Protestants: why do you participate on a Catholic forum?

[look3467]

With all due respect brother,I do not agree on your analysis of the breaking of the Bread. Jesus many times makes explicit the prayer that we all BE ONE like the Father and Jesus are One. As long as we are divided under the Holy Name we are causing scandal to our Cause and we are the laughing stock of people of other religions…
The Spirit of God is neither confusion nor division.

We may be divided in words, which can cause, as you say, scandal, but in spirit we should all be one, for we all fall under the cleansing blood of Christ.

Jesus picked a diverse character bunch, for He knew that only love would bond them together.

Stop and think for a moment…would God have only but one group of peoples of all the earth to love only?

The world is divided into many races, languages, colors and religious views.

Is God not greater than all of them?

Those of us who knowing to do good and do it not, does not only reflect what we believe in but also who we believe in.

A Catholic, a Protestant, and Muslim and any other belief system is “what they believe in” but not necessarily “who” they believe in.

If Jesus is who they believe in, then His blood covers them all.

The number 12 is representative of this worlds things, as a dozen , twelve Months, 12 members of a jury and truly covers everything diverse.

Yet the number 10, (Ten Commandments)representative of the heavenly things was required of everything.

Jesus, by the shedding of blood covers for us the 10 while we are in the 12 and make us 1 with God as He and the Father are ONE!

Listen, we are all different with respect to our level of spirituality.

We are what we have learned via the experience of diversities, because in them we find God to lead and to guide us according to what we are able to understand.

For some, their spiritual level allows them to experience only certain levels of understanding which may be in contrast to others within the same category. (Church)

Deeper truths are understood through the fires of tribulations and all must go through them in their own time and way.

What does help and hold many together is groups of the same thought.
But even then, there will be times of growth that that group may no longer provide and must look else where.

I speak of personal life experience. My life has always been a spiritual learning experience which brought me to my present understanding.

I see, I believe the way God sees things, from above looking downward, and not as man sees, looking up-ward.

Makes allot of difference, in that God’s view is free from any man made understanding.

Jesus’ arms and hands were “Nailed” in the stretched out open position, keeping in place His open door policy, life Insurance.

Blessing’s, AJ

 

[Danimal]

I want to learn about other practices and beliefs of other Christians.
I also participate in a United Methodist site called umcommunities.org
Most Methodists I know don’t know anything about other denominations or Catholicism nor do they really want to.
I am interested in the Catholic point of view as well as Methodism.
Peace

 

[HeWillProvide]

FYI:

this was just a question out of curiosity. It wasn’t intended to be read as, WHY do you come on THIS forum?

It was more just, I am wondering why some non-Catholics like to be on this forum.
Thanks for the answers!

 

[gcnuss]

What drew you to participate on a Catholic forum instead of one from your own denomination, or of another denomination, like Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, etc.??

As a Lutheran, I come to this forum to learn about Catholicism – part of my spiritual ancestry – and, as I am able, to explain Lutheranism. I enjoy and appreciate the dialogue here.

I also participate in a Lutheran forum, but I have a lot more fun here.

 

[Jrush]

Why did I come?

Pure curiousity and fascination!

To be more detailed, I’ve studied and looked into the Catholic church almost all my life; when I was a kid, everything I knew about the RCC I learned from reading Chick tracts. For those who don’t know what they are, they’re great tools for evangelising non-Christians but are so nice to Catholics. But, the books were like comic books, so I poured into them.

As I grew older, my research became less dependent on just one or few sources; I only got to meet a few Catholics in person, and only a couple didn’t seem nearly scared to death to discuss thier beliefs in a predominately-Protestant town.
So, right now, I’m on the fence in my beliefs toward the RCC.

Here, I’ll get to meet RCC’s who perhaps find it easier to profess thier beliefs online than in person. We may never completely agree with each other, but maybe you and I can learn from each other (or try to) and be True Brothers and Sisters In Christ. Worth a shot!

 

[Peter_J]

Which one? I never found any active Anglican forums. The only really busy forums are all extreme right wing likes this one …

I agree that CAF is “right wing”, but I wouldn’t say that it’s “extreme right wing”.

 

[Nino]

Frankly after reading the various same ole comments from non-catholics.I dont think they really are looking for an answer or guidance…after all,we have official books that correctly state our position on all church matters,viz: doctrine etc…to ask anon people about the truth of such and such is like reading books on Theodore Roosevelt written by the likes of McCullogh,or Brands,or Morris, or Dalton…hardly much truth there about this great man…one goes to the speechs and books he wrote for the truth…same as this tread…go to the source…or is it sauce…sad what the Americanos had as a diet before we Italos came over with our sauce etc…sad faces turned to smiles of contentment…

 

[shamalbp]

I grew up in the Catholic Church and can certainly understand what you are saying. Some people are very friendly and welcoming but you’ll find that in any church. We live out in the country and the nearest Catholic church is about 12 miles away. When we do go it’s like we don’t even exist so we don’t go very often. It’s not comforting at all. We prefer a church where the Word of God is spoken, where children are valued from conception on (a pro-life church) and where everyone is welcomed and made to feel at home. I did not have that feeling in Catholic churches in big cities or small towns. In fact, when I lived in a different country and didn’t know the language I was told by a priest that it didn’t matter if I understood anything or not but my body had to be in Church every Sunday! That was a huge turn-off for me!

I’m sorry you have had those experiences, but am not surprised. Each person has a different need to be met at Mass; yours may be affirmation or friendship. I go to Mass, not to make friends, but to listen and learn. Having 8 kids, I want/need quiet time to reflect on the Gospels and what God is trying to tell me that week, rather than smiling at the family sitting behind us. If that makes me unwlecoming, so be it. Additionally, I have to think that if 12 miles away is too far for you to make it to Mass “very often”, then Mass is not very important to you and you may be looking for excuses to justify your decision. For Catholics, Mass is about worshipping God. The donuts offered afterward are about welcome and friendship.

 

[joyfulseraph]

I don’t really consider myself a protestant anymore. I wanted to learn more and ask questions, I’ve been seeking truth! To be a part of any other forum, protestant or of another religion, would only get me further from it and questions unanswered and false ideas about the church.

 

[herminator]

Why I´m here as a protestant?

Easy: because I don´t want to learn about catholicism from Jack T. Chick!

 

[Jon_Hus]

Protestants: why do you participate on a Catholic forum?

Several reasons, because I like to stir up hornets nests, because I want to bone up on current (Roman) laymen’s thinking, to practice debate, to see if there is anyone out there who can debate Roman theology based on actual theology not popular thinking.

I limit my posting to this forum because it is supposed to be for non-Roman Catholics. Several things in that regard I find amusing, first is when a Roman Catholic asks a Protestant a question, there generally follows numerous Roman Catholics answering the question (for the Protestants). Another observation is this gem of an answer, “just attend mass, it will answer all of your questions” as if just watching the ritual unfold will somehow transform depraved hearts and minds. At the heart of this thinking though is the idea that Protestants would be Roman Catholics if only they went to church enough and read her Catechism books. This all supposes that Protestants in-mass know nothing about the Roman Church, which may or may not be the case. Of course, there is the ever popular “I was raised in a xxxx church, but I have come home” as if that experience transcends everything theological and carries more weight than the person who states the opposite “I was raised RCC but I’m now born again”.

Another stock answer, “We (RCC) were first”. What follows is a total lack of historical evidence to prove the point. Then there is “traditions of the fathers”, sometimes, for example with the Rosary, the “fathers” are hundreds of years into the middle ages with nothing in the actual “writings of the fathers” to support the practice for the first 500+ years of “The Church”.

Others have mentioned how things are great as long as you agree with the Roman Catholics here but once you “get out of line”, better duck. This non-Catholic section of the forum is supposed to be open to all but in practice it is limited.

There are a few nice people on this forum and a few that are well informed. Why they don’t rein in the teenagers (you know the ones that answer complex questions with (one) three word sentence and as many emotion icons) though is a mystery to me.

 

[Peter_J]

Of course, there is the ever popular “I was raised in a xxxx church, but I have come home” as if that experience transcends everything theological and carries more weight than the person who states the opposite “I was raised RCC but I’m now born again”.

Just so. There’s plenty of people on both sides who think that “I used to be like you, but then I saw the light and converted to (Catholicism/Protestantism)” is an air-tight proof that they’re right and the other side is wrong.

There are a few nice people on this forum and a few that are well informed. Why they don’t rein in the teenagers (you know the ones that answer complex questions with (one) three word sentence and as many emotion icons) though is a mystery to me.

Why don’t we rein them in? Would that we could! They’re not doing Catholicism any favors, I can tell you that.

 

[GraceDK]

Protestants: why do you participate on a Catholic forum?

Several reasons, because I like to stir up hornets nests, .

For some reason you remind me of this smiley-icon:
:hey_bud:

Ever consider a class in rhetorics? I didn’t take one myself… but I did hear the saying that if you want to change things, start by saying saying ten nice things about the person you talk to. After that he will listen to your criticism and take it to heart…



I also want to give you an old rabbinical story:
A rabbi asked his disciples: If you pray at daybreak how do you know when daybreak occurs? One of the students said it is when from a distance in the wilderness you can discern the difference between a lamb and a dog. The rabbi shook his head. Another student said that daybreak occurs when you can see the outline of your own hand in the beginning sunlight. The rabbi similarly admonished. A third student said that daybreak occurs at the point not of sight but of hearing the sounds of the birds, but the rabbi admonished again. And after each student had had an opportunity to define daybreak, the rabbi said: “Dawn occurs when you look in the faces of those around you, and recognize that they are your brothers and your sisters; until that time it is always night.

Peace to you.

 

[graceandglory]

Well we are not welcome to your church! I served in a Catholic Church and I never felt so unwelcomed in my life. I have 5 Children and they were forbidden to go to the youth. I couldn’t get people to smile at me. I started coming to this site while I was attending a Catholic Church. And then I seen Catholics bashing Protestants on this site and wondered
'How can people say they have the real presence of Jesus and be so mean?" Jesus said you will know them by the fruit they bear. Well I’m still waiting. People are nice as long as you agree, but as soon as you don’t they let you have it. So I went back to my Protestant Church with lots of Hugs and Kisses. I really don’t know how long I will be on this site.

Sounds like a case of leaving Jesus because of a couple of Judases.
There are mean protestants too.

 

[Jon_Hus]

For some reason you remind me of this smiley-icon:
:hey_bud:

Ever consider a class in rhetorics? I didn’t take one myself… but I did hear the saying that if you want to change things, start by saying saying ten nice things about the person you talk to. After that he will listen to your criticism and take it to heart…



IPeace to you.

I’m certain the real life GraceDK is as sweet as honey, but I wonder, why are you on the Non-Catholic section of this forum?

Have a great day,
Jon

 

[cheese_sdc]

I agree that CAF is “right wing”, but I wouldn’t say that it’s “extreme right wing”.

It’s pretty out there.

 

[Radical]

Protestants: why do you participate on a Catholic forum?

In a lot of ways Jon Hus answered the question for me…which, I guess should be expected b/c the original Jon Hus often spoke my position.

Several reasons, because I like to stir up hornets nests, because I want to bone up on current (Roman) laymen’s thinking, to practice debate, to see if there is anyone out there who can debate Roman theology based on actual theology not popular thinking.

to this I would add the reasons of:

1. refining my answers to the RC claim that the RCC is the one true church by conversing with intelligent and informed posters; and
2. learning where my understanding of RCism is in error.

I limit my posting to this forum because it is supposed to be for non-Roman Catholics.

same here

Several things in that regard I find amusing, first is when a Roman Catholic asks a Protestant a question, there generally follows numerous Roman Catholics answering the question (for the Protestants). Another observation is this gem of an answer, “just attend mass, it will answer all of your questions” as if just watching the ritual unfold will somehow transform depraved hearts and minds. At the heart of this thinking though is the idea that Protestants would be Roman Catholics if only they went to church enough and read her Catechism books.

…and provided that they were searching for truth with an open mind

This all supposes that Protestants in-mass know nothing about the Roman Church, which may or may not be the case. Of course, there is the ever popular “I was raised in a xxxx church, but I have come home” as if that experience transcends everything theological and carries more weight than the person who states the opposite “I was raised RCC but I’m now born again”.

absolutely spot on!

Another stock answer, “We (RCC) were first”. What follows is a total lack of historical evidence to prove the point.

…and sometimes we are provided with a string of posts listing the standard proof texts that supposedly establish the RC position…with the beautiful irony that, on occasion, the proof text actually contradicts the RC position (when read in context) and very often the proof text doesn’t state what the RC needs it to state.

Then there is “traditions of the fathers”, sometimes, for example with the Rosary, the “fathers” are hundreds of years into the middle ages with nothing in the actual “writings of the fathers” to support the practice for the first 500+ years of “The Church”.

again, absolutely spot on!

There are a few nice people on this forum and a few that are well informed.

there are indeed some wonderful RC brothers to be found here

Why they don’t rein in the teenagers (you know the ones that answer complex questions with (one) three word sentence and as many emotion icons) though is a mystery to me.

One would hope that their belligerence would lessen after exposure to a reasoned and calm response, but anything other than an answer admitting that “you are absolutely right, the RCC has not erred in any of its doctrine” only results in further hostile remarks.

 

[Peter_J]

I limit my posting to this forum because it is supposed to be for non-Roman Catholics.

Well, technically, this forum is for other religions, not other Christians. So I could say (if I was to get nit-picky ) that your participation on this forum suggests that you consider Catholicism and Protestantism to be two different religions.

But seriously, since some people do sometimes read the intra-Christian debates on the Non-Catholic Religions forum and conclude that Catholicism and Protestantism are two different religions, I try to occasionally post a reminder that in Christianity is ONE religion (from the Catholic p.o.v., not meaning any offense to Evangelicals who believe otherwise). Of course, we could try to hold these intra-Christian debates on one of the other CAF forums, but I think that would be impractical.

 

[soflochristmas]

Thats soooo sad!
The whole body of Christ is sick. The WHOLE BODY of Christ… that means every denomination or church or house church or whatever… there are problems every where,
WHY?
Its written:
Not one limb is sick without that the whole body suffers.
The body of Christ is torn into pieces… its a catastrophe. When unity is missing, we all suffer the different effects either with doctrine or with tepidity, lack of fellowship or something else. I also found the life and fellowship in the Catholic Church is often missing. But I did find some that are great, and where the priest knows the name of everyone and people sit together long after Sunday mass.
I became a Catholic in Medjugorje… a church that had everything the first Christians testified: miracles, love, peace, unity, enthusiasm, great preaching, fellowship, Eucharist and sound doctrine… for the most part.
I became Catholic not because my parishioners should make me feel good, although fellowship is a hugely important thing… but I am where I am because Jesus called me there.
You can sit at any bar or country clup and have fellowship if thats all you want. What I am seacrhing for is Truth… that Truth is Christ… and He is the reason.

Which is why the only question is “where is the Eucharist”? Where is the “apostolic Church”? Where are Jesus’ “priests”? That’s where I need and want to be. The rest I/we can work on.

 

[sail1993]

Well, this is a good question. One might think that non-Catholics post here just to stir up anger. It’s good to see that is not the norm.

I am a Catholic so feel very much at home here. For all those that are not Catholic it is good to have you here. We welcome your questions and are happy to help you understand the Catholic faith and it’s sacraments. If we seen harsh sometimes I don’t think it’s because we don’t like non-Catholics but rather is probably because most of us have had to put up with non-Catholics calling us Papist, telling us that we are not Christians, that we worship idols, etc. It leads one to become very defensive of what one holds so dear.

I think most Catholics welcome the opportunity to educate and converse with those who are curious out the Church.

In closing, WELCOME! and may God Bless you all.

Yours in Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Sail