So WHY Don't you believe in the Real Presence?

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=rinnie;8174432]Back to the point of the Real presence Jesus picked up the bread and Said this IS my Body which will be given up for you.
Then he picked up the wine held it up also and said this is my Blood which will be shed for you.
DO THIS. in memory of me.
Now why would Jesus do this, then turn around before this was done, tell us that if we DO NOT eat his body and drink his blood we have not life in us, and we must DO THIS in order to have eternal life.
He said to us we must DO THIS. HE told the Apostles to DO THIS.
Now how can anyone deny that Jesus did not mean what he said when he said it and showed the Apostles how to DO it?
So if Jesus did not mean what he said, why would he command it of us? ANd how are we to eat the bread of life in order to have eternal life if it is not available for us to do so?
Because People who deny the Bread of LIfe which is the real presence of Christ are saying it is impossible to have eternal life in Christ then, Are they not?:confused:
Now my turn, If the Catholic Church is wrong, and Christ is not present in the Eucharist then how do protestants and non-believers of the Eucharist claim that we gain eternal life without eating the bread from heaven? Because it is quite clear that Christ said we MUST.
🙂 THERE ought to be a HUGE “CAUTION SIGN” in from of your post: LOGIC AT WORK; ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK:thumbsup:

God Bless,
Pat
 
🙂 Try as I do to follow you is still not leading me to your understanding of 1. God [the nature and attributes of] and Both Mystery and Miracles. By their defintions we SIMPLY ARE UNABLE TO Know, to Understand.
I’ll admit that I’m actually trying to get you to focus on other things.
What is the ROLE of “Faith” if IT MUST rely on human logic?
Why are you asking me about things I haven’t brought up? Reliance on “human logic” (is there any other kind?) is a topic that you’re bringing to the table, not me. And I haven’t said anything about faith; I certainly haven’t said it MUST rely on human logic. Since that’s the case, I should probably be asking you some questions about that, not the other way around. Like, for example, where did you come up with the idea that faith MUST rely on human logic?

You want to ask me some questions? Ask about ontology. How many times did I bring that up in the last post? Maybe a half-dozen? “Substance” and “accidents” and a specifically “Aristotelian ontology” would be good options as well. But instead, you want to ask me about the “role of faith” and “human logic.” You want to tell me about other things, tell me about other things and find out what I have to say. But please don’t try and guess at things- ie., “faith MUST rely on human logic”- and ask me about it as if I put it there. That was a bad guess, and I have put several other options out there.
There seems to be a HUGE disconnect in your personal philosophy.
I think my personal philosophy’s pretty sound. There might be a disconnect between what mine is and what yours is, though. And upon closer examination, it seems that there may have been a disconnect between Aristotle’s primary source material and some of the theological applications that were made by medieval theologians upon its discovery. It is a complicated matter, of course, involving reams of really dense material that wasn’t always easy to translate from Greek to Latin. And of course there’s the matter of Z.13 (the portion of Metaphysics dealing with Substances and Universals) and its repeated arguments to the effect that universals are not substances. That’s the fundamental tension in his entire examination of “what is.” He’s committed to several propositions: Substance is form, form is universal, and no universal is substance. (Bit of a contradiction there, if it’s at all accurate). That’s where the interpretations of Aristotle go in all different directions, beginning with the extent to which they agree with such a summary of his propositions. (The third one, at least, is undeniable- Z.13 lays it out clearly, repeatedly, and at great length).

If you’re looking for disconnect and inconsistency, perhaps you should get a good look at some of Aristotle’s work? While you’re looking at how it does internally, maybe you could see if there’s any disconnect between Aristotle and the applications that were made by medieval theologians upon their discovery of his work. Then see if there’s any kind of disconnect between their general ontology and the sort of ontology we’ve arrived at now.

You (and the idea of transubstantiation) depend on solid “connects” and a relative lack of “disconnect” at every step along the way, and I’m not quite sure how much you know about any of that because you don’t seem to be interested in talking about the issues that are most central to the reasons why I don’t believe transubstantiation can or does happen.
OMNIPOTENCE. The almighty power of God. He can do whatever does not deny his nature or that is not self-contradictory.
I agree with this. And I’m asserting that transubstantiation is one of the exceptions. You notice how I keep talking about things that are self-contradictory? Octagons with less than eight sides, atoms with a certain amount of subatomic particles in the nucleus that somehow manage to “be” a completely different element, “impossible figures” that can be drawn in two dimensions but never made in three.

Again and again and again, I keep saying transubstantiation is an absurdity that falls in that kind of category. My understanding of omnipotence is the same as yours. We differ on whether or not transubstantiation is one of those exceptions to the rule.
Do you beleive that God exist?
Oh come now. We’ve spoken before at great length. You know the answer to that. I think you also know that an affirmative answer necessitates that certain things must follow from that…but certain other things are non sequiturs.

You can’t argue from “God’s existence” right into “the possibility, reality, and ultimate truth of transubstantiation.” That’s a massive non sequitur.

Oh, and most of the stuff I skipped over…God outside of time, God’s foreknowledge/sovereignty and so forth…very interesting stuff in general and at a personal level for me which we’ve talked about at length in the past, but I honestly can’t see how that helps you convince anyone that transubstantiation is something that actually happens. Maybe it’s off topic, maybe you’re going to make a connection later. I’m just letting you know that I don’t see it as of right now and it currently appears to be somewhat extraneous, interesting as it might be. I’d certainly like to talk about it, but I’d only do that if I felt like we were still talking about transubstantiation.
 
=Roy5;8175329]One can quote all sorts of verses to prove all sorts of things. Among those that always have troubled are Matt. 19:17. Jesus, you remember, says: ‘Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, that is, God…’ That is often quoted by those who question the Trinity, or the divinity of Christ. What does it mean? Christ wasn’t good?
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 Or, what about the time Jesus says that to follow him we must hate father and mother, wife and children, etc. Luke 14:26. How does that fit in with the commandment that tells us to honor our parents? How is that compatible with the gospel of love that Christ emphasized?
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 This 'proof-texting' - picking out a verse here and there to prove a point - is tricky. There are verses in the Old Testament that I abhor. See Ex. 22:18 and 20 as simple examples. And what about II Kings 2:23-24?
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 As for the Baptism of Jesus, I'm sure that you're aware that the Biblical account is used by those who don't baptize babies and require immersion (e. g., Baptists) to make their case.
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 The old expression is true: "Even the devil can quote scripture!"
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 I employ four ways of arriving at my own faith: scripture, reason, tradition and experience. It is characterized, frankly, by less dogma and provides plenty of space for different opinions among Christians. Those who believe in an infallible magisterium just follow what it says. I can't do that. To begin with, I am old enough to recall being told that unbaptized babies go to limbo, that it was a serious sin for Catholics to worship in a Protestant church, etc. So, I developed a reluctance to accept everything the church is saying as it may change. Some day - I predict - priests will have the option to marry and woman will be ordained Deacons, both changes that I personally endorse.
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 God bless everybody. Believe as you choose. Perhaps democracy has impacted me too much, but I believe that freedom of religion also includes that Christians have considerable latitude when it comes to doctrine. Transubstantiation? Mary's perpetual virginity, Immaculate Conception and Assumption? Various Marian apparitions? The power of priests to forgive sins? We could go on. "Think and let think" is a concept I embrace without judging the beliefs any who sincerely seek to live lives based on the gospel of love. Did I mention Hosea 6:8, Matt. 25 and I Cor, 13 already. Three of my favorite passages.
***OK, so you don’t want to discuss it, don’t care about the truth. ***

God Bless you,
Pat
 
PJM
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God is the truth. I'm sure we can agree on that. I see many doctrines as man-made, voted on by councils, often influenced by political conditions and influences at the time. Certain schools of thoughts won the vote. Fine. 

 However, there were many early heresies which based their arguments on scripture. Modalism, monarchianism, Arianism, adoptianism, etc. There is plenty in the Gospels plus the epistles to support various ways of thinking.

 For example, I don't believe in predestination, but in Romans 8 (vs. 29-30) Paul writes seems to endorse it. And Jesus said that God knew when any sparrow fell and even the number of hairs on our head. If God knows everything that will occur in advance, it suggest there is no alternative, thereby no freedom.

 The Bible had wonderful sections that inspire. But it also contains considerable material that justifies slavery (even selling a daughter into slavery), execution of heretics, not allowing persons with physical disabilities in the temple, stoning, etc., etc. Even Paul said that women should be silent in the churches and that their heads should be covered. When I attend Mass women read lessons and come bare-headed. Fine with me, but contrary to scripture.

 I worship God, and not the Bible nor any church. Over the years I have developed a particular admiration for such groups as the Quakers, the Mennonites, and the Salvation Army. Catholicism, of course, has produced many remarkable people such as the Mother Theresas and the Father Damiens. But Hitler and Mussolini and Franco all were baptized Catholics, too, and this murderer in Norway wants everybody to become Catholic so that we can be inspired by the Crusades and battle Islam. 

 Still, I believe in the Real Presence of Christ, as I explained, but not particularly in a piece of bread and a cup of wine. Jesus promised that he would be with us always. That's great news that we can celebrate.
 
PJM

** I see** many doctrines as man-made, voted on by councils, often influenced by political conditions and influences at the time. Certain schools of thoughts won the vote. Fine.
Won the vote, eh?
Sounds like some poor academic’s take; or one has been watching too many History Channel , A&E specials on Christianity.
If the Holy Spirit weren’t involved. Then yes Christianity would be no different than a Democracy. This suggestion is coming from presumptive reluctance &superficial conclusions.
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 However, there were many early heresies which based their arguments on scripture. Modalism, monarchianism, Arianism, adoptianism, etc.
There is no point to that statement 1.) these errors faded and have negated how can an untruth negate another untruth, unless one wants to be a relativist. That’s like blaming a good idea, being improperly understood. It’s ironic that someone who adheres to blatantly heretical views that don’t even go along with non-Catholic Christians view on the Bible by blatantly reject parts of scriptures especially the OT (almost reeks of Marcionism, and others) Would argue that they alone have the true understanding of God/Christ.
There is plenty in the Gospels plus the epistles to support various ways of thinking. The Bible had wonderful sections that inspire. But it also contains considerable material that justifies slavery (even selling a daughter into slavery), execution of heretics, not allowing persons with physical disabilities in the temple, stoning, etc., etc. Even Paul said that women should be silent in the churches and that their heads should be covered. When I attend Mass women read lessons and come bare-headed. Fine with me, but contrary to scripture.
This is a poor understanding of the Church & scripture. You have a poor understanding of the OT. I dont’ even know how a self proclaimed Christian could insult the Bible in such a way. This requires much prayer.
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  Catholicism, of course, has produced many remarkable people such as the Mother Theresas and the Father Damiens. But Hitler and Mussolini and Franco all were baptized Catholics, too, and this murderer in Norway wants everybody to become Catholic so that we can be inspired by the Crusades and battle Islam.
Do not play the moral equivalence card, to some how say that while the Church has produced saintly people that is somehow negated for those who do not remain Faithful. Let alone cherry pick three great sinners, out of a billion other baptized people who are lukewarm, to whatever. That’s like saying Judaism produced Karl Marx and Lenin. therefore that reflects on the religion even though Jesus & Mary are from Judaism.
Also to use the topical mass murderer as some sort of rebuke to Christianity not only, is a veiled , mean and ugly attempt to dismiss the Good – from an air of superiority, it demonstrates someone who views religions as equal. A low blow, that is not Christ-like at all.
Jesus shows us the example in regard to his Blessed Mother being blessed, it’ is not so much that one is calls themselves Catholic, it is not so much to be baptized under the sacrament. It is not so much that Mary is gave birth to him. But THOSE who do the will of the Father, and KEEP IT, that one can rightly be called partisans in Christ! (in Mary’s case the Mother of God) Those who hear his voice. They were Catholic, rather they are Christians who heard advice from both the Heavenly Father, and his Earthly Mother, both instructing. “Do whatever he tells you

To invoke moral equivalency to somehow justify thinking the Catholic Church produces, Saints and Sinners alike, through its man-made flaws? No, that does not go. For why is it that she produces such great Saints, if something outside of Man dwells within…this is from the Sacraments. From the Mystical body, the true vine.
Hitler, Mussolini, received the sacrament of baptism.
But they turned away from their baptism. Hitler was not Catholic. He was an Occultist. This isn’t some game where you play numbers.* " Okay, I found five more Catholics who lived Saintly lives, but I found seven , one of which ran over a dog. Two more mark against this Faith. " *

Fulton Sheen has said, those who turn away from their baptism, have a greater potentiality for evil. Whereas, those who are baptized, have a better chance at being saved.
To point to free will and somehow use that to negate or neutralize the ones who Faithfully serve the Christ, because one wants to deny Christ’s Body, yet still HOPE to think they are still in support of the HEAD, is fooling themselves.

Scripture supports this, in Peter’s epistles 2 Peter 2:20 et al. They have been sanctified, and yet they reject the graces that are open to them.

Christ is the Son, and he is the way. Those sheep of his who are part of his Mystical body. If you do not believe, their words, believe in the continued work of Christ working within them.
 
(Cont’d)
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 Still, I believe in the Real Presence of Christ, as I explained, **but not particularly in a piece of bread and a cup of wine**. Jesus promised that he would be with us always. That's great news that we can celebrate.
The Real Presence you do NOT believe in regard to the Blessed Sacrament. This thinking will dismantle the Incarnation and lead to Modernism.
Both God the father, and his Earthly Mother say, ’ do whatever he tells you’. Christ instituted the Eucharist not us, not some man made Church misinterpreting him. But the very individuals who were there to see him show the way. John 6, is pointed towards and hidden in the OT; all of it is tied together with Original Sin.

What was the point of Jesus offering the last supper. And then his Apostles and St. Paul referring to the Eucharist, in such a way repeating his words, if it was to be a symbolism. Just bread & wine custom, seen as a novelty amongst the Jesus sect Judaism right?
How can one profane oneself , or receive a symbol unworthily.
While it is true, that God is present everywhere. What of when the Lord was with Israel in the OT, did he not manifest himself to increase greater Faith, through other ways to show his presence on Earth?

I pray for you. And please pray to God, for you are mistaken under this it’s up to ME & Jesus alone mentality. No man is an island. Faith is a surrender. Not something that comes from mere individual judgments but cooperation and humility.
To remove the Church from the equation of knowing God, promotes knowing Christ, as an egotist would know Christ or interpret him.
If God wanted us all to be egotists, he wouldn’t have founded his Church on Peter. It is not good that a man should be alone" (Gen 2:18)
God is the truth. I’m sure we can agree on that.
Is that enough?

To say that God/Christ is the truth? Can one partially remove this truth, to negate another part of truth? You seem to determine for yourself that Scripture can be picked apart to choose and reject.Or is there something absolute there, that transcends the mind of an individual to say, this is true. This is not.
What is truth? Man alone, cannot answer that question.
 
One can quote all sorts of verses to prove all sorts of things. Among those that always have troubled are Matt. 19:17. Jesus, you remember, says: ‘Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, that is, God…’ That is often quoted by those who question the Trinity, or the divinity of Christ. What does it mean? Christ wasn’t good?
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 Or, what about the time Jesus says that to follow him we must hate father and mother, wife and children, etc. Luke 14:26. How does that fit in with the commandment that tells us to honor our parents? How is that compatible with the gospel of love that Christ emphasized?  

 This 'proof-texting' - picking out a verse here and there to prove a point - is tricky.
Yes that trickiness has a solution. It’s called Christ giving us his Church and being the invisible Head in the 1st Century A.D. This is why he gave us a visible head, in Peter. This is why protestantism was such a damaging Heresy. It counters God’s WILL here. Acts 2

Especially here Acts 2:42
And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles, and in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Why is it that all this self-interpretation it’s just Jesus & Me from now on has peeled into 30,000 denominations. Why is it that those outside of the Church can’t agree on doctrine, yet Catholics have one doctrine, and when pride gets in the way we argue over Church disciplinary stuff?
The only reason why Christians can come to know some moral good, is because the word of God, in its goodness, any closeness to the Lord Jesus Christ will be edifying in some way and he brings about a good from our mistakes. If your heart is sincere. But there is a caveat to that.
And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God? 18** And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?** 19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.
People don’t have the benefit of the Church & Sacraments anymore so when they are alone in the dark they are more prone to Error if they rely on themselves too much and too proudly. This is why Jehovah’s Witness which is a rehashed heresy, formed in denial of the Son. Lots are shut out from knowing HOW to interpret scripture,
They don’t even know how to refer to translations for more obscured parts in vernacular translations; many don’t seek Greek, Latin, Hebrew etc.

This is why Catholics have to continually pray for conversions and unity, and strengthening and a renewed determine spirit, and not assume that its okay to be Christian, believe in God, and just do good and be good and be nice . It’s not enough to follow righteousness.
And it’s been 2000 years, his Church is there to be seen. People outside should find out what our Blessed Lord says about his Church, they may find themselves like St. Paul, one of the very first bigots against the Mystical Body of Christ.
 
(Cont’d)

I agree , one also can’t throw quotes out, without using other parts of scripture to interpret scripture. Christ gave us the Church, when one looks at history, you can only see that he gave us a headstart. It’s not Christ’s fault that man gets set in their ways and has to keep re-learning about his actions. Jesus used the rabbinic method. He answered with a question of his own
*Why do *YOU ** , call me good? No one is good but God.
It has to do with other parts of scripture. Jesus kept his divinity concealed to those who did not understand he was divine. He also used hyperbole in some.
One cannot just look at a part of scripture and say “this is what it tells me”

This is why we have Christians confused to the point where they start to doubt God’s power in regard to parts of scripture where one should know he is being literal, and the other should know historical events. This is what encouraged Deism during the enlightenment, within a century after sola-scriptura. Things began to unravel.
There are verses in the Old Testament that I abhor. See Ex. 22:18 and 20 as simple examples. And what about II Kings 2:23-24?
Why do you find it necessary to reject the Logos, the Word hidden in the OT for example? How can Scripture written by the Holy Spirit be okay in one case but not in another? Either you are wrong in your reception of the word, or the Word is wrong. There is no middle ground.
I employ four ways of arriving at my own faith: scripture, reason, tradition and experience. It is characterized, frankly, by less dogma and provides plenty of space for different opinions among Christians. Those who believe in an infallible magisterium just follow what it says. I can’t do that. To begin with, I am old enough to recall being told that unbaptized babies go to limbo, that it was a serious sin for Catholics to worship in a Protestant church, etc. So, I developed a reluctance to accept everything the church is saying as it may change. Some day - I predict - priests will have the option to marry and woman will be ordained Deacons, both changes that I personally endorse.
If you want to be your own pope that is fine, but I don’t is it fine for the Blessed Lord.

Jesus did not say “Everyone is their own Church” “Where ONE IS , there I also am” He did not say “I find my churches on you, and now you, and now you to the twelve and then the seventy two, and then the three hundred” If you are convinced your understanding of God is true, you can always pray that we may believe as you do. And we can pray for you. IF you really trust in yourself so much, who will win out? Democratic Christianity? or something else?
It may not be following a wise path.
God bless everybody. Believe as you choose. Perhaps democracy has impacted me too much, but I believe that freedom of religion also includes that Christians have considerable latitude when it comes to doctrine.
Democracy does not apply to something OTHERWORLDLY. In knowing God. His kingdom is not OF this world. Democracy; I consider myself a Patriot. But all these socio-political ideas; they are Ccaesar’s; they will pass away, but the Lord’s word will not. Nor will the gates of Hell prevail against his Church.

You say God bless , God bless that, but its like salt that has lost its flavor.

And if you and others doubt that Jesus Christ meant this or that about the Holy Eucharist, look to his friends, because obviously the early Church were employing the sacraments. The Priesthood in Judaism was done after the Temple Veil tore. Where were the priests then? IF not continued in his apostles. And what were they doing? The Sacrament of the Eucharist was understood by the apostles and his disciples and their successors very early on, and the Communities knew of it too. In John’s gospel, Jesus says HE CHOSE his friends, it wasn’t some determination by each of the individual Gospel. “Okay, I can be okay with Christ being my God” Their spirit was willing but the flesh was weak, they only came to understand the stuff he said, after Jesus gave them representative of his Church the Holy Spirit.
As for the Eucharist. There is a reason why the Romans would chide the Christian sect for being “Cannibals” , it’s not because they were eating something symbolic or having a mere novelty of supper in memory of him.
 
In defending the Blessed Sacrament; Non-Catholics should ponder and meditate on John 6.
If Jesus instituted a mere memorial supper, I’m sure these disciples wouldn’t have left him.
Jesus answered them, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, you seek me, not because you have seen miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son of man will give you. For him hath God, the Father, sealed. 28 They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered, and said to them: This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore to him: What sign therefore dost thou shew, that we may see, and may believe thee? What dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you; Moses gave you not bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life to the world. 34 They said therefore unto him: Lord, give us always this bread. 35 And Jesus said to them: I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger: and he that believeth in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, that you also have seen me, and you believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will not cast out. 38 Because I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 Now this is the will of the Father who sent me: that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing; but should raise it up again in the last day. 40 And this is the will of my Father that sent me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day.
41 The Jews therefore murmured at him, because he had said: I am the living bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said: Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then saith he, I came down from heaven? . . .
52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. 54 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, abideth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead. He that eateth this bread, shall live for ever.
59 These things he said, teaching in the synagogue, in Capharnaum.
60 Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: This saying is hard, and who can hear it? 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself, that his disciples murmured at this, said to them: Doth this scandalize you? 62 If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who he was, that would betray him. 65 And he said: Therefore did I say to you, that no man can come to me, unless it be given him by my Father.
66 After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve: Will you also go away? 68 And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Christ, the Son of God.
It is not something one can understand through reason alone , but the Holy Spirit WILL guide the understanding. If one challenges the Eucharist, given much in his faith, and enough grace to believe this part of Scripture for what is truly said; in that Jesus knows us men better than ourselves. One is treading on shaky ground to flippantly disregard the institution. We are no better than those who Jesus dwelt among, and the reactions to the Eucharist are again the same. Those who mocked the early Church & those both in & out who scoff NOW at the Church.

Why is it that the angels, pure spirit, even envy this act of faith? If it were not as Jesus says in Chapter 6. Why are we creatures, both body & spirit, to be deprived of something tangible in regard to the Lord’s divinity? Are to only partake only spiritually and in mind? But not the body? In defense of the Sacraments, if Christ intended his Church to be something of just purely spiritual based on one’s personal relationship. Could he not have just given us the Holy Spirit. Why would he need to incarnate? The Eucharist is sacramentally connected to the humiliation of our Creator coming as a man to die so that we may live. And under the appearances of bread & wine (God using both these substances, are no accident by the way) further humbling the illustration of God’s will & the Incarnation itself. We are a body. We are a creature of habit, and God knows we worship not only in spirit , but in body, the tangible. How can some Churches still partake in certain sacraments easier to go along with MATERIALLY but shy away from the Blessed Sacrament in the material world. When they know the Lord can perform Miracles. Just as Jesus was unapologetic when meeting resistance. So too we, abiding in him shall be.

The Blessed Sacrament relates to Genesis. It is hidden in the OT.

Ave Verum Corpus
 
PJM
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God is the truth. I'm sure we can agree on that. I see many doctrines as man-made, voted on by councils, often influenced by political conditions and influences at the time. Certain schools of thoughts won the vote. Fine. 

 However, there were many early heresies which based their arguments on scripture. Modalism, monarchianism, Arianism, adoptianism, etc. There is plenty in the Gospels plus the epistles to support various ways of thinking.

 For example, I don't believe in predestination, but in Romans 8 (vs. 29-30) Paul writes seems to endorse it. And Jesus said that God knew when any sparrow fell and even the number of hairs on our head. If God knows everything that will occur in advance, it suggest there is no alternative, thereby no freedom.

 The Bible had wonderful sections that inspire. But it also contains considerable material that justifies slavery (even selling a daughter into slavery), execution of heretics, not allowing persons with physical disabilities in the temple, stoning, etc., etc. Even Paul said that women should be silent in the churches and that their heads should be covered. When I attend Mass women read lessons and come bare-headed. Fine with me, but contrary to scripture.

 I worship God, and not the Bible nor any church. Over the years I have developed a particular admiration for such groups as the Quakers, the Mennonites, and the Salvation Army. Catholicism, of course, has produced many remarkable people such as the Mother Theresas and the Father Damiens. But Hitler and Mussolini and Franco all were baptized Catholics, too, and this murderer in Norway wants everybody to become Catholic so that we can be inspired by the Crusades and battle Islam. 

 Still, I believe in the Real Presence of Christ, as I explained, but not particularly in a piece of bread and a cup of wine. Jesus promised that he would be with us always. That's great news that we can celebrate.
Now Roy we have another problem. You seem to believe that Jesus broke his promise to us or something.

When a Pope and his Bishops agree on a church Doctrine, and it is to be believed by all it is NOT Man made. Do you not remember what Jesus told his Aposltes. I am sending the Advocate the Holy Spirit to guide you into ALL TRUTHS.

Now what that means is when they SAY that they SPEAK in the name of God and God promised them this power they mean it and God meant it.

Now let me ask you, do you believe Jesus when he said that he would send the Advocate the Holy Spirit and it did indeed come on Pentecost? Do you believe that as CHrist said the advocate would lead you into ALL truths until the end of Age?

Well if you believe those words and the promise of Jesus then how can you say when the Pope and Bishops speak in the Gods Name it is man made?

Because what you are really saying then, is that the Pope and Bishops can really trump God and make him out to be a liar and overpower him and speak their truth and not his,

If that is not what you are saying and you believe like me that we have a Father who keeps his promises and NO ONE can overpower him, and the gates of hell will not prevail, then NO ONE not even a Pope or Bishop can overpower him, and lie and say this came from the power of the Holy Spirit if it did not, and you like I HAVE to believe what they teach.

Do you see now WHY we as Roman Catholics believe what our Pope says to be the true word of God.

Not because our Pope is perfect or without sin, we never said that. We believe the words of GOd that the Church is the Pilar of all truth and led by the Holy Spirit. Peter was the first Pope and our Pope in linked directly to the Church of Peter. No one can deny that.

How can the RCC not be the True Church if it can be proven it was linked to Peter, when God said he would send the Advocate to that Church and he did on Pentecost, and would remain with that Church until the end of age. So either you believe those words and you KNOW the truth is taught, or you have to say the Advocate never came, do you not agree?
 
Code:
God is the truth. I'm sure we can agree on that.
Code:
 For example, I don't believe in predestination, but in Romans 8 (vs. 29-30) Paul writes seems to endorse it.
**No, no. Knowing and CAUSING. That is the difference. Causing overtakes Freewill and forces it to conform. Knowing is just that: Knowing. No impedeince of our Freewill. **
The Bible had wonderful sections that inspire. But it also contains considerable material that justifies slavery, execution of heretics, not allowing persons with physical disabilities in the temple, stoning, etc., etc. Mass women read lessons and come bare-headed. Fine with me, but contrary to scripture.
HOW MANY THOUSANDS of years ago was this? And what was normal practice at the time of the peoples involved. Your taking historical accounts as TEACHING. Can’t be done unless it is MEANT to be a Teaching. If NOT a teaching its just relaying what was, and how it was.
I worship God, and not the Bible nor any church. Hiter, Mussolini and Franco all were baptized Catholics, too, and this murderer in Norway wants everybody to become Catholic so that we can be inspired by the Crusades and battle Islam.
**WITH a 2,000 YEAR history and BILLIONS of past and present Catholics; your not going to find it difficult to find some “Nut jobs” who CHOOSE NOT TO PRACTICE their faith. To judge Catholism and the CC based on these isolated incidents is simply foolish and self-serving. ** Much you express deals with practice NOT doctrine. Practices are chageable.
Still, I believe in the Real Presence of Christ, as I explained, but not particularly in a piece of bread and a cup of wine. Jesus promised that he would be with us always. That’s great news that we can celebrate.
The Bible to have ANY merit; must be INSPIRED BY GOD and TRUE [when correctly understood]. It’s been around now for nearly 1, 600 years with its current content. ONLY God could cause that to happen..

How can one believe in Christ and NOT accept what he says, and what he teaches? Ossmosis and faith just don’t work. Nor does God’s grace just flow to everyone and enable them to design their own set of beliefs.

Only with the RIGHT understanding that God desires a Personal relationship with humanity FAR, FAR more than we can desire One with God, evidenced by 1. the way we are Created with a mind, Intellect, FREEWILL all connected to our souls [Spiritual gifts similar to God Himself] 2. The Incarnation; God assumiming a human nature and body so that HE COULD Suffer and DIE for us and PERSONALLY Teach us what He WANTS. 3. the Passion and Deat freely chosen by Christ for our Redemption [does NOT mean salvation.]

Matthew 26: 26-28

Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.

MARK 14: 22-24

Jesus took bread; and blessing, broke, and gave to them, and said: Take ye. This is my body. And having taken the chalice, giving thanks, he gave it to them. And they all drank of it. And he said to them: This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many.

Luke 22: 19-21

And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.

Paul 1 Cor.11: 23-29

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, And giving thanks, broke, and said: Take ye, and eat: this is my body, which shall be delivered for you: this do for the commemoration of me. In like manner also the chalice, This chalice is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of me. Therefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: [to be worthy of the privilege] and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of the chalice. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself

**AND JOHN SIX QUOTING JESUS DIRECTLY:
John from Chapter 6: 47-57 **

Amen, amen I say unto you: He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, abides in me, and I in him"

More precise, explict ot direct words can’t be sopken. So who do YOU choose to believe? Your God, or your own faith understanding?

Don’t make the mostake of blaming “the Church” for the ERRORS of some of her flock.
.God Bless you,
Pat
 
Now Roy we have another problem. You seem to believe that Jesus broke his promise to us or something.

When a Pope and his Bishops agree on a church Doctrine, and it is to be believed by all it is NOT Man made. Do you not remember what Jesus told his Aposltes. I am sending the Advocate the Holy Spirit to guide you into ALL TRUTHS.

Now what that means is when they SAY that they SPEAK in the name of God and God promised them this power they mean it and God meant it.

Now let me ask you, do you believe Jesus when he said that he would send the Advocate the Holy Spirit and it did indeed come on Pentecost? Do you believe that as CHrist said the advocate would lead you into ALL truths until the end of Age?

Well if you believe those words and the promise of Jesus then how can you say when the Pope and Bishops speak in the Gods Name it is man made?

Because what you are really saying then, is that the Pope and Bishops can really trump God and make him out to be a liar and overpower him and speak their truth and not his,

If that is not what you are saying and you believe like me that we have a Father who keeps his promises and NO ONE can overpower him, and the gates of hell will not prevail, then NO ONE not even a Pope or Bishop can overpower him, and lie and say this came from the power of the Holy Spirit if it did not, and you like I HAVE to believe what they teach.

Do you see now WHY we as Roman Catholics believe what our Pope says to be the true word of God.

Not because our Pope is perfect or without sin, we never said that. We believe the words of GOd that the Church is the Pilar of all truth and led by the Holy Spirit. Peter was the first Pope and our Pope in linked directly to the Church of Peter. No one can deny that.

How can the RCC not be the True Church if it can be proven it was linked to Peter, when God said he would send the Advocate to that Church and he did on Pentecost, and would remain with that Church until the end of age. So either you believe those words and you KNOW the truth is taught, or you have to say the Advocate never came, do you not agree?
Thanks for explaining how we get our Doctrine , Rinnie. How Christ does not leave us orphans, nor in the dark concerning Scripture & Tradition, and the Holy Spirit, as well as the misunderstood infallibility of the Church.There were so many attacks on the Church, and the body of Christ throughout his comments, it was hard to address just one thing.
And by extent attacks on many fellow Christians who adhere faithfully to God’s word, as well as attacks on scripture itself.
Don’t make the mistake of blaming “the Church” for the ERRORS of some of her flock.
.God Bless you,
Pat
👍👍

Thanks for the scriptural bases Pat.
 
So my friend,

Faith, Mysteries and Miracles have no legitmacy? What, God can’t do this?

God Bless,
Pat
Indeed. As one apologist posited:
[SIGN]
“It’s no harder to believe in the Eucharist than it is to believe in creation.” [/SIGN]
 
Faith, mysteries, and miracles absolutely do have legitimacy. Absurdity does not. When you ask “What, God can’t do this?” I must give two answers. Yes, God does miracles. But no, God does not do absurdity.
Then, friend, you are very Catholic when you proclaim the above. 👍

Absurdities are things such as your “married bachelor” or “4 sided triangle” examples.

Absurdities are not things which may be difficult for our finite minds to comprehend.

One might very well ask if it’s an “absurdity” to proclaim that Jesus is true God AND true man?

Is it an absurdity to posit that Jesus had 2 wills–a divine will and a human will?

Is it an absurdity to profess that God became Man?

Is it an absurdity to proffer that Jesus was born of a Virgin?

Is it an absurdity to believe that there is One God but Three Persons?

It would seem, cooterhein, that if you take the position you have, that you would be unable to evangelize an atheist, or Muslim, or pagan who would find all of the above “absurdities”.
 
Well why don’t you think that people don’t believe in the real prescence?Have you got a better answer?
This should not be a question for Catholics. This is analogous to asking a married person why they do not believe in marriage. Holy Communion is the centerpiece of Catholic and Orthodox Christianity. It is the primary…I said primary truth which separates the True Church from the confusion and heresy which surrounds non Catholic denoms.
I have a better answer for you…you would be well served to have a one on one with your priest…assuming that you have one. I hope I am not falling for a troll…if I am…perhaps I am in good company.:confused:
 
Well why don’t you think that people don’t believe in the real prescence?Have you got a better answer?
Because it’s a difficult saying. Who could accept it? 🤷

"Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?”

So many decide that they simply can’taccept it. Or won’t.
 
I begin by saying “The elements remain unchanged. Would you like to verify that? Name the test and let’s run it. This is one of those things that can be objectively ascertained.”

We can do all sorts of things to figure this out. I know a few people; it’s not that hard to do. Anyone wants to donate part of the Host for the cause, feel free.
I note that a Christian may be posed with the same challenge from an atheist. “You say that this man, this human being who was crucified, was God Incarnate. Give me some of his flesh, and let’s see if it looks divine. We can do all sorts of things to figure this out. I’m pretty sure that if we examine his heart muscle under a microscope, it’s going to look, well, human. Nothing divine in that cardiac muscle. 🤷

Do you see where this paradigm leads you, cooterhein? You are then unable to provide apologia for the Incarnation.
 
. . .has said, those who turn away from their baptism, have a greater potentiality for evil. Whereas, those who are baptized, have a better chance at being saved.
Correction, in older posting.

Fulton Sheen did not say this. I misquoted him. I refer to that quote a lot concerning people using the FOOLISH “Hitler was baptized” argument as I learned from a Franciscan Priest to counter this specious reasoning .
Which is very tiresome. Here for my fellow Christians, is an argument against this “Hitler, Stalin were Baptized” equivalency game, as condemnation against the Church or or even “Lenin, and Marx were Jews” therefore the Jews are evil. (*Rather, segments of remaining descendents from Judaism brought forth a hardening of hearts, and secular humanism/atheism, because of the rejection of the Messiah. *)

Baptism; Passport to Eternal Life
youtube.com/watch?v=-VGhR8eVufU

4 Minute Mark

"Baptism does not guarantee, that a person will enter Heaven. One priest Father, Phil Blum says that , '. . .Baptism does not mean that a baptized person will automatically become a saint. Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin, both received the Sacrament. The person who turns from his baptism, has a greater potential for evil.
But it does mean that before baptism, it’s easier to be lost
, than to be saved. But post baptism, it’s easier to be saved, than to be lost.’
Once we enter the mystical body of Christ, if we can make use of the means that God gave us for our salvation, it is easier to be saved, than to be lost. "
  • Fr. Tito
 
🙂 Try as I do to follow you is still not leading me to your understanding of 1. God [the nature and attributes of] and Both Mystery and Miracles. By their defintions we SIMPLY ARE UNABLE TO Know, to Understand.

What is the ROLE of “Faith” if IT MUST rely on human logic?

There seems to be a HUGE disconnect in your personal philosophy.

OMNIPOTENCE. The almighty power of God. He can do whatever does not deny his nature or that is not self-contradictory. Since God is infinite in being, he must also be infinite in power. (Etym. Latin omnis, all + potentia, power: omnipotens, all-powerful.)

OMNISCIENCE. God’s knowledge of all things. Revelation discloses that the wisdom of God is without measure (Psalm 146:5). And the Church teaches that his knowledge is infinite.

The primary object of divine cognition is God himself, whom he knows immediately, that is, without any medium by which he apprehends his nature. He knows himself through himself.

The secondary objects of divine knowledge are everything else, namely the purely possible, the real, and the conditionally future. He knows all that is merely possible by what is called the knowledge of simple intelligence. This means that, in comprehending his infinite imitability and his omnipotence, God knows therein the whole sphere of the possible.

He knows all real things in the past, present, and the future by his knowledge of vision. When God, in his self-consciousness, beholds his infinite operative power, he knows therein all that he, as the main effective cause, actually comprehends, i.e., all reality. The difference between past, present, and future does not exist for the divine knowledge, since for God all is simultaneously present.

By the same knowledge of vision, God also foresees the future free acts of the rational creatures with infallible certainty. As taught by the Church, “All things are naked and open to His eyes, even those things that will happen through the free actions of creatures” (Denzinger 3003). The future free actions foreseen by God follow infallibly not because God substitutes his will for the free wills of his creatures but because he does not interfere with the freedom that he foresees creatures will exercise. (Etym. Latin omnis, all + scire, to know.)

Do you beleive that God exist?

God Bless you,
Pat
Great post Pat, all things said here one of the misunderstandings of the “real presence” deals with the revelations of Jesus in and through His sacraments.

An unbeliever may not realize this, but from our humanity we communicate and relate to one another from a lower “sacramental” reality.

Naturally, we communicate to one another by words, gestures (body language), writings etc… What is transmitted from these communications is “invisible”, In other words what is communicated between our humanities is gained knowledge, this is that “lower sacramental” process that is transmitted to one another. One has “infused” ones knowledge and communicated to another via words or gestures etc. This communicated process has gained another’s self knowledge and one can commit this new knowledge to memory or act upon it. In either case it is “Invisible” given by a visible sign via verbal or visible.

This same natural order works in our humanity from the divine, who communicates His Love to us once and for all from His sacrifice, now made present “sacra mentally”. God communicates His Love for us by His visible sign communicated through His consecrated ordained Priest, who confects the baptismal waters or the bread and wine, when the divine touches our humanity to part His Love and grace to the believer “recipient”.

This sacramental process from the Divine takes it to the ultimate highest level, not just from gained knowledge committed to the memory or conscience, but “Faith” that reaches to the depths of mans soul, from our hearts and mind is how God communicates to His faithful. When His visible sign (water, bread, wine) are changed by His Words (communicated) so that our humanity can become partakers of His divinity, when the visible becomes invisible (eternal) made present to our humanity to part grace to the believer.

Simply put, the True presence in communicated to our humanity to part God’s grace sacramentally, visible and invisible when God is all and in all.

Whereby the true presence communicated between our humanity is also done visible, but only parts learned or gained knowledge unseen from the conscience but never the less a reality.

What is amazing, in both examples from above, one can accept either one from ones own free will. To accept human knowledge, or reject it, to accept Divine Love and graces, or reject them.

Just a thought, peace be with you
 
Great post Pat, all things said here one of the misunderstandings of the “real presence” deals with the revelations of Jesus in and through His sacraments.

An unbeliever may not realize this, but from our humanity we communicate and relate to one another from a lower “sacramental” reality.

Naturally, we communicate to one another by words, gestures (body language), writings etc… What is transmitted from these communications is “invisible”, In other words what is communicated between our humanities is gained knowledge, this is that “lower sacramental” process that is transmitted to one another. One has “infused” ones knowledge and communicated to another via words or gestures etc. This communicated process has gained another’s self knowledge and one can commit this new knowledge to memory or act upon it. In either case it is “Invisible” given by a visible sign via verbal or visible.

This same natural order works in our humanity from the divine, who communicates His Love to us once and for all from His sacrifice, now made present “sacra mentally”. God communicates His Love for us by His visible sign communicated through His consecrated ordained Priest, who confects the baptismal waters or the bread and wine, when the divine touches our humanity to part His Love and grace to the believer “recipient”.

This sacramental process from the Divine takes it to the ultimate highest level, not just from gained knowledge committed to the memory or conscience, but “Faith” that reaches to the depths of mans soul, from our hearts and mind is how God communicates to His faithful. When His visible sign (water, bread, wine) are changed by His Words (communicated) so that our humanity can become partakers of His divinity, when the visible becomes invisible (eternal) made present to our humanity to part grace to the believer.

Simply put, the True presence in communicated to our humanity to part God’s grace sacramentally, visible and invisible when God is all and in all.

Whereby the true presence communicated between our humanity is also done visible, but only parts learned or gained knowledge unseen from the conscience but never the less a reality.

What is amazing, in both examples from above, one can accept either one from ones own free will. To accept human knowledge, or reject it, to accept Divine Love and graces, or reject them.

Just a thought, peace be with you
THANKS I NEEDED THAT:thumbsup:
 
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