Protestant Reads

[Alix1912]

Am I the only person that sees something wrong with this thread? A few threads ago I read that catholics shouldn’t visit a Methodist church because their Sunday obligation will not be fulfilled. Yet in this thread catholics are saying it is okay to read books by authors of different denominations. Wow this is inconsistent.

I no problem visiting other churches but this is inconsistent.

I dont think that it is. I myself am pretty well read. I like sinners in the hands of an angry God by Jonathan Edwards. Ive also read the Buddhist bible, The Satanic bible, The writings of E.G. White, and I still study Kaballah, and the Zohar. What is wrong with increasing ones knowledge on various subjects, and Idealogies? Ive also read the Quaran, etc. My parents are protestant, and no, I dont attend their meetings, but I do know exactly what they believe, and why. I do not attend Jewish services, but I know somewhat of what they believe and why. I do not attend Mosque, but…well you get you get picture. I also do not attend black masses for that matter…LOL! Peace

It’s not inconsistant at all, there is a difference between understanding someone elses beliefs and philosophies and actually subscribing to them. Knowing what another person believes is not the same as beliving it yourself. My husband is Catholic and our family is Lutheran, he attends both services on Sunday, because the Lutheran service does not furfill his obligation for mass. Observing another persons religous ceremony is not the same as believing in it.

 

[LiftHimUp]

I dont think that it is. I myself am pretty well read. I like sinners in the hands of an angry God by Jonathan Edwards. Ive also read the Buddhist bible, The Satanic bible, The writings of E.G. White, and I still study Kaballah, and the Zohar. What is wrong with increasing ones knowledge on various subjects, and Idealogies? Ive also read the Quaran, etc. My parents are protestant, and no, I dont attend their meetings, but I do know exactly what they believe, and why. I do not attend Jewish services, but I know somewhat of what they believe and why. I do not attend Mosque, but…well you get you get picture. I also do not attend black masses for that matter…LOL! Peace

I’m not saying there is nothing wrong with knowing what other denominations believe. I’m saying that this is inconsistent. I will read the Quaran, LDS writings, and so on. But I will not read those writings to give me a better understanding when I have already decided that I do not believe what they teach.

 

[Alix1912]

Just because you have made the decision to not believe something doesn’t mean you should not at least try to understand it. You cannot carry on a intellegent conversation with someone of another faith without understanding at least on some level what they believe. Not to mention entire belief systems have the power to profoundly impact our world. If you do not have at least a basic understanding of Christianity, Judism, and Islam and their respective histories you cannot possibly begin to understand the ins and outs of the situation in the Middle East. Also it is difficult to convert anyone to your faith without and understanding of both your faith and theirs.

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

Am I the only person that sees something wrong with this thread? A few threads ago I read that catholics shouldn’t visit a Methodist church because their Sunday obligation will not be fulfilled. Yet in this thread catholics are saying it is okay to read books by authors of different denominations. Wow this is inconsistent.

I no problem visiting other churches but this is inconsistent.

I don’t see the inconsistencies? I read Protestant authors but I also read Catholic authors. If I go to a Protestant service I will also go to Catholic Mass. That is perfectly consistent.

God bless you

 

[benidict]

I’m not saying there is nothing wrong with knowing what other denominations believe. I’m saying that this is inconsistent. I will read the Quaran, LDS writings, and so on. But I will not read those writings to give me a better understanding when I have already decided that I do not believe what they teach.

I can agree with you there. However, were you aware that Abraham had his own period of questioning? I dont know how familiar you are with Jewish writings. Some of them have said that one of the reasons he went to Egypt, is because he wanted to see if he had the truth, or if there was anything more to gain. I wish I could give you a reference to this. I may be able to, when I get home in a few months. all my books are there… I will diverge from you on only one point. I feel it is neccessary to have at least a working knowledge of Judaism, and the way they veiw things, to get a clearer understanding of Christianity. Peace

 

[LiftHimUp]

Just because you have made the decision to not believe something doesn’t mean you should not at least try to understand it. You cannot carry on a intellegent conversation with someone of another faith without understanding at least on some level what they believe. Not to mention entire belief systems have the power to profoundly impact our world. If you do not have at least a basic understanding of Christianity, Judism, and Islam and their respective histories you cannot possibly begin to understand the ins and outs of the situation in the Middle East. Also it is difficult to convert anyone to your faith without and understanding of both your faith and theirs.

Did you read my entire post? I read books of different faiths to understand what they believe. I do not read them to help me better understand what I believe to be truth. There’s a difference.

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

Did you read my entire post? I read books of different faiths to understand what they believe. I do not read them to help me better understand what I believe to be truth. There’s a difference.

I am not sure if I agree that Protestantism and Catholicism are different faiths though and as such wouldn’t work in your example. Different interpretations of the same faith sure, but different faiths? We’re both Christian afterall. It’s probaby for a different thread but if you make an argument that Catholicism and Protestantism are different faiths than one could argue that each Protestant denomination is a different faith.

God bless

 

[mark_a]

But I will not read those writings to give me a better understanding when I have already decided that I do not believe what they teach.

Huh??

Edit:

Never mind!!

 

[PJM]

=Faith1960;7566862]Is it okay for Catholics to read religious books/devotionals written by Protestant authors such as a daily devotional I like to read called Hope For Each Day, written by Billy Graham?

ANYTHING that brings one closer to God is OK; However; Protestant Theology and Philosophy is quite different from our Catholic Faith, so GREAT care must be taken to not be mis-lead.

It is a good idea for most of us; especailly if we are somewhat uncertain about what the CC Teaches and believes [BECAUSE IT"S THE TRUTH], to search out Catholic Literature. ***“Our Daily Bread” ***comes to mind as a good daily devotional.

God Bless,
Pat