

I get the feeling that you have an inquiring mind; that you are at least a bit intellectual in your way of thinking. Well, so am I.

You said,
“…when accusation either fling from the Catholics or the Protestants, I am not pleased to say they have lost in the accusation what they wished to say in the first place.”

I tend to agree! We should always address each other with love. (See my sig!) Being human, we will slip up.

You also said,
“When I get to see each as justifiable, I am seeing maybe as Luther did.”

I’m sorry for that. Neither *sola scriptura *nor sola fide is Biblical. 1 Cor 11:2 (among others) denies Sola Scriptura, and James 2:15-20 denies sola fide, as do Jesus’ own words: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” ( Jn 14:15 , RSV)

Sola Fide is passive; the only action required is to believe. But James says that faith without works is dead (Jas 2:17), and that demons have faith and shudder (2:19) . (Read all of James 2 for his preaching on faith and works.)

Last but far from least, read Jesus’ own words: Mt 25:31-46. Note especially vv 45 and 46. We have a clear order to **do **things, and a clear statement that if we do not **do **these things, we will go to Hell.

This is not salvation by works. It is salvation by being obedient to Christ. Big difference. God is not a vending machine.
Now go back to James: "If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, ****and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? ****So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (James 2:15-17 RSV)

HTH,

Ruthie
Tiber swim team '06

 

[goodcatholicman]

Thank you, Ruthie, well said. No mean spirit intended, I can assure you.