F
Fidelis
Guest
Catholic apologist and convert from Evangelicalism Steve Ray has an interesting recent entry on his blog which starts out:
- Status
L
Liberian
Guest
Fidelis,
As long as the Catholic knows his Catholic doctrine–both the “what” and the “why”–I see nothing wrong with his joining a “non-denominational” Bible study. One would hope also that the inter-personal dynamics of the study would allow tolerance of each other’s beliefs; if they don’t, then probably the Catholic has no business being there.
As long as the Catholic knows his Catholic doctrine–both the “what” and the “why”–I see nothing wrong with his joining a “non-denominational” Bible study. One would hope also that the inter-personal dynamics of the study would allow tolerance of each other’s beliefs; if they don’t, then probably the Catholic has no business being there.
- LIberian
C
copland
Guest
I agree with Steven Ray, those so-called Bible studies are geared to “evangelizing” those who they believe to be lost, and Catholics would fall into that category to them. I hate to say this because I know some will take offence, but Catholics who join such groups will most likely not be equipped, and are probably not grounded enough in their own faith and are searching for some answers that they may not have provided in their own parish as should be. I hate to say this also, but I see so many Catholics in my own area that are so weak in understanding, and even seem to not even care that they are so weak, that it is absolutely a shame. I see so often Catholics who don’t realize that Catholics are Christians, they think they are not Christian but Catholic! How sad!
There is alot of work for us as Catholics to start preparing our brothers and sisters to get involved and start learning our Faith deeper, and I pray that there will come a revival in the Church that will wake up the sleeping giant, so that more Catholics will care about their faith.
There is alot of work for us as Catholics to start preparing our brothers and sisters to get involved and start learning our Faith deeper, and I pray that there will come a revival in the Church that will wake up the sleeping giant, so that more Catholics will care about their faith.
V
Veritas41
Guest
I think there would be more to gain in attending a Catholic Bible study. A friend of mine recently quit attending a non-denominational Bible study because it became a frustrating experience for her (she is Catholic). Since I’ve been studying the Bible from a Catholic perspective for the past eight years, I’ve come to better understand the greater depth of understanding of Holy Scripture to be found in the Catholic faith. Study Scripture in light of 2000 years of Tradition and reflection that Protestant Bible studies don’t avail themselves of.
W
whatevergirl
Guest
Instead of beginning a new thread…my question touches on something similar. I enjoy listening to the preachings of Dr Charles Stanley…anyone heard of him? I believe he is Baptist. He never defames Catholics (I wouldn’t listen to him if he did, then…lol) so, is it ‘ok’ to enjoy listening to Protestant preachers instead of always listening to priests? If I have the choice, I will always tend to turn to the priests’ ‘speeches,’ but I’m speaking moreso if you are flipping the radio station, and prefer the topic that the Protestant preacher is talking about? Just curious…thanks in advance for your answer.
K
Karin
Guest
In regards to the OP…why would you join a non-dem bible study?
I would think as a Catholic you would want to listen and join a Catholic Bible study.
Do you really want to listen to “perhaps” a skewed view or interpertation of the Bible and our beliefs?? Think of what that could do to your faith if you are not strong in it!
I would think as a Catholic you would want to listen and join a Catholic Bible study.
Do you really want to listen to “perhaps” a skewed view or interpertation of the Bible and our beliefs?? Think of what that could do to your faith if you are not strong in it!
K
Karin
Guest
Whatevergirl…
I can understand where your coming from but why test your faith that way listening to something that may go against what our Church teaches or believes??
Sorry just my 2cents…
~Karin (aka Austrianbumb)
J
jmcrae
Guest
First, there can be no such thing as “non-denominational,” and anyone who thinks about that for even five minutes has to realize that it’s true. There is always going to be some kind of denominational bias.
Some people think that they are just misusing English and that what they meant to say was that it was multi-denominational; not non-denominational.
In either case, why would you want to take a Bible study class from someone who is a) if not self-deceived then trying to be deceitful, or b) incompetent in the use of the English language?
Some people think that they are just misusing English and that what they meant to say was that it was multi-denominational; not non-denominational.
In either case, why would you want to take a Bible study class from someone who is a) if not self-deceived then trying to be deceitful, or b) incompetent in the use of the English language?
W
whatevergirl
Guest
Well…as another poster mentioned…I’m strong in my faith…I see your view though. Good point. In his preachings…I don’t believe that we are saved for past present and future sins…by sheer belief in Christ’s death for our sins…I do believe that faith without works is dead. I’m not sure if Baptists believe that principle…he does preach to the contrary quite a bit…
J
jmcrae
Guest
First, none of us has the strength to battle the Devil head on, in hand to hand combat. Our best and really our only strategy has to be to flee the Devil and resist temptations. (Not the other way around!)
Avoiding the near occasion of heresy is probably just as important to maintain the strength of our faith as avoiding the near occasion of sin is, to maintaining the strength of our moral life.
P
puzzleannie
Guest
at best it would be a waste of time and at worst a dangerous threat to the faith of a Catholic to join a non-Catholic Bible study sponsored by any group. the complaint I hear most often from adult Catholics is lack of time for real bible study or faith formation. To take that precious time and spend it on what will not satisfy makes as much sense as eating a bowl of cool-whip when what you really need is a full meat-and-potatoes-veggie meal.
C
copland
Guest
Dr. Stanley is a wonderful speaker, and seems to be a godly man. There are alot of Protestant preachers out there that are dynamic speakers, and great speakers can be very inspiring and uplifting. And I must say that the Catholic Church could put some more emphasis upon the art of speaking/preaching. But I was thinking about this aspect of our Catholic Faith this week. And I believe that one thing that seems to hinder us as American Catholics is this, that we feel that we have to be entertained. It is because entertainment has such an influence in our culture and daily lives(music, TV, etc etc). That is why you see so many Protestant churches that are catering to people and turning a place of worship into a place of entertainment. It seems that the American church goer wants Jesus presented to them in a way that entertains them.
But we as Catholics do have dynamic speakers available to us. I myself prefer to listen to only Catholic preaching. But if I do find myself listneing to a Protestant minister for whatever reason, I see it for what it is. Just as I listen to a Protestant defend unborn babies, I will agree with them and stand beside them on what we agree with, but that is it. But as for their preaching goes, they fall short of the fullness of the Christian Faith on the basis of doctrine, and I can only receive that in the one Apostolic Church. If they deny the Eucharist, then they have only so much they can offer me.
D
DCD
Guest
I enjoy Non-Catholic Bible studies. Why sit and preach to the choir all day? How else will I ever be able to share the fullness of truth with my fallen away brothers and sisters. Where else can they find the scriptures opened up the way we do as Catholics. No other faith is churning out profound and beautiful truths such as we find in Catholic writing. It is par excellence! It is a testament that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in the Catholic Church. Sometimes we as Catholics are fed such a rich diet of The Truth we become fat and lazy. Learn The Faith and share it with Non-Catholics you will surprise them.
Peace
DCD
Peace
DCD
W
whatevergirl
Guest
You are right, although I don’t find him altogether entertaining, per se…but his message is typically uplifting, and relative for modern day life. I typically listen to Relevant Radio on my way into work in the mornings, but there are times when they are chatting about a particular topic that has absolutely no relevance (or interes) in my life…not that it is unpleasant or difficult to listen to, but Charles Stanley’s message comes on at the same time, and if the topic on RR is really something I’m not personally struggling with…or it’s a call in show about Mexican immigrants, which frankly I can hear on any secular talk show…then I’ll tune in Dr Stanley…does that make sense? It’s not for him personally, but his message is typically positive, and not doctrinal at all…
The other day was actually disappointing on RR…not sure if anyone heard this show (Drew Mariani)…but he had a guest on who was a specialist on wine? I mean…is this Catholic? How is this relevant to anything in the Catholic world…talking about wines and champagnes…I thought…I could buy a wine magazine and get this. It was disappointing. Certainly there can’t be a shortage of Catholic topics relevant to modern day life out there???
Thanks for your post to me, copland, by the way.
)
D
DCD
Guest
I have never led anyone into The Church but by the grace of God and with the help of this fourm I have shed light on Sacred Scripture that my Non-Catholic friends have never seen before. I always take the backseat in the bible study to try to show humility and confidence.
Peace,
David
Peace,
David
L
Liberian
Guest
Whatever Girl,
Charles Stanley was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta in the late 1970’s–and may be there still. Baptist preachers tend to be very eloquent, which makes them a pleasure to listen to. There is a short piece in Catholic Answers called “Purgatory in all but name” citing a passage from one of Dr. Stanley’s books (I think it was Eternal Security) in which the good Doctor described Purgatory very closely, demonstrating the truth of the doctrine. He just didn’t call it Purgatory.
Charles Stanley was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta in the late 1970’s–and may be there still. Baptist preachers tend to be very eloquent, which makes them a pleasure to listen to. There is a short piece in Catholic Answers called “Purgatory in all but name” citing a passage from one of Dr. Stanley’s books (I think it was Eternal Security) in which the good Doctor described Purgatory very closely, demonstrating the truth of the doctrine. He just didn’t call it Purgatory.
- Liberian
C
copland
Guest
whatevergirl,
I guess I was trying to somewhat relate the desire for religious motivational speaking, that which is outside of the Catholic Church, with the entertaining trend that is among churches today. I guess I see a connection between the 2 because many seem to be OK with comprising doctrinal truth for the sake of being able to relate on the basis of emotion and what is relative to their lives. Though I am not talking about you and how you feel, not at all, I am not anyones judge. But I am trying to work these things out in my own life as well. These are things I wrestle with too, because what you have brought up is something that I want to fully come to a satisfactory conclusion with.
I totally sympothize with you!! This reminds me of when I was in RCIA and we had a project that everyone in the class did, that we were to bring 5 things that best explained who we are, 5 things that played the biggest part in our lives. I figured most devoted Christians would place God, spouse, kids, work, and hobby at the top 5. But most of the sponsers had freakin wine somewhere in their top 5!http://forums.catholic-questions.org/images/icons/icon8.gif I could had flipped over to a Dr. Stanley tape myself at that moment!http://forums.catholic-questions.org/images/icons/icon10.gif
F
Fidelis
Guest
Not two weeks ago I was listening to Dr. Stanley and --while not mentioning Catholics by name. of course --he spoke in disparaging terms of “crucifixes and rituals” – gee, I wonder who he was talking about?
- Status