Protestants, how can this be possible?

[PJM]

Originally Posted by Grace Seeker
And what of Catholics who return to their pre-baptismal lawlessness. In my own exprience, I am aquainted with more Catholics who have had their children baptized, had them go through first communion, and other major milemarkers, but beyond those once in a life time events live completely apart from the church (any church) than I am with protestant parents who do the same.

Mind you, I am not saying that I don’t know of any protestant parents who have done this, just that I personally happen to be acquainted with more Catholics who have behaved this way than I am with similarly negligent protestants. And that’s saying something since I am a protestant minister.

My dear friend in Christ. Your point is valid even if it’s only one lost Catholic, and indeed there are many.

From personal experience I can attest to the validity of your observation, and it seems to me that there are many varying reasons for it.

To began with, Catholics by a large number outnumber Protestants, especially if one associates primarily with there own denomination.

Fallen away Catholics are the second largest “christitan” denomination, which in my view is a far greater scandal than the preverted actions of preying on children, by a few very sick and possibly very evil men.

The fact that “peer pressure” is so over whelmingly effective is part of the problem, as is, in the words of God: “I place before you life and death; choose life.” The choice is take the easy road now, or take the harder road, to an end that so many seem unable to see. It is obviously easier to take the easy way.

Most importantly is the taught rationalzation that claims “its only wrong IF you say its wrong.” Don’t judge me and I woun’t judge you. There are far fewer [if any?] absolute rights and wrongs perceived by todays younger set. And perception is reality!

Finally it is the accomidation for fear of losing more, that is at fault. One seldom hears of Mortal sin and its conseqiences, or evil and its effects, or of Satan and his dominions. Its a paralized fear of TRUTH, and God will jusge both what we do and what we fail to do!

Love and prayers,

 

[Filioque]

And what of Catholics who return to their pre-baptismal lawlessness. In my own exprience, I am aquainted with more Catholics who have had their children baptized, had them go through first communion, and other major milemarkers, but beyond those once in a life time events live completely apart from the church (any church) than I am with protestant parents who do the same… And that’s saying something since I am a protestant minister.

Now as a Protestant Minister, would you say that the lawlessness of Catholics, lay or Clergy, even of a Pope are justification for renting the Garment of the Body of Christ, and establishing a new Church, which many of the present day sects have done. Or did Jesus have something to say about the tares amongst the wheat?

Did Jesus promise all who follow him would become impeccable, and come to the finish of the race that St. Paul tells us of, or did He say that some would say Lord Lord, and not know him?

Do we reject the Historical Church Jesus founded, because of the behavior of some?