Protestants: What is the oddest thing about Catholicism?

[allhers]

Gosh, imagine that my Father worked to earn money to care for all of us and my Mother stayed home and took care of all of us with the money they had.
If for a serious reason you can’t do that, there are other natural options, like chewchoo posted, Natural family planning.

 

[carjack]

NFP

To abstain during certain periods of time. I see. so a husband and wife are not supposed to have marital relations with each other because then they have to worry about getting pregnant. NFP the least effective in preventing pregnancy. They should be able to take birth control until till they are ready.

 

[carjack]

My mother was one of 19-Welfare did not pay for a single thing, my grandfather taking his duties as a father seriously did that on a farm labourers wages.

Oh so in ancient times he worked and paid for everything. It is very rare in the world of today, that welfare wouldn’t help in a situation of 19 kids. breeding multiple kids at this day and age is a financial sore.

 

[carjack]

Yes. Its in the book of John somewhere.

The part about assuming things about other people?

 

[LDNCatholic]

The part about assuming things about other people?

sarcasm trying to lighten the mood a little!

But can you address the part about too many children=welfare? I pointed out an example of a family large by any standards, who lived on one man’s wages, without any government assistance, so quite obviously they would not be a drain on the economy.

 

[allhers]

To abstain during certain periods of time. I see. so a husband and wife are not supposed to have marital relations with each other because then they have to worry about getting pregnant. NFP the least effective in preventing pregnancy. They should be able to take birth control until till they are ready.

Getting pregnant worries you? Then try NFP, it is the most effective way when done properly.
A child is not suppose to be a worry, a child is a gift from God.
There are only like 3 days a month that you would have to abstain, I bet you could do that.

 

[AshleyBelle]

I wanted to chime in a bit, after stumbling late into this thread.

I think the original topic “what do protestents feel is the oddest thing about catholicism” was phrased with less than ecumenical intent. Protestants responding with what they find “odd” are not doing so to start conversation and find better understanding of the catholic viewpoint…but rather to bash on the things they find weird…and the catholic responders only want to defend as much as possible.

It would be more helpful if we, as catholics, used this as a tool to understand the perspective some of our protestant brothers and sisters are viewing our church from.

My husband and I converted from protestantism a few years ago, and looking back, I find myself somewhat ashamed of some of the false assumptions I had concieved about our beautiful church and faith.
I have noticed, however, that most other catholics we meet, who were raised catholic, really do have no clue how protestants feel about the church. Our dear friends (our children’s godparents) often ask us questions about what we thought about this or that (Our Blessed Mother, the true presence, contraception) when we were protestant, because they really do find it amazing to hear the “other side” and how people can come to the truth.

So basically, I would just hope that we can all keep a true spirit of charity and ecumenism in this thread. Particularly for the woman posting with her personal view on life/abortion/conception.     I know personally how ingrained it is outside the church that contraception is the responsible thing in a marriage. (Our pre-maritial counseling sessions BEGAN with the question "what type of contraception will you use?)  
  I know that it sounds like the catholic church wants women to just pop out babies constantly...but  I came to learn that the church wants women. (and men) to obey and love God more than anything. Choosing to be open to life is choosing to be a part of God's plan. Choosing to abstain from the maritial act (because YES the church knows there are things in life that make more children a possibly irresponsible decision) is STILL working with God and His plan. The key is that you are using your love for each other to work with God. Children are always a blessing, as is married love and sexuality. (embryos and fetus's are also a blessing! )

But God, (and the church) are concerned with your salvation and personal holiness, NOT how many babies you can “pop out.”

On a last note, I have three beautiful amazing children, and one waiting for me in heaven. I know that the baby I lost WAS in fact a baby when I lost her 3 months into pregnancy, just as much as I know the adorable, smiling children sitting with me in this room are living, breathing children.

You, and the many others who believe as I did before my conversion are in my prayers. I hope that life, regardless of your belief system, will always be treasured and preserved.

Thank you, and God bless
~*Ashley

 

[allhers]

In order to be “true to the sign,” spouses must speak as Christ speaks. Christ gives his body freely (“No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” [John 10:18]). He gives his body without reservation (“He loved them to the end” [John 13:1]). He gives his body faithfully (“I am with you always” [Matt. 28:20]). And he gives his body fruitfully (“I came that they may have life” [John 10:10]).

This is the love a couple commits to in marriage. Standing at the altar, the priest or deacon asks them, “Have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? Do you promise to be faithful until death? Do you promise to receive children lovingly from God?” Then, having committed to loving as Christ loves, the couple is meant to incarnate that love in sexual intercourse. In other words, sexual union is meant to be where the words of the wedding vows “become flesh.”

How healthy would a marriage be if spouses, rather than incarnating their vows, were regularly unfaithful to them, regularly speaking against them? Herein lies the essential evil of contracepted intercourse. The desire to avoid a pregnancy (when there is sufficient reason to do so) is not what makes the spouses’ behavior immoral. What makes contracepted sex immoral is the specific choice to render sterile a potentially fertile union. This changes the sign of divine love into a counter-sign.
read more here:
catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0311fea3.asp

 

[adrift]

NFP the least effective in preventing pregnancy.

Would you care to document your statement? It really isn’t true.

I am also interested in your definition of person. The normal definition is human. If not human than what is the fetus? Please don’t tell me a person is air breathing. Give me a definition from a dictionary or science book.

 

[st_lucy]

So carjack, you would rather pump your body with chemicals to alture it so that you can have sex when ever you want. Well, that is mature. It is a proven fact that couples who practice NFP are least likely to get divorced.

The pill cause cancer and infertility what kind of spouse would ever ask their loved one to get use that just so they can have sex when ever they demanded it?

 

[SyCarl]

The oddest thing I find about Catholicism is the closed communion. I know the reasons given but find it hard to understand. Catholics tell us that the greatest thing about the Church is receiving Christ in the Eucharist. However if it is the greatest thing why do they not allow others to partake and experience it for themselves?

Catholics stress that unless you eat Christ’s flesh and drink His blood you have no life in yourself yet they do not allow their admitted brothers and sisters in Christ to experience it for themselves. Perhaps if a non-Catholic could experience what Catholics say they experience it would change them.

 

[carjack]

I wanted to chime in a bit, after stumbling late into this thread.

I think the original topic “what do protestents feel is the oddest thing about catholicism” was phrased with less than ecumenical intent. Protestants responding with what they find “odd” are not doing so to start conversation and find better understanding of the catholic viewpoint…but rather to bash on the things they find weird…and the catholic responders only want to defend as much as possible.

It would be more helpful if we, as catholics, used this as a tool to understand the perspective some of our protestant brothers and sisters are viewing our church from.

My husband and I converted from protestantism a few years ago, and looking back, I find myself somewhat ashamed of some of the false assumptions I had concieved about our beautiful church and faith.
I have noticed, however, that most other catholics we meet, who were raised catholic, really do have no clue how protestants feel about the church. Our dear friends (our children’s godparents) often ask us questions about what we thought about this or that (Our Blessed Mother, the true presence, contraception) when we were protestant, because they really do find it amazing to hear the “other side” and how people can come to the truth.

So basically, I would just hope that we can all keep a true spirit of charity and ecumenism in this thread. Particularly for the woman posting with her personal view on life/abortion/conception.     I know personally how ingrained it is outside the church that contraception is the responsible thing in a marriage. (Our pre-maritial counseling sessions BEGAN with the question "what type of contraception will you use?)  
  I know that it sounds like the catholic church wants women to just pop out babies constantly...but  I came to learn that the church wants women. (and men) to obey and love God more than anything. Choosing to be open to life is choosing to be a part of God's plan. Choosing to abstain from the maritial act (because YES the church knows there are things in life that make more children a possibly irresponsible decision) is STILL working with God and His plan. The key is that you are using your love for each other to work with God. Children are always a blessing, as is married love and sexuality. (embryos and fetus's are also a blessing! )

But God, (and the church) are concerned with your salvation and personal holiness, NOT how many babies you can “pop out.”

On a last note, I have three beautiful amazing children, and one waiting for me in heaven. I know that the baby I lost WAS in fact a baby when I lost her 3 months into pregnancy, just as much as I know the adorable, smiling children sitting with me in this room are living, breathing children.

You, and the many others who believe as I did before my conversion are in my prayers. I hope that life, regardless of your belief system, will always be treasured and preserved.

Thank you, and God bless
~*Ashley

Your post enlightened me. Thank You and God Bless. Sorry if I was sarcastic. I need to reflect on some things

 

[st_lucy]

I wanted to chime in a bit, after stumbling late into this thread.

I think the original topic “what do protestents feel is the oddest thing about catholicism” was phrased with less than ecumenical intent. Protestants responding with what they find “odd” are not doing so to start conversation and find better understanding of the catholic viewpoint…but rather to bash on the things they find weird…and the catholic responders only want to defend as much as possible.

It would be more helpful if we, as catholics, used this as a tool to understand the perspective some of our protestant brothers and sisters are viewing our church from.

My husband and I converted from protestantism a few years ago, and looking back, I find myself somewhat ashamed of some of the false assumptions I had concieved about our beautiful church and faith.
I have noticed, however, that most other catholics we meet, who were raised catholic, really do have no clue how protestants feel about the church. Our dear friends (our children’s godparents) often ask us questions about what we thought about this or that (Our Blessed Mother, the true presence, contraception) when we were protestant, because they really do find it amazing to hear the “other side” and how people can come to the truth.

So basically, I would just hope that we can all keep a true spirit of charity and ecumenism in this thread. Particularly for the woman posting with her personal view on life/abortion/conception.     I know personally how ingrained it is outside the church that contraception is the responsible thing in a marriage. (Our pre-maritial counseling sessions BEGAN with the question "what type of contraception will you use?)  
  I know that it sounds like the catholic church wants women to just pop out babies constantly...but  I came to learn that the church wants women. (and men) to obey and love God more than anything. Choosing to be open to life is choosing to be a part of God's plan. Choosing to abstain from the maritial act (because YES the church knows there are things in life that make more children a possibly irresponsible decision) is STILL working with God and His plan. The key is that you are using your love for each other to work with God. Children are always a blessing, as is married love and sexuality. (embryos and fetus's are also a blessing! )

But God, (and the church) are concerned with your salvation and personal holiness, NOT how many babies you can “pop out.”

On a last note, I have three beautiful amazing children, and one waiting for me in heaven. I know that the baby I lost WAS in fact a baby when I lost her 3 months into pregnancy, just as much as I know the adorable, smiling children sitting with me in this room are living, breathing children.

You, and the many others who believe as I did before my conversion are in my prayers. I hope that life, regardless of your belief system, will always be treasured and preserved.

Thank you, and God bless
~*Ashley

Ashley,

Thank you for this reminder. I do get really heated when I see these topics. I too have lost three children all in the first trimester, and I tend to get very defensive when someone calls a pre born child a non human/person or whatever. I do feel very sorry for carjack, because something most have happened in her life to feel so cross toward these children. I will take a step back now and cease to contribute in this thread.

 

[hosemonkey]

Transubstantiation. While I believe that Christ is certainly present in the Eucharist, I don’t buy the idea that He shows up only after the priest says a few magic words.

Jesus Christ does not just “show up”, He is always present at the Mass. The bread and wine BECOME His Body and Blood when the words (His own words, by the way) 0f consecration are spoken by the priest. It is rude and disrespectful to call them “magic words”, no magic takes place but only the will of Christ (God Himself) to allow us to partake of His precious Body and Blood.

 

[mflaschner]

The oddest thing I find about Catholicism is the closed communion. I know the reasons given but find it hard to understand. Catholics tell us that the greatest thing about the Church is receiving Christ in the Eucharist. However if it is the greatest thing why do they not allow others to partake and experience it for themselves?

Catholics stress that unless you eat Christ’s flesh and drink His blood you have no life in yourself yet they do not allow their admitted brothers and sisters in Christ to experience it for themselves. Perhaps if a non-Catholic could experience what Catholics say they experience it would change them.

Before being fully catechized I felt this way too. Now that I have been baptized/confirmed, I’m reminded of the cheesy quote “with great power, comes great responsibility!” When I receive the Body and Blood of Christ and respond with “Amen” I am really saying “Yes, I Believe!” - how was I to affirm my belief until I knew what I was saying yes to!

Extra info:

catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0503073.htm

 

[ufamtobie]

I am not the only one who came up with the concept that an embryo is not a person until it is born. So yes me and many others. Contraception is not abortion. It is to prevent an embryo from forming/being developed. The biological difference is a person can breathe air. The embryo is in amniotic fluid. But the Catholics see sex as nothing more than to create life. So yes I find it odd.

Hi Carjack,

So when do you think that embryo “A Human” recieves his or her SOUL?

Carjack, you are forgeting about the Soul. The soul is given by God at the moment of conception.

So if you have practiced Contraception you have committed an abortion, therefore anyone who uses contraception is guitly of a grave sin.

Yes, many believe what you believe but are Totaly Wrong!

Ufamtobie

 

[Swan]

Hi Carjack,

So when do you think that embryo “A Human” recieves his or her SOUL?

Carjack, you are forgeting about the Soul. The soul is given by God at the moment of conception.

So if you have practiced Contraception you have committed an abortion, therefore anyone who uses contraception is guitly of a grave sin.

Yes, many believe what you believe but are Totaly Wrong!

Ufamtobie

I don’t agree. In fact I find it odd that a soul would inhabit a being without consciousness, non-sentient, as is the case with embryos and fetuses. Consciousness is late in developing. This is one of my main problems with the attempt to put the undeveloped/unborn on the same plane as fully developed/born/sentient beings. They aren’t equal. They both have a kind of life, but one is aware of itself and able to sustain itself without the aid of another human body. Once a fetus has reached the stage where it can survive outside the womb, even with the aid of machines, I would say that a c-section should be done instead of an aboriton. The baby could then be put on life support as any premie would. Also there was an earlier comment on breathing air as oppossed to aminoic (sp?) fluid and a response mentioning those who were unable to breath on their own (i.e., requiring a respirator). The differnce is that it is still oxygen they are breathing (the born and anyone on a respirator). There is no comparison.

 

[emeraldcoast]

The pill cause cancer and infertility what kind of spouse would ever ask their loved one to get use that just so they can have sex when ever they demanded it?

St. Lucy,

Honestly, saying that the BCP or Oral Contraceptives(OCs) causes cancer is being disingenuous by not giving the full story. Have you looked at the research on ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer? I think that you will be very surprised at the findings.

“Studies have consistently shown that using OCs reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. In a 1992 analysis of 20 studies of OC use and ovarian cancer, researchers from Harvard Medical School found that the risk of ovarian cancer decreased with increasing duration of OC use. Results showed a 10 to 12 percent decrease in risk after 1 year of use, and approximately a 50 percent decrease after 5 years of use.”

You may also want to look at this study and about infertily and the pill.
Study: Pregnancy Rate Same for Past Users, Nonusers of Oral Contraceptives
webmd.com/baby/news/20070508/past-pill-use-doesnt-lower-fertility

If the married couple would rather use non-hormonal methods of birth control, they do still have the option of the diaphram and condom.

 

[maryj]

They are a developing human at that point. They are not still a “person” until the embryo is born. In response to chewchoo.

Not a person, not what God says…
Jeremiah 1:4-5 The word of the Lord came to me thus: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.

BEFORE God formed you in your mothers womb He knew you. I’ll take God’s word. Choose life.

 

[allhers]

St. Lucy,

Honestly, saying that the BCP or Oral Contraceptives(OCs) causes cancer is being disingenuous by not giving the full story. Have you looked at the research on ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer? I think that you will be very surprised at the findings.

“Studies have consistently shown that using OCs reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. In a 1992 analysis of 20 studies of OC use and ovarian cancer, researchers from Harvard Medical School found that the risk of ovarian cancer decreased with increasing duration of OC use. Results showed a 10 to 12 percent decrease in risk after 1 year of use, and approximately a 50 percent decrease after 5 years of use.”

You may also want to look at this study and about infertily and the pill.
Study: Pregnancy Rate Same for Past Users, Nonusers of Oral Contraceptives
webmd.com/baby/news/20070508/past-pill-use-doesnt-lower-fertility

If the married couple would rather use non-hormonal methods of birth control, they do still have the option of the diaphram and condom.

emeraldcoast, you may want to take a look at this site:
thepillkills.com/effects.html

As for using other means of** artificial** birth control:
**That would be in opposition to the plan of God and His holy will also. **