Questions For Catholics.

[crazzeto]

Part II

#2: Why do you confess to a priest rather than to God?

A very good answer was given here. We do so because it is exactly what Jesus commanded. He didn’t say “just pray for forgivenss to the father”, he said “confess your sins to each other”. He also gave the Apostles the authority to forgive sins.

#3: What’s the deal with having a pope and saints?

Well you know what the Saints are now, or certainly should. Someone in heaven. Unless you want to be damned for all time, you want to be a Saint. As far as the Pope, he is the Bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter (You know, Simon Peter, Cephas, The Rock (Cephas) on which the church is built). Why do we have Bishops? Well

1 1 Timothy 3

1 A faithful saying: if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 1 Timothy 3

2 It behoveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher,

3 Titus 1

7 For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:

4 1 Peter 2

25 For you were as sheep going astray; but you are now converted to the shepherd and **bishop **of your souls.

Christ left a living Church to uphold and defend the faith

1 1 Timothy 3 Found 7

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Christ did not leave, and never intended to leave a dead book to guide your faith. I suggest to you, the book (written by a Anglican Convert to Catholisism in ~1907)

Where We Got the Bible… Our Debt to the Catholic Church

#4: Do you preach in your churches or is it all ritual?

Half of the Mass is all about the Bible, this is the Liturgy of the Word. The second half of the Mass is all about the Eucharist which is Jesus. To explain the Eucharist, I will leave you with with the Bible, and Justin Martyr, one of the early Christians, beheaded for the faith, who was taught directly by the Apostolic Fathers.

St. Justin Martyer
earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html

CHAPTER LXVI – OF THE EUCHARIST.

And this food is called among us Eukaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour,** having been made flesh by the Word of God**, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh. For the apostles, in the memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, have thus delivered unto us what was enjoined upon them; that Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, said, “This do ye in remembrance of Me, this is My body;” and that, after the same manner, having taken the cup and given thanks, **He said, “This is My blood;” **and gave it to them alone. Which the wicked devils have imitated in the mysteries of Mithras, commanding the same thing to be done. For, that bread and a cup of water are placed with certain incantations in the mystic rites of one who is being initiated, you either know or can learn.

Matthew 26

26 And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. 27 And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins. 29 And I say to you, I will not drink from henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father. 30 And a hymn being said, they went out unto mount Olivet.

#5: Why do you annoint with oil?

About Sacramentals
newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm

Holy Oil
newadvent.org/cathen/07421b.htm

#6: Do you always agree with what the pope declares or says?

Please feel free to respond. God Bless.

The Pope is the Patriarch of Christendom, the successor of St. Peter the Rock upon which the Church is built (his name, “Peter” is literally “Rock”, Jesus said “You are [Rock] and upon this [Rock] I will build my Church”). I can offer more scriptual support for the Primacy of St Peter, but my fiance just called and I need to go to the grocery store. I hope this was informative.

 

[Scottgun]

And another when they made this doctrine so that the vadicant can protect the priest in a molestation charge.

It is not a doctrine, but rather a media distortion of the document *Crimen Sollicitationis. *The US council of Catholic bishops rebut the false claims about the document here: usccb.org/comm/archives/2003/03-165.shtml.

 

[choy]

Alright… Getting a good feel of it so far. Accept perhaps number six on as to whether or not you’ll always agree with the Pope. Most of you answered “yes” when dealing with faith and morality.
But once I heard that the Pope declared that condums should not be permitted to help stop the spread of aids in Africa. And another when they made this doctrine so that the vadicant can protect the priest in a molestation charge. I don’t know if I agree with that. Like when Jesus said it was more lawful to heal someone on the Sabbath than to turn a blind eye. And to not judge by mere appearences and make the right judgement.

if there is no other way to stop AIDS except though condoms, i’m pretty sure the church will approve that. but there are many ways to stop AIDS aside from condoms and therefore the Pope won’t resort to something that will compromise the faith

 

[Bill_Pick]

I’m protestant, and I’ve been investigating in Catholosism since I’ve been impressed with answers I’ve recieved to previous questions. I want to ask some questions, and if you can, give me a scriptual response. Of cousre, I won’t limit you to scripture, But if you could, just give me a good explanation:

#1: Why do you pray to Mary rather than God?

#2: Why do you confess to a priest rather than to God?

#3: What’s the deal with having a pope and saints?

#4: Do you preach in your churches or is it all ritual?

#5: Why do you annoint with oil?

#6: Do you always agree with what the pope declares or says?

Please feel free to respond. God Bless.

Well start with #2 Because the Bible said I think John 22-23, #5 Its in the Bible,Nt and OT #6 YES #4 No #3 Its like having a CEO

 

[Bill_Pick]

Well start with #2 Because the Bible said I think John 22-23, #5 Its in the Bible,Nt and OT #6 YES #4 No #3 Its like having a CEO

I.m trying to cook dinner so let me get back to you, I have made a mess of this,Sorry

 

[Scottgun]

if there is no other way to stop AIDS except though condoms, i’m pretty sure the church will approve that. but there are many ways to stop AIDS aside from condoms and therefore the Pope won’t resort to something that will compromise the faith

Since there is always another way to prevent getting AIDS (abstinence), the Church will never approve condoms.

 

[wisdomseeker]

I’m protestant, and I’ve been investigating in Catholosism since I’ve been impressed with answers I’ve recieved to previous questions. I want to ask some questions, and if you can, give me a scriptual response. Of cousre, I won’t limit you to scripture, But if you could, just give me a good explanation:

#1: Why do you pray to Mary rather than God?

#2: Why do you confess to a priest rather than to God?

#3: What’s the deal with having a pope and saints?

#4: Do you preach in your churches or is it all ritual?

#5: Why do you annoint with oil?

#6: Do you always agree with what the pope declares or says?

Please feel free to respond. God Bless.

do you believe that Jesus is God?

do you believe that Jesus commanded St Peter to feed His sheep?

do you believe that Jesus built a Church? when did He build His Church?

do you believe God called 12 Apostles and gave them commands? do you believe Jesus gave these 12 any authority?

do you believe that the Bible says that the Church of the Living God is the Pillar and Bullward of the Truth?

do you believe that St Peter had any authority when he condemned saphire and her husband for lying?

Peace
:byzsoc:

 

[MrZetterlund]

do you believe that Jesus is God?

do you believe that Jesus commanded St Peter to feed His sheep?

do you believe that Jesus built a Church? when did He build His Church?

do you believe God called 12 Apostles and gave them commands? do you believe Jesus gave these 12 any authority?

do you believe that the Bible says that the Church of the Living God is the Pillar and Bullward of the Truth?

do you believe that St Peter had any authority when he condemned saphire and her husband for lying?

Peace
:byzsoc:

Lol. You gotta remember dude, I wasn’t raised Catholic. I don’t don’t know anything about Catholosism. I was braught up protestant and it’s not like you ever see any Catholic evangelists or missionaries…

 

[MrZetterlund]

You should go to a Mass in a Catholic Church so that you can see for yourself what actually happens.

What the heck is “Mass” -?

 

[wisdomseeker]

What the heck is “Mass” -?

Is this your approach to learn about the CC?

**
O truth, you are present to those who seek your help, and at one and the same time you answer all, though they seek your counsel on different matters. You respond clearly, but not everyone hears clearly. All ask what they wish, but do not always hear the answer they wish. Your best servant is he who is intent not so much on hearing his petition answered, as rather on willing whatever he hears from you.
St Augustine**

 

[Bill_Pick]

Lol. You gotta remember dude, I wasn’t raised Catholic. I don’t don’t know anything about Catholosism. I was braught up protestant and it’s not like you ever see any Catholic evangelists or missionaries…

If I count right we have 6 questions and I said yes on all question thats a big BINGO =======Iam smarter then I think===Please do not answer that Question======LOL

 

[heathernoel]

#1: Why do you pray to Mary rather than God?

#2: Why do you confess to a priest rather than to God?

#3: What’s the deal with having a pope and saints?

#4: Do you preach in your churches or is it all ritual?

#5: Why do you annoint with oil?

#6: Do you always agree with what the pope declares or says?

Please feel free to respond. God Bless.

Hi! I am swimmin’ the river, and I’ll be happy to give you my “basic” understanding

1. We don’t pray to God. When Jesus was on the cross, He gave His mother to John, and said (from John 19:27) When Jesus saw his mother 11 and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

I believe that this means that She is my Mother. I often asked my Mother for things and asked Her advice when I was growing up, and my kiddos do the same. She is Immaculate, conceived without sin, and has the Blessed Womb that Held my Lord.

On a personal level, I talk to Her because she too knows how it feels to lose an innocent Son. I’ve lost two…she knows my pain.

1. Confessing to a priest (I so can’t wait for this…I get to go soon!!).
   I can only explain it to you the way it was explained to me. The Church IS the body of Christ. There are no victimless sins. My sins hurt me, and therefore, His body. I need absolution and the forgiveness from His heart and His body. By talking to a priest, and getting absolution for my sins against Him, I am getting forgiveness from His body. Make sense?
2. Pope and Saints Pope…first one…St. Peter! Jesus left Peter in charge. It is only with fervent prayers and discussions that Popes are elected, and when they are, there is no doubt that they are His successors.

I have two saints…my sons. Saints are those that were martyred for Him, or in my case, true innocents that I KNOW are with Him. I send my prayers to them just like I might ask for friends for help with problems.

1. Rituals? LOL Well, at first, I thought of them that way. Then, when you go to Mass, and understand the scriptural basis for the Mass…you realize it’s NOT rituals…they are traditions. Name some stuff you want to know about…(I always got a kick out of Catholic aerobics. LOL). Rosaries, etc…
2. My daughter’s in CCD and is learning about annointing with oil. My best answer is that oils were used as a basis for perfumes and other scents that were typical of Jesus’ era. As such, we use them for annointing. It was good enough for Him
3. There are several discussions about the Pope’s infallibility…do a search in the forums…you’ll get some great debates.

Good luck! Honestly, if you are at all curious, go to an RCIA class. It’s not a “smack Catholicism into you” class. We have discussions about the Why’s of the church, and it’s been so helpful!!

 

[RebeccaJ]

What the heck is “Mass” -?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_%28liturgy%29

 

[heathernoel]

Mass is the Catholic “service”. (I can’t say that now without shuddering…why is that!!!). Except you won’t find pretty pamphlets with the day’s service printed out. You’ll find that in the front part of the Hymnal in your pew.

It starts of with the sign of the cross, followed by a prayer for Christ’s mercy, a singing of God’s Glory, a prayer. Then we get to hear the word of God, listen to a Psalm, hear more of His words. Then we celebrate Jesus’ words to us! We hear His Gospel, listen to a Homily. This is our Liturgy of the Word. And then the most awesome thing happens…the Eucharist! A true celebration of His Gift to us…our Food for the Journey.

It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced as a Protestant. I was in love my first time, though I didn’t know what to do and when to do it until after a few months. Now, it’s truly my happy place.

Weekly Mass, or our daily “service”, is a bit different, and I don’t quite have the hang of following the readings and prayers.

 

[MrZetterlund]

Mass is the Catholic “service”. (I can’t say that now without shuddering…why is that!!!). Except you won’t find pretty pamphlets with the day’s service printed out. You’ll find that in the front part of the Hymnal in your pew.

It starts of with the sign of the cross, followed by a prayer for Christ’s mercy, a singing of God’s Glory, a prayer. Then we get to hear the word of God, listen to a Psalm, hear more of His words. Then we celebrate Jesus’ words to us! We hear His Gospel, listen to a Homily. This is our Liturgy of the Word. And then the most awesome thing happens…the Eucharist! A true celebration of His Gift to us…our Food for the Journey.

It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced as a Protestant. I was in love my first time, though I didn’t know what to do and when to do it until after a few months. Now, it’s truly my happy place.

Weekly Mass, or our daily “service”, is a bit different, and I don’t quite have the hang of following the readings and prayers.

Actually, it’s similar to my church. 1st we sing, then we give God thanks, then we sing some more, and some more… And then we pray. And then the preacher preaches for a good while on an important message.

 

[MrZetterlund]

Is this your approach to learn about the CC?

**
O truth, you are present to those who seek your help, and at one and the same time you answer all, though they seek your counsel on different matters. You respond clearly, but not everyone hears clearly. All ask what they wish, but do not always hear the answer they wish. Your best servant is he who is intent not so much on hearing his petition answered, as rather on willing whatever he hears from you.
St Augustine**

If CC is is Catholosism, yeah. Basically. I got to admit, I’m pretty sold on Catholosism. But I could never leave my church, though. I plan on preaching the word of God when I’m older. So maybe I’ll start a Catholic church or something with a protestant spirit or something, idk.

 

[heathernoel]

The difference I have found between the Methodist Church I was in and My Catholic Church is that the Homily is scripture based. The Methodist reverends used to give a sermon based on an application of some of the readings. My Priests explain the historical background of the Gospel, then help us see how to apply His message to our everyday living. For the first time, I’m not being preached to…I’m learning to apply it to my life. I can’t explain the difference except to say that I finally GET His teachings.

You should go!!

 

[heathernoel]

But I could never leave my church, though. I plan on preaching the word of God when I’m older. So maybe I’ll start a Catholic church or something with a protestant spirit or something, idk.

Spend some time at Mass. I could never go back to Protestantism now Good luck

 

[MrZetterlund]

Spend some time at Mass. I could never go back to Protestantism now Good luck

It’s not that. I’d hate to leave my pastor. He’s practically my mentor. My youth minister gave me a really good study Bible, also at that church before he left. I’m friends at the youthgroup with everyone. Inn the nearest Catholic Church, there’s alot of hypocrites in my class who attend who simply donnot know the Spirit. Completely contrary to my church.

 

[heathernoel]

Just remember that the people there will come and go (moving, dying, etc…), but the theology will remain the same. Are you comfortable enough to live your theology and not explore your interests in Catholicism?

btw, it’s nice to meet ya!!