Protestants; why won't you be CATHOLIC!?

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As God would have it, my son is now a born-again Christian and very involved in a Baptist Church (wants to be a youth pastor - praise the Lord!)…I am still praying for my daughter to find the true path…I know it will happen when God wants.
Woah… you think Catholics are unsaved?
 
No, sanctification is a part of salvation. It is true that justification will certainly result in sanctification. Here’s a quote from the Baptist Faith and Message which will clear up the Southern Baptist view of this:

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

B. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Thank you for explaining in such detail. It seems that our belief on this is not identical but very similar. We both believe that sanctification happens as a result of justification and that it is a gradual process beginning in regeneration, which sets us apart to God’s purposes.
 
Woah… you think Catholics are unsaved?
I did not say (nor do I think) that Catholics are unsaved - Only God knows for sure.

Where did you get the idea that this is what I think? Is it because I said that my son is a born again Christian? He found his church community on his own in his late teens (with the help of the Holy Spirit, I’m sure!) and decided that he wanted to be baptised as an adult and be born-again.

Regarding Catholics being saved or not, you may be interested in this link which gives a biblical perspective on the question.

gotquestions.org/catholicism.html
 
Where did you get the idea that this is what I think?
I am not Paul but I think he may have gotten the idea from what you wrote 🤷
My greatest regret is that I raised my children Catholic and I feel that I have somewhat failed as a parent for not researching sooner so that** I could have set them on the right path from an early age.** As God would have it, my son is now a born-again Christian and very involved in a Baptist Church (wants to be a youth pastor - praise the Lord!)….I am still praying for my daughter to find the true path…I know it will happen when God wants.
Then of course you go on to refer him to a site which states that if a Catholic is saved it is despite their Catholic beliefs… ie the only saved Catholic is the one who is not Catholic.

God bless
 
I’ll try again. 😉 The bread and wine undergo no physical change. My view is not that Christ is present in a physical way, but rather that Christ is spiritually present. God then uses the experience of Communion as a means of grace when a worthy believer receives the elements. The grace is not bound up in the bread and wine, but God uses the ordinances as one way to reach out to us and meet us by faith.

In short, I hold to the Calvinist or Reformed view of the ordinances; most other U.S. Baptists hold to memorialism.
I was a protester, now Catholic going on a year plus, and can say that there is a transcendent power of Grace in the sacraments, and since God is transcendent (as evidenced by Jesus using Father in reference to God) the power of Grace is transcendent as well. The will that moves our actions is itself moved by the spirit, the soul, within and united to us. This is powered either by us alone or by us in union with God, Jesus’ “yoke”. A yoke is made for two oxen. His “yoke” is easy because He is also pulling, indicating some work does need to be done by us, a cooperation if you will.

A search for the truth is a search for Jesus, who is the Truth, the Truth of philosophy, theology, love, grace, power of action in the soul, and the proper end of all things in creation. Jesus saves, how, is a mystery. The different meanings or even personal interpretations of the Scripture is certainly not the end of the reality of what is taking place, this must be decided authoritatively as the apostles were charged to do. Their successors contended with Jesus’ divinity, Arianism, divine nature, Nestorianism, and many other heresies, doctrines of the Church that protestants mostly agree with today. This authority is exercised by the Catholic Church still today and its teachings have stood the test of time in as much as the members of sinful humanity, as we all are, running the Church have not. What the Church stands for is guided by the Holy Spirit. This authority is what brought me to accept grace in faith, to accept the “yoke” of Jesus and His help in the power of the sacraments of His Church.
 
I’ll try again. 😉 The bread and wine undergo no physical change. My view is not that Christ is present in a physical way, but rather that Christ is spiritually present. God then uses the experience of Communion as a means of grace when a worthy believer receives the elements. The grace is not bound up in the bread and wine, but God uses the ordinances as one way to reach out to us and meet us by faith.

In short, I hold to the Calvinist or Reformed view of the ordinances; most other U.S. Baptists hold to memorialism.
Hm, first post, but i’ve been reading from these forums from time to time.
So I’m sort of sorry to pick on your post first to comment on,

This is reference link to what I am trying to say,
catholic-legate.com/articles/transubstantiation_explained.html

but, basically, the Catholic Church believes (see “catechism transubstantiation” in google) believes that the SUBSTANCE of the Eucharist changes, and not the molecules or physical properties of the actual bread.
I know that Protestants would believe that Christ is in you, and that you can feel the presence of Christ around you literally, which all refers to the fact that something normal in this world, a SUBSTANCE in this world has been literally changed. Regular things can change in SUBSTANCE and ESSENCE because God is not limited to anything.

Therefore, to believe in transubstantiation in quite consistent with Christianity beliefs. Though we cannot see an actual difference of “atmosphere” or “air” when the Holy Spirit is around, we can feel a thickness in the air, we can feel the chills throughout our body during worship and agree that there are been a REAL, SUBSTANCE change…

Does this make a little sense?

When I take communion, I don’t think that I’m just only repeating a spiritual ritual or remembrance act, but I really hope and believe in faith that I am letting Jesus permeate throughout my body and I feel so joyful that I am loved by God so much that I am able to digest him into my body. The closeness I feel during communion is not symbolic, I believe there has been a substance change and it’s in faith I believe this. Though the “physical properties” of the bread never really changed, I know the substance did, and THIS is what I believe the Catholic Church teaches on transubstantiation…

my two cents 😉
 
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Klh24:
The main reason why I am no longer catholic is that I believe that Jesus shows us how to have abundant life. Abundant life means giving oneself to others. It means loving people to the extent that we ourselves are vulnerable. It means stepping beyond our comfort zone to love people as they are, whoever they are. I found that catholicism failed to let me do this.
Hi, welcome to the forum.

I guess you are referring to Jn 10:10. It means ultimately the eternal life, but nevertheless to logically achieve this objective one must have abundant life on this earth in order than we can live a life that is required of us. You are right to some extant as to the implication of abundant life and what it truly means.

However how you achieve the things you said you want to do – that requires grace of God. I must say that grace comes from the power of the Holy Spirit because on our own we are natural human and of the flesh. How do you think you can achieve those ideals if you are relying on your own strength?

You will find that grace in the person of Jesus and in His Church. Therefore you cannot exclude the Catholic Church as the foundation for you to achieve that.
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Klh24:
Abundant life means giving oneself to others. It means loving people to the extent that we ourselves are vulnerable. It means stepping beyond our comfort zone to love people as they are, whoever they are.
I found the Catholic Church allows us to do exactly just that. Mother Teresa would come to mind perhaps because she was one of the more famous Christians in this area of ministry. What is your impression of her in this aspect?
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Klh24:
The institutionalized homophobia (demonstrated when the pope called same-sex marriage a threat to world peace), the subjugation of women (I guess the presence of a penis is essential to ordination), the attempts to control people through guilt (think of how much of the liturgy is begging forgiveness), the sheer tribalism (protestant churches are allegedly not churches but ecclesial communities) and the ignorance of modern science (claiming Adam and Eve were real people and original sin was a literal event rather than an attempt to describe the human condition) were all an impediment to living life abundantly.
Not exactly true of the Catholic Church unfortunately. Even if some of those are true, there is rationale for them.

God bless.
 
Tell me why you do not accept what theBible says about how to be saved? Acts 16:31?
That is a complete misunderstanding on your part, Clark. We Catholics do believe it but you only require to believed. We believe, and are baptized. I would suggest you read the entire passage rather than just one verse.

Take a look for yourself.

31 But they said: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. 33 And he, taking them the same hour of the night, washed their stripes, and himself was baptized, and all his house immediately. 34 And when he had brought them into his own house, he laid the table for them, and rejoiced with all his house, believing God. 35 And when the day was come, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. - Book of Acts Chapter 16:31-35
 
I was born and raised Roman Catholic, including 6 years in Catholic Boarding school (in Italy - with nuns even!) and received Catholic Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage. With several priests in the family and being raised by nuns (and a very devout mother) I was well indoctrinated in the Catholic faith…sometimes going to regular mass on Sunday morning and Latin mass in the afternoon.

All the years as a Catholic, I never read a Bible from cover to cover.
I wonder after all that years you been a Catholic, you never read the Bible? Perhaps, I miss the memo that the Pope send that discourages Catholics to the Bible when it fact it does. The Liturgy of the Mass comes straight from the Scripture, the First Reading (OT), Second Reading (Letters), and Gospels (One of the four Gospels). Surely, when you heard it being read out loud, it might encourage you to read the Bible on your own. I did.

Second, these inconsistence you have about Scripture and Catholic doctrines? Most of that is your fallible interpretation of our doctrine. You might be indoctrinated in the faith, but personally, I do not think you taken it from very seriously, and during that time, I ponder whether you had a prayful life. As a Catholic, there are no inconsistence in Scripture.

There are thousands in inconsistences with Protestant beliefs because each Protestant is his own magisterium. You won’t find one unity set of belief. Some pastor might have different view on the Rapture, while another says that there will be multiple Second Coming…7 maybe…
 
Hm, first post, but i’ve been reading from these forums from time to time.
So I’m sort of sorry to pick on your post first to comment on,

This is reference link to what I am trying to say,
catholic-legate.com/articles/transubstantiation_explained.html

but, basically, the Catholic Church believes (see “catechism transubstantiation” in google) believes that the SUBSTANCE of the Eucharist changes, and not the molecules or physical properties of the actual bread.
I know that Protestants would believe that Christ is in you, and that you can feel the presence of Christ around you literally, which all refers to the fact that something normal in this world, a SUBSTANCE in this world has been literally changed. Regular things can change in SUBSTANCE and ESSENCE because God is not limited to anything.

Therefore, to believe in transubstantiation in quite consistent with Christianity beliefs. Though we cannot see an actual difference of “atmosphere” or “air” when the Holy Spirit is around, we can feel a thickness in the air, we can feel the chills throughout our body during worship and agree that there are been a REAL, SUBSTANCE change…

Does this make a little sense?

When I take communion, I don’t think that I’m just only repeating a spiritual ritual or remembrance act, but I really hope and believe in faith that I am letting Jesus permeate throughout my body and I feel so joyful that I am loved by God so much that I am able to digest him into my body. The closeness I feel during communion is not symbolic, I believe there has been a substance change and it’s in faith I believe this. Though the “physical properties” of the bread never really changed, I know the substance did, and THIS is what I believe the Catholic Church teaches on transubstantiation…

my two cents 😉
Thank you Sunohc for that post, much more than two cents worth, it is the whole truth and center of what we believe the Holy Eucharist to be, HIS WHOLE BODY SOUL AND DIVINITY under the appearance of bread and wine.Carlan
 
Hi!
I’m not a catholic because they tend to fight around a lot. This is pretty much the same reason I’m not a muslim either I think. Although muslims got some pretty nasty stuff in that book of theirs. The local lutheran chuch is pretty much about being good to others and not leaving anyone outside so I find it likeable. Its all about being good to everyone else I guess!

PS: My first real post here! I hope you dont mind me being a lutheran!
 
What is your definition of Catholic?

Fr. Mark
ACNA
Okay, since you asked, my definition of being CATHOLIC is this;

1 - Accepting the pope as the actual office place decended line from peter in the bible.
2 - That Christ literally meant “on this rock I will build this church”, and that the catholic church is the one church that remained the same church that was errected by peter.
3 - That you can pray to and with the communion of saints.
4 - That you can pray to Mary.

Does this make sense? 🤷 I think that I didn’t write these sentences properly…

Wait! I will add that you don’t have to go to catholic chruch to be catholic!

xxx zundrah (jennifer) xxx
 
Hi!
I’m not a catholic because they tend to fight around a lot. This is pretty much the same reason I’m not a muslim either I think. Although muslims got some pretty nasty stuff in that book of theirs. The local lutheran chuch is pretty much about being good to others and not leaving anyone outside so I find it likeable. Its all about being good to everyone else I guess!

PS: My first real post here! I hope you dont mind me being a lutheran!
LOL - you are funny! We don’t mind you being a Lutheran! 😃
 
Coming from someone who is leaving the protestant side of this discussion. I would say that my total misconceptions and lack of understaning on the Catholic Churche’s teachings and beliefs are what held me back. I was a “solid” baptist boy. I was one of the youth leaders in my church, and started giving sermons at community events. Heck, I even preached at the Dixie Youth World Series Community Service. It was my study of scripture and history that lead me to search for answers. Those answers came form the Catholic Church. This lead me further into the teachings about Mary and others many of us protestants have against the Catholic Church. This all started making sense to me. Long story short; here I am on my way home (to the CC), and loving every minuite of it!
In the article given about the salvation of catholics and the belief of works and so on to be saved. To me, it’s belief and love of Christ that command us to follow his teachings. Which move us to “work” for his name. The works are our “fruit” of our faith.
A faith without works is a dead faith. And to me, a dead faith is no faith.
A vine without fruit is a dead vine. And to me, a dead vine is the same as no vine.

God bless,
Jesse
 
Hi!
I’m not a catholic because they tend to fight around a lot. This is pretty much the same reason I’m not a muslim either I think. Although muslims got some pretty nasty stuff in that book of theirs. The local lutheran chuch is pretty much about being good to others and not leaving anyone outside so I find it likeable. Its all about being good to everyone else I guess!
Welcome to the forums korotkov. Since this is your first post I will try my best to go easy on you 😉

However could you explain by what you mean when you say Catholics “fight around a lot”?
PS: My first real post here! I hope you dont mind me being a lutheran!
I do not mind. There are quite a few Lutheran posters around here who have had positive contributions.

God bless you
 
Tell me why you do not accept what theBible says about how to be saved? Acts 16:31?
He had already repented though. and he practically said that he believed in christ, since he believed in wanting to get saved… the apostles just said that since they could tell he had everything else to get saved. faith especially.
 
Code:
Justification = Salvation.
This is a modern notion that departs significantly from what the Apostles believed and taught. The Apostles did not separate justification from sanctification and glorification. All of these were “salvation” to them.
Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. His blood washes away our sins and believers are saved because of Jesus’ sacrifice. We can do nothing to earn salvation.
Are you under the misapprehension that sanctification and glorification are “earned”?
Code:
Sanctification is a result of (but not a condition for) salvation. Once saved, the Holy Spirit enters our life and moves us to live the life God wants for us. However, Sanctification does not stop at salvation, but  is a process that continues in a Christian's life.
We are in agreement that sanctification is a process of moving toward holiness. However, since nothing unclean can enter heaven, we should not think that we will enter in any state but fully sanctified.
Code:
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from youselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do " (Eph. 2:8,9).
Catholics believe that the holy works that God predestined for us are as much a part of our salvation as the gift of faith. 👍
 
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