Some Protestants Believe the Strangest things.

[Nicea325]

Exactly. And come to think of it, the version of the OT that most of the early Christians used was the Septuagint, which included the 7 books rejected by the protestants. Despite their claim they simply are not more like the Christians as described in the Bible.

Indeed. Likewise,when people say: use ONLY the Bible, otherwise you will not resemble biblical Christianity. when and where does the Bible say Christianity must resemble the Bible-only?

 

[Zenkai]

No, the Christians in the Bible didn’t even yet have the Bible. They had the old testament only, and while of course they used the Old Testament, they also had to deal with issues that the Old Testament didn’t necessarily help them with.

Look at Acts 15, they are trying to determine what is the role of circumcision in Christianity. They have no scriptures to look to which say circumcision is no longer valid, in fact, all of the scriptures they had at the time told them otherwise. They only way they came to the decision that it was no longer necessary was b/c Peter stood up and made that decision. James quotes a very obscure verse that has nothing to do with circumcision. There is no way anyone would accept this verse as valid for this decision had it not been for the authority of the apostles interpreting it. Do you see what I’m getting at?

After it was finally agreed upon, they wrote up a letter and sent it to all the other churches telling them their decision. This doesn’t sound anything like Protestantism. But it does sound very much like a Catholic Council.

It doesn’t matter that they didn’t have the New Testament. The New Testament has the history of what the first Christians were like and what they were taught by the apostles. Protestants follow the apostle’s teachings as recorded in the NT.

 

[jmcrae]

It doesn’t matter that they didn’t have the New Testament. The New Testament has the history of what the first Christians were like and what they were taught by the apostles. Protestants follow the apostle’s teachings as recorded in the NT.

These are exactly the same teachings that the Catholic Church has preserved for us to follow even until now.

You can’t possibly think that the Apostles wrote every single thing down and put it into the New Testament? That’s not the purpose of the New Testament - it’s not a Catechism; nor is it a prayer book; nor is it a Missal - it is simply a record of their experiences with Jesus. The traditions that He gave them, they handed down orally - that is to say, in rituals, in hymns, in prayers, in poetry, and in the Holy Tradition - which only the Catholic Church maintains today.

 

[Sojourner61]

No. It does resemble biblical Christianity more. Catholics use traditions that are not included within the Bible.

I’m not saying anything against the Catholic Church, I’m just saying that Protestants follow Scripture very closely and do not add anything from outside it.

I can’t comment on the Catholic Church, having experienced Mass a handful of times. I can say this, however: Mass is as Christ-centered as you can get. I did grow up in the Assemblies of God, and can tell you that over the last 40 years, that denomination has changed, and not for the better. As far as extra-biblical teaching in Protestantism goes, take a look at the charismatic movement, the new apostolic reformation, and any of the other movements on the fringe of Protestantism. You can find anything from the prosperity doctrine(which is extra-biblical), to teachings that Christians are unpunishable, and that manifestations such as gold dust, feathers and jewels appearing out of thin air, and people laughing uncontrollably and barking like dogs are perfectly acceptable. I find myself agreeing more and more with the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and less with Protestantism. I do pray for my brothers and sisters in both camps, and love them equally.
I also look forward to the day when the Body is in one accord…again.

 

[Swiss_Guy]

No. It does resemble biblical Christianity more. Catholics use traditions that are not included within the Bible.

I’m not saying anything against the Catholic Church, I’m just saying that Protestants follow Scripture very closely and do not add anything from outside it.

They don’t follow 1 Tim. 3:15, and all of the parts in Scripture that claim there is Tradition as well. Because not everything is in the Bible. And faith alone is added outside of it, along with Scripture alone. That’s two major pillars of Protestantism that are outside of the Bible.

Just sayin.

 

[Zenkai]

They don’t follow 1 Tim. 3:15, and all of the parts in Scripture that claim there is Tradition as well. Because not everything is in the Bible. And faith alone is added outside of it, along with Scripture alone. That’s two major pillars of Protestantism that are outside of the Bible.

Just sayin.

“so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

What about it?

 

[Swiss_Guy]

“so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

What about it?

The Church of the living God is the pillar and foundation of all Truth. Not Scripture (which seems to be the beliefs of some Protestants).

 

[Zenkai]

The Church of the living God is the pillar and foundation of all Truth. Not Scripture (which seems to be the beliefs of some Protestants).

It doesn’t seem to be talking about the Catholic Church though. In fact, the whole chapter seems to fit Protestant churches more than it does the Catholic Church.

 

[Swiss_Guy]

It doesn’t seem to be talking about the Catholic Church though. In fact, the whole chapter seems to fit Protestant churches more than it does the Catholic Church.

How so?

Either way, the verse still claims the Church is the pillar and foundation of all truth, not the Bible.

 

[Zenkai]

How so?

Either way, the verse still claims the Church is the pillar and foundation of all truth, not the Bible.

Leaders in the Church
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder,[a] he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.** He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[c] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[d] 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

-Elders, deacons, etc. It sounds very not-Catholic.**

 

[Swiss_Guy]

Leaders in the Church
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder,[a] he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.** He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[c] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[d] 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

-Elders, deacons, etc. It sounds very not-Catholic.**

I think the literal translation for what you put as elder is presbyter (presbyteros or something like that in Greek ), so that is pretty much saying priest. At least my Bible says presbyter. and deacons are in the Catholic Church. You receive Holy Orders when you become a deacon. So I guess I’m not seeing how that is not Catholic.

 

[Zenkai]

I think the literal translation for what you put as elder is presbyter (presbyteros or something like that in Greek ), so that is pretty much saying priest. At least my Bible says presbyter. and deacons are in the Catholic Church. You receive Holy Orders when you become a deacon. So I guess I’m not seeing how that is not Catholic.

Presbyters/Elders appear to be married and have children in this chapter. Priests cannot get married and cannot have children.

 

[CDB1718]

Presbyters/Elders appear to be married and have children in this chapter. Priests cannot get married and cannot have children.

My Catholic priest is married with children.
stsophiaukrainian.cc/resources/celibateandmarriedclergy/

 

[andrewstx]

It doesn’t seem to be talking about the Catholic Church though. In fact, the whole chapter seems to fit Protestant churches more than it does the Catholic Church.

At the time that chapter was written the Catholic church was the only church to exist. How can it refer to Protestestants 16 centuries before they were made up?

 

[Zenkai]

At the time that chapter was written the Catholic church was the only church to exist. How can it refer to Protestestants 16 centuries before they were made up?

I know it isn’t talking about Protestants. I’m just saying it resembles them more than it does Catholics.

 

[andrewstx]

Leaders in the Church
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder,[a] he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.** He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[c] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[d] 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

-Elders, deacons, etc. It sounds very not-Catholic.**

We have elders, they are now priests. Priests comes from the word presbyteroi which the Protestant bible translaters rendered elders. We also have married deacons.

Not to discourage you, but do you think you are right for RCIA?

 

[Zenkai]

We have elders, they are now priests. Priests comes from the word presbyteroi which the Protestant bible translaters rendered elders. We also have married deacons.

Not to discourage you, but do you think you are right for RCIA?

I would be right for RCIA if I decided to start it.

The main problem I have is that Scripture doesn’t seem to point to the Roman Catholic Church. You would think that if the RCC was the true church, the apostles would at least mention it.

 

[Link0126]

I would be right for RCIA if I decided to start it.

The main problem I have is that Scripture doesn’t seem to point to the Roman Catholic Church. You would think that if the RCC was the true church, the apostles would at least mention it.

 

[Zenkai]

Oh, you disagree?

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

I would be right for RCIA if I decided to start it.

The main problem I have is that Scripture doesn’t seem to point to the Roman Catholic Church. You would think that if the RCC was the true church, the apostles would at least mention it.

Go and read Justin Martyr…about early worship service…before the bible was put together.