SPLIT: Opposition: Apostolic Succession

[wmscott]

In a word …Yes. Although there are some doctorines of the Catholic churches that I totally agree with,ie.,abortion,salvation through Christ only and some of the tendancies toward marriage,etc.
In my personal observations and studies of scripture I see plainly that the religiousity of Catholic hierarchy is what Christ taught against. The pomp and circumstance of fancy robes and very tall goldens crosses and lofty repetitive prayers, and also the manditory almost chanting of specific unrelated prayer as if that will bring forgiveness. These are downright false teachings and yet the people don’t seem to mind, when all they have to do is at night fall on their knees and pray and ask God to forgive their sin as scripture teaches.
I see nothing in scripture about going into a little room in a fancy expensive building with $8000 windows,wherein sits a man who claims he has the power to reconcile you to right standing with God by forgiving sins that were not commited against him. Christ gave every one of His followers the power to forgive sin committed against them, personally. This does not make everyone an apostle.
Furthermore Ignatiuos was well meaning I am sure, but that does not mean he was right in all of his interpretations. There were off-shoots and divisions that all of the twelve had to contend with amongst the people that they themselves led to Christ, with the very churches they personally established.
If it makes one feel better to be a part of some man-made apostolic succession rule and call that the one “true church”, allow me to say I think you are wrong. I do not question the intent of hearts or anyone’s salvation in the Catholic church, but I do have some very good news for all Catholics that read my words in this letter. Talk to God Himself, we have access through Christ and His work on the cross in our own private closet. The rest of these rituals and burdens put on you by men are NOT NEEDED for right standing with Our Father. Man’s self imposed religous rituals are meaningless to God.
To deny that there are underlying financial reasons to follow such teachings is a whole other matter.

ytee64

WOW how many more anti-Catholic falsehoods can you come up with? As you say “In my personal observations and studies of scripture” you have come to the crux of your problem, that being you fallible personal interpretations of not only the Catholic Church but of Sacred Scripture also. You really have no clue what the Catholic Church teaches, just what you think the Catholic Church teaches.From the examples you cite it seems you really do not know Sacred Scripture very well either. So to make this a little easier, cite only one issue at a time, provide your proof for your position, and then we can go from there. This shotgun effect where you hurl 6, 7, 8,or more accusations is not a good way to do things here.

 

[ytee64]

… That’s a bizarre statement and I’m not sure what to make of it. Would you care to explain?

So are you claiming descent of Semitic blood or descent of spiritual Judaism?

I think I got booted off while answering you so I will try again.

In Revelation there are 7 churches, only 2 is Christ pleased with, Smyrna and Philadelphia.What were those churches teaching? Read it and see.
There are 12 tribes of Hebrews only a remnant remain in Judea the other 10 tribes went north into the Assyrian captivity and then to cross the Cuacasus Mountains and then to Europe and to the whole world. Most of those Hebrews have lost their identity and don’t even know they are of Hebrew descent or as you say"semetic". Not by a claim of spiritual adherence to Judaism but actual Hebrew descendency. To deny this is to say one is un-learned.
I personally have traced my heritage back to the 1700’s to a family of Christian Hebrews in Germany. Possibly converted in the times of the Apostles, I don’t know yet, but I think you will agree that we all came from somewhere not constrained by the grip of time.

You had better send me a private message (Edited).

 

[ytee64]

WOW how many more anti-Catholic falsehoods can you come up with? As you say “In my personal observations and studies of scripture” you have come to the crux of your problem, that being you fallible personal interpretations of not only the Catholic Church but of Sacred Scripture also. You really have no clue what the Catholic Church teaches, just what you think the Catholic Church teaches.From the examples you cite it seems you really do not know Sacred Scripture very well either. So to make this a little easier, cite only one issue at a time, provide your proof for your position, and then we can go from there. This shotgun effect where you hurl 6, 7, 8,or more accusations is not a good way to do things here.

So what you are saying is I am wrong, when I say, I don’t need an Apostolic successor to be forgiven of my sins. AND, if you agree I don’t, then why do I need one at all? Furthermore, how can you prove Apostolic succession?
When the work on The Cross was finished, the veil to the Holy of Holy’s was split in 2, allowing access to the Throne of God through Christ to “whom so ever will”. In my interpretation of scripture, I have a High Priest in Jesus and so do you. WE don’t need Apostolic succession,or a pastor to be forgiven… do we?
If you say we do, then you are quite frankly, wrong? I didn’t mean to overload your apple cart.

ytee64

 

[ytee64]

by your logic, the teachings of Christ stopped with the Apostles. so, how do we know about Christ 2000 yrs later?

There are only 12 candlesticks, not 2000 or so Apostolic successors. Even if the office of Apostolic succession was a needed thing, I don’t see it in the scripture.
We have the Old testament and the prophets, the work of Christ on the Cross and the teachings of the 12 and Paul which was given by Christ to them, and the “revealing” of Revelation.
These truths will last through eternity. Christ is not to be constrained by 2000 years.

ytee64

 

[JustaServant]

I don’t see it in the scripture.

I. Ordained Leaders Share in Jesus’ Ministry and Authority
Matt. 10:1,40 - Jesus declares to His apostles, “he who receives you, receives Me, and he who rejects you, rejects Me and the One who sent Me.” Jesus freely gives His authority to the apostles in order for them to effectively convert the world.

Matt. 16:19; 18:18 - the apostles are given Christ’s authority to make visible decisions on earth that will be ratified in heaven. God raises up humanity in Christ by exalting his chosen leaders and endowing them with the authority and grace they need to bring about the conversion of all. Without a central authority in the Church, there would be chaos (as there is in Protestantism).

Luke 9:1; 10:19 - Jesus gives the apostles authority over the natural and the supernatural (diseases, demons, serpents, and scorpions).

Luke 10:16 - Jesus tells His apostles, “he who hears you, hears Me.” When we hear the bishops’ teaching on the faith, we hear Christ Himself.

Luke 22:29 - the Father gives the kingdom to the Son, and the Son gives the kingdom to the apostles. The gift is transferred from the Father to the Son to the apostles.

Num 16:28 - the Father’s authority is transferred to Moses. Moses does not speak on his own. This is a real transfer of authority.

John 5:30 - similarly, Jesus as man does nothing of His own authority, but He acts under the authority of the Father.

John 7:16-17 - Jesus as man states that His authority is not His own, but from God. He will transfer this authority to other men.

John 8:28 - Jesus says He does nothing on His own authority. Similarly, the apostles will do nothing on their own authority. Their authority comes from God.

John 12:49 - The father’s authority is transferred to the Son. The Son does not speak on his own. This is a transfer of divine authority.

John 13:20 - Jesus says, “he who receives anyone who I send, receives Me.” He who receives the apostles, receives Christ Himself. He who rejects the apostles and their successors, rejects Christ.

John 14:10 - Jesus says the Word He speaks is not His own authority, but from the Father. The gift is from the Father to Jesus to the apostles.

John 16:14-15 - what the Father has, the Son has, and the Son gives it to the apostles. The authority is not lessened or mitigated.

John 17:18; 20:21 - as the Father sends the Son, the Son sends the apostles. The apostles have divinely appointed authority.

Acts 20:28 - the apostles are shepherds and guardians appointed by the Holy Spirit / 1 Peter 2:25 - Jesus is the Shepherd and Guardian. The apostles, by the power of the Spirit, share Christ’s ministry and authority.

Jer. 23:1-8; Ezek. 34:1-10 - the shepherds must shepherd the sheep, or they will be held accountable by God.

Eph. 2:20 - the Christian faith is built upon the foundation of the apostles. The word “foundation” proves that it does not die with apostles, but carries on through succession.

Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:9,14 - the words “household,” “Bride of the Lamb,” the “new Jerusalem” are all metaphors for the Church whose foundation is the apostles.

 

[JustaServant]

I don’t see it in the scripture.

II. Authority is Transferred by the Sacrament of Ordination
Acts 1:15-26 - the first thing Peter does after Jesus ascends into heaven is implement apostolic succession. Matthias is ordained with full apostolic authority. Only the Catholic Church can demonstrate an unbroken apostolic lineage to the apostles in union with Peter through the sacrament of ordination and thereby claim to teach with Christ’s own authority.

Acts 1:20 - a successor of Judas is chosen. The authority of his office (his “bishopric”) is respected notwithstanding his egregious sin. The necessity to have apostolic succession in order for the Church to survive was understood by all. God never said, “I’ll give you leaders with authority for about 400 years, but after the Bible is compiled, you are all on your own.”

Acts 1:22 - literally, “one must be ordained” to be a witness with us of His resurrection. Apostolic ordination is required in order to teach with Christ’s authority.

Acts 6:6 - apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands (ordination). This authority has transferred beyond the original twelve apostles as the Church has grown.

Acts 9:17-19 - even Paul, who was directly chosen by Christ, only becomes a minister after the laying on of hands by a bishop. This is a powerful proof-text for the necessity of sacramental ordination in order to be a legitimate successor of the apostles.

Acts 13:3 - apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands (ordination). This authority must come from a Catholic bishop.

Acts 14:23 - the apostles and newly-ordained men appointed elders to have authority throughout the Church.

Acts 15:22-27 - preachers of the Word must be sent by the bishops in union with the Church. We must trace this authority to the apostles.

2 Cor. 1:21-22 - Paul writes that God has commissioned certain men and sealed them with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee.

Col 1:25 - Paul calls his position a divine “office.” An office has successors. It does not terminate at death. Or it’s not an office. See also Heb. 7:23 � an office continues with another successor after the previous office-holder�s death.

1 Tim. 3:1 - Paul uses the word “episcopoi” (bishop) which requires an office. Everyone understood that Paul’s use of episcopoi and office meant it would carry on after his death by those who would succeed him.

1 Tim. 4:14 - again, apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands (ordination).

1 Tim. 5:22 - Paul urges Timothy to be careful in laying on the hands (ordaining others). The gift of authority is a reality and cannot be used indiscriminately.

2 Tim. 1:6 - Paul again reminds Timothy the unique gift of God that he received through the laying on of hands.

2 Tim. 4:1-6 - at end of Paul’s life, Paul charges Timothy with the office of his ministry . We must trace true apostolic lineage back to a Catholic bishop.

2 Tim. 2:2 - this verse shows God’s intention is to transfer authority to successors (here, Paul to Timothy to 3rd to 4th generation). It goes beyond the death of the apostles.

Titus 1:5; Luke 10:1 - the elders of the Church are appointed and hold authority. God has His children participate in Christ’s work.

1 John 4:6 - whoever knows God listens to us (the bishops and the successors to the apostles). This is the way we discern truth and error (not just by reading the Bible and interpreting it for ourselves).

Exodus 18:25-26 - Moses appoints various heads over the people of God. We see a hierarchy, a transfer of authority and succession.

Exodus 40:15 - the physical anointing shows that God intended a perpetual priesthood with an identifiable unbroken succession.

Numbers 3:3 - the sons of Aaron were formally “anointed” priests in “ordination” to minister in the priests’ “office.”

Numbers 16:40 - shows God’s intention of unbroken succession within His kingdom on earth. Unless a priest was ordained by Aaron and his descendants, he had no authority.

Numbers 27:18-20 - shows God’s intention that, through the “laying on of hands,” one is commissioned and has authority.

Deut. 34:9 - Moses laid hands upon Joshua, and because of this, Joshua was obeyed as successor, full of the spirit of wisdom.

Sirach 45:15 - Moses ordains Aaron and anoints him with oil. There is a transfer of authority through formal ordination.

 

[JustaServant]

III. Jesus Wants Us to Obey Apostolic Authority
Acts 5:13 - the people acknowledged the apostles’ special authority and did not dare take it upon themselves.

Acts 15:6,24; 16:4 - the teaching authority is granted to the apostles and their successors. This teaching authority must be traced to the original apostles, or the authority is not sanctioned by Christ.

Rom. 15:16 � Paul says he is a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable. This refers to the ministerial priesthood of the ordained which is distinguishable from the universal priesthood of the laity. Notice the Gentiles are the �sacrifice� and Paul does the �offering.�

1 Cor. 5:3-5; 16:22; 1 Tim. 1:20; Gal 1:8; Matt 18:17 � these verses show the authority of the elders to excommunicate / anathemize (“deliver to satan”).

2 Cor. 2:17 - Paul says the elders are not just random peddlers of God’s word. They are actually commissioned by God. It is not self-appointed authority.

2 Cor. 3:6 � Paul says that certain men have been qualified by God to be ministers of a New Covenant. This refers to the ministerial priesthood of Christ handed down the ages through sacramental ordination.

2 Cor. 5:20 - Paul says we are “ambassadors” for Christ. This means that the apostles and their successors share an actual participation in Christ’s mission, which includes healing, forgiving sins, and confecting the sacraments.

2 Cor. 10:6 � in reference to the ordained, Paul says that they are ready to punish every disobedience. The Church has the authority excommunicate those who disobey her.

2 Cor. 10:8 - Paul acknowledges his authority over God’s people which the Lord gave to build up the Church.

1 Thess. 5:12-13 - Paul charges the members of the Church to respect those who have authority over them.

2 Thess. 3:14 - Paul says if a person does not obey what he has provided in his letter, have nothing to do with him.

1 Tim. 5:17 - Paul charges the members of the Church to honor the appointed elders (�priests�) of the Church.

Titus 2:15 - Paul charges Timothy to exhort and reprove with all authority, which he received by the laying on of hands.

Heb. 12:9 � in the context of spiritual discipline, the author says we have had earthly fathers (referring to the ordained leaders) to discipline us and we respected them.

Heb. 13:7,17 - Paul charges the members of the Church to remember and obey their leaders who have authority over their souls.

1 Peter 2:18 - Peter charges the servants to be submissive to their masters whether kind and gentle or overbearing.

1 Peter 5:5; Jude 8 - Peter and Jude charge the members of the Church to be subject to their elders.

2 Peter 2:10 - Peter warns the faithful about despising authority. He is referring to the apostolic authority granted to them by Christ.

3 John 9 - John points out that Diotrephes does not acknowledge John’s apostolic authority and declares that this is evil.

Deut. 17:10-13 - the Lord commands His faithful Israel to obey the priests that He puts in charge, and do to all that they direct and instruct. The Lord warns that those who do not obey His priests shall die.

Num. 16:1-35 - Korah incited a “protestant” rebellion against God’s chosen Moses in an effort to confuse the distinction between the ministerial and universal offices of priesthood, and Korah and his followers perished. (This effort to blind the distinctions between the priests and the laity is still pursued by dissidents today.)

Sirach 7:29-30 - with all your soul fear the Lord and honor His priests, love your Maker and do not forsake His ministers. God is not threatened by the authority He gives His children! God, as our Loving Father, invites us to participate in His plan of salvation with His Son Jesus. Without authority in the Church, there is error, chaos and confusion.

 

[wmscott]

So what you are saying is I am wrong, when I say, I don’t need an Apostolic successor to be forgiven of my sins. AND, if you agree I don’t, then why do I need one at all? Furthermore, how can you prove Apostolic succession?
When the work on The Cross was finished, the veil to the Holy of Holy’s was split in 2, allowing access to the Throne of God through Christ to “whom so ever will”. In my interpretation of scripture, I have a High Priest in Jesus and so do you. WE don’t need Apostolic succession,or a pastor to be forgiven… do we?
If you say we do, then you are quite frankly, wrong? I didn’t mean to overload your apple cart.

ytee64

This is two subjects, Apostolic succession and Confession. What would you like to discuss first?

in addition, you have omited your citations for what you state in this post.

 

[steve_b]

So what you are saying is I am wrong, when I say, I don’t need an Apostolic successor to be forgiven of my sins. AND, if you agree I don’t, then why do I need one at all?

Scripture tells us we need apostolic successors to forgive the serious sins
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=5456099&postcount=14
y:

Furthermore, how can you prove Apostolic succession?

What proof was there that

• the scribes and pharisees sat on moses seat? [Mt 23]
• Moses even had a seat?

Yet no one argued with Jesus when he said it.

An example of oral tradition that was absolutely authoritative but NOT written down anywhere in scripture
y:

When the work on The Cross was finished, the veil to the Holy of Holy’s was split in 2, allowing access to the Throne of God through Christ to “whom so ever will”. In my interpretation of scripture, I have a High Priest in Jesus and so do you. WE don’t need Apostolic succession,or a pastor to be forgiven… do we?

If you’re going to use scripture, The link above disproves what you believe.
y:

If you say we do, then you are quite frankly, wrong?

scripture proved YOU wrong

 

[wisdomseeker]

There are only 12 candlesticks, not 2000 or so Apostolic successors. Even if the office of Apostolic succession was a needed thing, I don’t see it in the scripture.
We have the Old testament and the prophets, the work of Christ on the Cross and the teachings of the 12 and Paul which was given by Christ to them, and the “revealing” of Revelation.
These truths will last through eternity. Christ is not to be constrained by 2000 years.

ytee64

that is funny that you say that. if you know about the nation of Israel chosen by God, you will see that God chose leaders, sheppards to lead the people.

we are not people without shepards. Jesus Himself said: I will not leave you orphans. why do you think we are orphans today?

if Jesus Himself while here chose 12 man to lead the people, to teach the people, why in the world you would think that this leadership was only for that time and not for today? you make no sense.

 

[wmscott]

III. Jesus Wants Us to Obey Apostolic Authority
Acts 5:13 - the people acknowledged the apostles’ special authority and did not dare take it upon themselves.

Acts 15:6,24; 16:4 - the teaching authority is granted to the apostles and their successors. This teaching authority must be traced to the original apostles, or the authority is not sanctioned by Christ.

Rom. 15:16 � Paul says he is a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable. This refers to the ministerial priesthood of the ordained which is distinguishable from the universal priesthood of the laity. Notice the Gentiles are the �sacrifice� and Paul does the �offering.�

1 Cor. 5:3-5; 16:22; 1 Tim. 1:20; Gal 1:8; Matt 18:17 � these verses show the authority of the elders to excommunicate / anathemize (“deliver to satan”).

2 Cor. 2:17 - Paul says the elders are not just random peddlers of God’s word. They are actually commissioned by God. It is not self-appointed authority.

2 Cor. 3:6 � Paul says that certain men have been qualified by God to be ministers of a New Covenant. This refers to the ministerial priesthood of Christ handed down the ages through sacramental ordination.

2 Cor. 5:20 - Paul says we are “ambassadors” for Christ. This means that the apostles and their successors share an actual participation in Christ’s mission, which includes healing, forgiving sins, and confecting the sacraments.

2 Cor. 10:6 � in reference to the ordained, Paul says that they are ready to punish every disobedience. The Church has the authority excommunicate those who disobey her.

2 Cor. 10:8 - Paul acknowledges his authority over God’s people which the Lord gave to build up the Church.

1 Thess. 5:12-13 - Paul charges the members of the Church to respect those who have authority over them.

2 Thess. 3:14 - Paul says if a person does not obey what he has provided in his letter, have nothing to do with him.

1 Tim. 5:17 - Paul charges the members of the Church to honor the appointed elders (�priests�) of the Church.

Titus 2:15 - Paul charges Timothy to exhort and reprove with all authority, which he received by the laying on of hands.

Heb. 12:9 � in the context of spiritual discipline, the author says we have had earthly fathers (referring to the ordained leaders) to discipline us and we respected them.

Heb. 13:7,17 - Paul charges the members of the Church to remember and obey their leaders who have authority over their souls.

1 Peter 2:18 - Peter charges the servants to be submissive to their masters whether kind and gentle or overbearing.

1 Peter 5:5; Jude 8 - Peter and Jude charge the members of the Church to be subject to their elders.

2 Peter 2:10 - Peter warns the faithful about despising authority. He is referring to the apostolic authority granted to them by Christ.

3 John 9 - John points out that Diotrephes does not acknowledge John’s apostolic authority and declares that this is evil.

Deut. 17:10-13 - the Lord commands His faithful Israel to obey the priests that He puts in charge, and do to all that they direct and instruct. The Lord warns that those who do not obey His priests shall die.

Num. 16:1-35 - Korah incited a “protestant” rebellion against God’s chosen Moses in an effort to confuse the distinction between the ministerial and universal offices of priesthood, and Korah and his followers perished. (This effort to blind the distinctions between the priests and the laity is still pursued by dissidents today.)

Sirach 7:29-30 - with all your soul fear the Lord and honor His priests, love your Maker and do not forsake His ministers. God is not threatened by the authority He gives His children! God, as our Loving Father, invites us to participate in His plan of salvation with His Son Jesus. Without authority in the Church, there is error, chaos and confusion.

JustaServent, this good stuff, over 80 Sacred Scripture references for Apostolic succession and irrefutable. I am sure there are more. Ytee64 will probably come up with a handful of misinterpreted verses to the contrary. I was going to post this also if ytee64 wanted to discuss apostolic succession. The thing I have noticed is that ytee64 keeps making accusations without any citations. However, ytee64’s problem is that he is lumping massive amounts of anti-Catholic falsehoods into one post; he really needs to ask one question at a time.

 

[wisdomseeker]

JustaServent, this good stuff, over 80 Sacred Scripture references for Apostolic succession and irrefutable. I am sure there are more. Ytee64 will probably come up with a handful of misinterpreted verses to the contrary. I was going to post this also if ytee64 wanted to discuss apostolic succession. The thing I have noticed is that ytee64 keeps making accusations without any citations. However, ytee64’s problem is that he is lumping massive amounts of anti-Catholic falsehoods into one post; he really needs to ask one question at a time.

the problem with those against authority in the Church and the Church herself is they bought into a lie tought by others and made them feel good. once it makes feel good it is hard to give up even if it is for the Truth.

"But all did not obey the Gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our report?"
Romans 10:16

 

[JustaServant]

JustaServent, this good stuff, over 80 Sacred Scripture references for Apostolic succession and irrefutable. I am sure there are more. Ytee64 will probably come up with a handful of misinterpreted verses to the contrary. I was going to post this also if ytee64 wanted to discuss apostolic succession. The thing I have noticed is that ytee64 keeps making accusations without any citations. However, ytee64’s problem is that he is lumping massive amounts of anti-Catholic falsehoods into one post; he really needs to ask one question at a time.

Yeah, I know. But he can’t say the question wasn’t answered. The problem I notice with many anti-Catholics is they do not read any of the posts.

 

[wmscott]

the problem with those against authority in the Church and the Church herself is they bought into a lie tought by others and made them feel good. once it makes feel good it is hard to give up even if it is for the Truth.

"But all did not obey the Gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our report?"
Romans 10:16

I know, I am a convert and used to do the same, believing and spewing many
anti-Catholic falsehoods. They repeat what they think the CC is and not what it really IS. Thank God I saw the light and it helped to married a good Catholic girl

 

[wmscott]

Yeah, I know. But he can’t say the question wasn’t answered. The problem I notice with many anti-Catholics is they do not read any of the posts.

I have noticed this myself, they just have their canned responses and never take time to do the resaerch or try to understand what is said.

 

[wisdomseeker]

I know, I am a convert and used to do the same, believing and spewing many
anti-Catholic falsehoods. They repeat what they think the CC is and not what it really IS. Thank God I saw the light and it helped to married a good Catholic girl

 

[Church_Militant]

JustaServent, this good stuff, over 80 Sacred Scripture references for Apostolic succession and irrefutable. I am sure there are more. Ytee64 will probably come up with a handful of misinterpreted verses to the contrary. I was going to post this also if ytee64 wanted to discuss apostolic succession. The thing I have noticed is that ytee64 keeps making accusations without any citations. However, ytee64’s problem is that he is lumping massive amounts of anti-Catholic falsehoods into one post; he really needs to ask one question at a time.

the problem with those against authority in the Church and the Church herself is they bought into a lie tought by others and made them feel good. once it makes feel good it is hard to give up even if it is for the Truth.

"But all did not obey the Gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our report?"
Romans 10:16

Yeah, I know. But he can’t say the question wasn’t answered. The problem I notice with many anti-Catholics is they do not read any of the posts.

I know, I am a convert and used to do the same, believing and spewing many
anti-Catholic falsehoods. They repeat what they think the CC is and not what it really IS. Thank God I saw the light and it helped to married a good Catholic girl

I have noticed this myself, they just have their canned responses and never take time to do the resaerch or try to understand what is said.

Yeah…Bishop Sheen was right when he said.

“Few people in America hate the Catholic religion,
but there are many who hate
what they mistakenly believe is the Catholic religion
—and if what they hate really were the Catholic religion,
Catholics would hate it too.”

 

[wmscott]

Yeah…Bishop Sheen was right when he said.

“Few people in America hate the Catholic religion,
but there are many who hate
what they mistakenly believe is the Catholic religion
—and if what they hate really were the Catholic religion,
Catholics would hate it too.”

Not a truer statement could be said, to bad many non Catholic will never take the time to find out what the Catholic Church is really about.

 

[Church_Militant]

Not a truer statement could be said, to bad many non Catholic will never take the time to find out what the Catholic Church is really about.

Always a matter for heartfelt prayer.

 

[Erich]

I don’t see it in the scripture.

This article does an excellent job of establishing how the Gospel message and the necessary authority that accompanies its preaching was passed on from God to Jesus Christ, then to the Apostles, then to the next generation, ad infinitum.