The "Ask a Baptist" Thread

[Imryl]

FWIW, when I was an infant I was baptized in a Methodist church, but after my mother’s divorce and remarriage to a Baptist, we joined his church. Baptists don’t count other baptisms, so Mama and I had to get in the water again. It bothered her but it didn’t matter to me. IMO, the changed heart is more important to God than the ritual.

I sometimes think people misunderstand what a **ritual **is. A ritual isn’t just smells and bells, fancy words and gestures. A ritual is a way of saying something that can’t be expressed with words. When one “worships” it’s not just an intellectual exercise, empty gestures or a confession of one’s intent. It involves the whole person; mind, body, soul and emotions.

Do you kneel to pray? I suspect most people here do. You might ask yourself why you do that. Kneeling isn’t “symbolic” of one’s reverence of God, or brokenness, or smallness. It’s the body following the movement the spirit.

Anyway… Moving on

“1. What does baptism mean to you?”
To me, the act of baptism is an outward expression of inward change. That is, prior to my immersion by a pastor, I had already come to believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and in my heart I had already committed myself to serve Him and His people. So the act of baptism symbolically washed away my sins and symbolically marked my entrance to a new way of life.

You’ve mentioned above that you believe Baptism is only symbolic and earlier you said you believed the same thing about the Eucharist. Please correct me if I’m wrong but it appears to me that you are saying your Baptism had no effect on you at all. That this change in you was because of your own merit. (ie. Your choice to believe.) Is this correct?

Also, if you believe the Eucharist is symbolic, how is that a outward sign of an inward change in you?

I hope if my assumptions are wrong you’ll correct me because I have follow up questions once I understand what it is you really believe. The questions are at the end of this post.

Now, I couldn’t find the post that provoked my next question but I wanted to ask you this as well. Is it true that Baptists believe that their individual interpretation on scripture is correct? What I mean is, while you might defer to another in some cases… Do you usually decide what a passage means?

I’m asking because my husband is a Southern Baptist but he’s never been able to explain these things to me. I’m a non-Christian and so I’m somewhat befuddled.

Follow up questions:
Why and how did you come to believe the things you do? Is this scriptural?

 

[Dettingen]

You’ve mentioned above that you believe Baptism is only symbolic and earlier you said you believed the same thing about the Eucharist. Please correct me if I’m wrong but it appears to me that you are saying [Baptism and participation in the Lord’s Supper] had no effect on you at all.

Ritual is indeed an unspoken form of communication. It can be used as an eternal sign of inward change. Sociologists have a lot of fun with this idea. Note, for example, the custom of wearing little ribbons: pink for breast cancer, red for AIDS, yellow for soldiers and hostages, etc. Or wearing your college colors to support your football team.

So the act of Baptism communicates to the family of God that I have made a decision to join them in the difficult endeavor of serving God. That an already-baptised member of the household conducts the ritual signifies their welcoming me into the family and conveys their support of my struggle in the Himalayan climb which is Christianity. The Lord’s Supper is similarly a ritual by which the family of God remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It reminds us to cling to one another, to rededicate ourselves to God’s service, to be grateful for what God has done for us through His Son Jesus the Christ.

That this change in you was because of your own merit. (ie. Your choice to believe.) Is this correct?

I believe you understand me though I am uneasy about your use of the word ‘merit.’ Salvation is a gift I don’t deserve and can never earn. I have sinned, I sin now, and I know that despite my best efforts to the contrary, I will sin again. My offering of my love and constant desire to do better is insufficient to God’s Mercy.

You’ve mentioned above that you believe Baptism is only symbolic and earlier you said you believed the same thing about the Eucharist. Please correct me if I’m wrong but it appears to me that you are saying [Baptism and participation in the Lord’s Supper] had no effect on you at all.

Ritual is indeed an unspoken form of communication. It can be used as an eternal sign of inward change. Sociologists have a lot of fun with this idea. Note, for example, the custom of wearing black to funerals: wearing black shows the community that you are bereaved and broken-hearted. Hopefully, they then respond to this information in a supportive way. Nowadays, people have little ribbons they wear which do the same thing: pink for breast cancer, red for AIDS, yellow for soldiers and hostages, etc. Or wearing your college colors to support your football team.

So the act of Baptism communicates to the family of God that I have made a decision to join them in the difficult endeavor of serving God. That an already-baptised member of the household conducts the ritual signifies their welcoming me into the family and conveys their support of my struggle in the Himalayan climb which is Christianity. The Lord’s Supper is similarly a ritual by which the family of God remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It reminds us to cling to one another, to rededicate ourselves to God’s service, to be grateful for what God has done for us through His Son Jesus the Christ.

Is it true that Baptists believe that their individual interpretation on scripture is correct? What I mean is, while you might defer to another in some cases… Do you usually decide what a passage means?

I don’t decide what scripture means. I use my knowledge (of history, of ancient languages, etc.) and I depend upon the Holy Spirit to assist me. I believe that this belief is usual among Baptists. It is the doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers.

Why and how did you come to believe the things you do? Is this scriptural?

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Revelation 5:10 “And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.

Finally, certainly I rely upon the leadership of other people: Paul calls them ‘elders’. I believe Paul meant mature, reliable people in the community, not officials of any religiously-oriented voluntary association. Not people who have been given authority by a church or even The Church. No priests or pastors for me. They’ve shown themselves unreliable enough. You know many of these—they are condemned publicly often enough—bishops who merely reassign child molesting priests, money-hungry televangelists, body-part selling rabbis—and others to whom I’ve made mention above, ordained ministers who craved political power more than racial equality.

Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ the Aaronic priesthood is abolished. Because God manifest Himself in human form and as His Son came to earth, the barriers between God and humankind are utterly destroyed, no intermediaries are required and it is now possible each and every one of us to receive God’s Grace directly from God. Thank God!

 

[Carlan]

Originally Posted by Dettingen
“1. What does baptism mean to you?”
To me, the act of baptism is an outward expression of inward change. That is, prior to my immersion by a pastor, I had already come to believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and in my heart I had already committed myself to serve Him and His people. So the act of baptism symbolically washed away my sins and symbolically marked my entrance to a new way of life.[/end quote]

I have posted this in previous posts perhaps it will help you to understand what Baptism means to me as a Catholic.It means more than merely symbolic.

  Jesus redeemed all men by his suffering on the cross for our sins. If we believe this

and accept it then, when we are Baptized we become justified in the name of the
Trinity, The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That is when justification is
conffered, in Baptism. It is not just an outward sign, a covering over of the
ugliness of sin.It is a true eradication of sin,it wipes out,blots out,takes
away,removes and cleanses,it is the forgiveness of sins and a true sanctification
and renwel of the inner man, the person.
Baptizm is an indelible mark which remains in the soul forever. We are Baptized into
Christ.We are given the gift of sanctifying grace which helps us to grow throughout
owr life in holiness so as to be pleasing to the Father.
He created us for himself to love him and to serve him on this earth so that we can
be happy forever with him in heaven.Carlan

 

[Imryl]

Ritual is indeed an unspoken form of communication. It can be used as an eternal sign of inward change. (Pardon I noticed the use of the word eternal here. Did you mean external?) Sociologists have a lot of fun with this idea. Note, for example, the custom of wearing little ribbons: pink for breast cancer, red for AIDS, yellow for soldiers and hostages, etc. Or wearing your college colors to support your football team.

Rituals are not just an unspoken form of communication. Which was my point. They are the movement of the whole person, the whole community even. It is an expression of one’s inner most desires, desires which cannot, not could not, be expressed with words.

Wearing a colored ribbon symbolizes support of a particular cause. It is not a way in which one “worships”. It it is not an act in-and-of-itself. It is not even a procedure for conducting religious ceremonies… Therefore it cannot be considered a ritual. Even by your definition; an external sign of an inward change. There is no inward change when you pin a colored ribbon to your lapel.

Back to Baptism…

I believe you understand me though I am uneasy about your use of the word ‘merit.’ Salvation is a gift I don’t deserve and can never earn. I have sinned, I sin now, and I know that despite my best efforts to the contrary, I will sin again. My offering of my love and constant desire to do better is insufficient to God’s Mercy.

So you believe that Baptism had no effect on you at all? That this change in you was because of your choice to believe? I’m sorry this answer was unclear to me. I wasn’t questioning if you thought you deserved salvation, I was pretty sure I knew the answer to that one.

Why and how did you come to believe the things you do about Baptism?

The Eucharist

You didn’t answer the question concerning the Eucharist though. That’s understandable though because I threw a lot at you at once! So here it is again: If you believe the Eucharist is symbolic, how is that a outward sign of an inward change in you?

Why and how did you come to believe the things you do about the Eucharist?

I don’t decide what scripture means. I use my knowledge (of history, of ancient languages, etc.) and I depend upon the Holy Spirit to assist me. I believe that this belief is usual among Baptists. It is the doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers.

Do you believe the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is mutable? Do you believe the Holy Spirit can contradict himself? Do you believe he would lead people into error? I ask this because while it may be the usual belief amongst Baptists it presents a huge problem.

That doesn’t even address the historical perspective. Our knowledge of history and our understanding of ancient languages is imperfect. We are two-thousand years divorced from the actual happenings presented in the bible. I would never presume to know, on my own authority, what they actually meant at the time.

I hope that in anycase you will answer the above questions regarding the Holy Spirit. I also hope you will include Why and how did you come to believe the things.

I believe Paul meant mature, reliable people in the community, not officials of any religiously-oriented voluntary association. Not people who have been given authority by a church or even The Church.

Do you think it would be more prudent to rely on your own opinions, or do you think it would be more prudent to rely on the opinions of a group who have done their best to pass on their knowledge to the next generation through all these years? This “passing on of knowledge and information” helps preserve how things *actually *were rather then how we *hope *or *think *they were.

The crux of the matter is, if God is Truth, if he were infinity merciful, would he just leave you on your own to figure things out? If God knows you better then you know yourself, he would already know all the questions and struggles you have had and will have with your spirituality… Questions and struggles surely everyone has or will have, and do you not think he’d provide for that because he know about them before you did?

You know many of these—they are condemned publicly often enough—bishops who merely reassign child molesting priests, money-hungry televangelists, body-part selling rabbis—and others to whom I’ve made mention above, ordained ministers who craved political power more than racial equality.

Neither you or I are ministers… and neither is my uncle. But should I hold a grudge against you because my uncle is a pedophile and raped a young cousin of mine? I think not! That wouldn’t make any rational sense.

Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ the Aaronic priesthood is abolished.

Again I have to ask where all of these beliefs come from. I ask because most of them are not supported by scripture, or even the Baptist tradition.

(Again, outsider looking in asking these questions!)

 

[Dettingen]

I’ve explained to the best of my ability and I’ve given scripture citations. I can do no better than I have. The same questions arebeing posed so I am coming to believe that others perhaps wish to engage in apologetics, an activity in which I do not wish to take part.

It’s certainly possible that my personal beliefs have strayed from their origins, but I do think my answers are consistent with Baptists in general.

The thing I’d most like you to understand is that Baptists do consistently agree with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Therefore, there is necessarily going to be a wide range of beliefs on certain teachings–Baptism and the Lord’s Supper being cases very much in point.

I’m going to back off for a bit. I got so excited at the prospect of promoting mutual understanding that I fear I’ve come to dominate the discussion excessively. I’m sure the OP never meant to create an “Ask a Dettingen” thread!

 

[sckcd]

hi brother. exactly my point. im a former baptist myself,so keep searching. brought a small part of the history up on another thread. its fascinating. most baptist do not know their own history. i was married to a mennonite, so it forced me to look into the history of the baptist church. first go to wikopedia and look up menno simons, then google john smyth. the history of the baptist church cannot really be taught by the baptist. it would cause alot of problems. doensnt mean your not a good baptist. i wasnt taught this either.lol! might just put you over the edge after you get done with your studies. Love in Christ p.s. if your a sister then hi sister. hard to tell by someones screen name

I’m a sister, lol

I don’t mind not knowing about Smyth, because he is not the reason I go to church and he means nothing about what I learn and how we worship. We study the Bible, sing Christian hymns and contemporary songs, have communion, tithe, and have a sermon based on and containing scripture. He may have started the Baptist denomination, but we don’t study about him or hold him in regard or anything… he’s just a man to me. That’s all. I doubt he’d even recognize the Baptist church if he could see it today as I am sure it’s quite different.

 

[sckcd]

Interesting thread. My wife was raised Baptist, and was somewhat upset to hear at RCIA tonight that Baptist “Eucharist” is invalid, as she believes in the Real Presence, and did not like hearing that the communion she has been receiving all along was simply bread and wine. We are having a little debate - she insists that the Baptists also believe in the Real Presence, while I see on here that they do not.

Are there some Baptist churches that do, in fact, teach the Real Presence? I know there are some (Landmark Baptists), who go through some mental gymnastics to come up with some sort of theory of Apostolic Succession - i.e., that there were many churches at the time of the Apostles, and the Baptists are the successors of one of them. If they do believe in the Real Presence, would this, or the “Priesthood of All Believers”, be what they think gives their pastors the authority to effect a valid consecration?

Or is my wife out to lunch re: Baptists and the Real Presence, and really coming where she belongs in joining the Catholic Church.

While I have never been specifically taught “real body real blood”, I have always considered it to be. I don’t know if that answers your question really. But that’s what it’s supposed to be, so I guess I just would partake of it as though it was.

 

[sckcd]

Why do Baptists believe that the pope is the Whore of Babylon? That he is the anti-Christ?

Goodness, I have never heard anyone say that! Maybe a Baptist told you that, but that would be purely his/her own opinion. It’s certainly not taught.

 

[benidict]

I’m a sister, lol

I don’t mind not knowing about Smyth, because he is not the reason I go to church and he means nothing about what I learn and how we worship. We study the Bible, sing Christian hymns and contemporary songs, have communion, tithe, and have a sermon based on and containing scripture. He may have started the Baptist denomination, but we don’t study about him or hold him in regard or anything… he’s just a man to me. That’s all. I doubt he’d even recognize the Baptist church if he could see it today as I am sure it’s quite different.

ok thank you sister appreciate your response. that is honest, would explain why i never heard of him either. also their are so many offshoots of the baptist faith, that in retrospect it may have been an unfair question on my part. oh well, its always nice to learn something of our history reguardless. hope you were entertained. God bless you sister, have a blessed Lords day.

 

[Imryl]

I’ve explained to the best of my ability and I’ve given scripture citations. I can do no better than I have. The same questions are being posed so I am coming to believe that others perhaps wish to engage in apologetics, an activity in which I do not wish to take part.

The same questions are being posed because you haven’t actually answered them. You gave two citations which don’t even appear to be relevant to my questions. This is an “Ask a Baptist” thread which leads me to believe that the Baptists here on CAF wish to talk about what they believe as well as the reasons behind those beliefs. That’s what apologetics is.

Even though my questions have been directed to you Dettingen, I hope any Baptist present on this thread would take the time to answer these questions for me. As I’ve stated, I’m not even a Christian, so my goal isn’t to “stump” you.

The thing I’d most like you to understand is that Baptists do consistently agree with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Therefore, there is necessarily going to be a wide range of beliefs on certain teachings–Baptism and the Lord’s Supper being cases very much in point.

I see that this is a common belief that you have with Catholics. *(However my original questions weren’t in regards to this) * They, {Catholics} have a similar belief, but they go on to cite another passage that seems to support this idea of apostolic succession. What about these scripture passages? How do Baptists defend their position when these passages are presented, and what do they think they mean?

(Again while I’m quoting Dettingen, I hope any Baptist will chime in here. In fact, I have three posts on this thread with a number of questions and I hope someone will be willing to take a crack at them. e.g. Baptism, Eucharist, Holy Spirit and now the priesthood. If it makes it easier then just cut each question from the paragraphs and answer them individually.)

I’m going to back off for a bit. I got so excited at the prospect of promoting mutual understanding that I fear I’ve come to dominate the discussion excessively. I’m sure the OP never meant to create an “Ask a Dettingen” thread!

Why? You seem to be better equipped to answer the numerous inquiries. The OP doesn’t chime in as much.

 

[allischalmers]

Ellen:

I can relate to the " “Wow. I guess I’m not Baptist” moment.

I began studying the history of Judaism, Christianity, and the transmission of Scripture about 4 years ago (I keep saying 4 years-may be longer.) I soon reached the conclusion that, though brought up in the Baptist Church, I am not Baptist.

Ironically, after reading the Bible cover-to-cover; I found that Scripture contradicts many of the Baptist doctrines.

Anna

Ironically after reading the Bible cover-to-cover once a year since 1945, I found that Scripture contradicts most of Catholic doctrines and proves Baptist doctrined.

 

[Imryl]

Ironically after reading the Bible cover-to-cover once a year since 1945, I found that Scripture contradicts most of Catholic doctrines and proves Baptist doctrined.

If this is true then perhaps you can answer some of my questions?

 

[allischalmers]

If this is true then perhaps you can answer some of my questions?

maybe just one or two

 

[Carlan]

Ironically after reading the Bible cover-to-cover once a year since 1945, I found that Scripture contradicts most of Catholic doctrines and proves Baptist doctrined.

Who (GOD) hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given t o us in Christ Jesus before the world began 2 Timothy 1 : 9

Catholics believe that we are called by grace through faith working in love.

Please list all the Catholic doctrines you believe contradicts scripture. Thanks. Carlan

 

[greggy53]

“2) Can a person loose his/her salvation after “being saved?””
If you’ve believed (John 3:16) how can you stop believing? Kind of like unringing a bell. But true belief is manifested by works. You can tell by the fruit of the tree, so to speak. A tree might claim to be a fruit tree and yet not produce anything worth eating…

You are comparing apples to oranges here. Ringing a bell is not like believing at all. Every day of our lives we choose to believe or not to believe, accept or reject. There are many who after believing for many years loose their faith. The fundamentalist will argue that they were never saved, but that would make us no better than God’s pets.No, humans have a completely free will to accept on any given day or reject the next. It’s either this or God isn’t who he says he is, and or we are not made in his image. God wills that all would come to him for redemption. Jesus came to redeem the world, but we are truly free to accept or reject it.

 

[Dettingen]

My little-time out has given me a clearer perspective.

1. I really, really want to promote understanding and goodwill. I’d like us Christians, all of us, to be able to stop quarrelling and focus on things we can agree on and do together. Like housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted (and afflicting the comfortable!). My passion can sometimes get in the way of my words, so my very first statement must be this: I am truly sorry for any offence I have caused.
2. Communication is a difficult thing, and I think the more important the topic, the greater the likelihood for miscommunication. So, either I’ve misunderstood questions or I’ve failed to answer questions in a sufficiently comprehensible way. Again, I apologise, and promise faithfully to try harder.
3. The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is central to Baptist thought. As I’m demonstrably inadequate when it comes to explaining it, I offer these resources: baptisthistory.org/priesthood.htm and gracevalley.org/articles/Priesthood.html (Caution: he makes some statements that offend me because to some extent he is defining the idea in terms of what Catholics have got wrong. I think he’d have done better to just say what Baptists are for. I’m including it here because despite that flaw, it’s a clear explanation, IMO.)
4. Freedom of conscience is incredibly important to Baptists–they were persecuted in England before the English Civil War, and came to North America to be persecuted by the Puritans in New England. (side comment: Ironically, the Baptists now have a reputation of being a pretty intolerant crowd. This is why studying history is so important.)
5. While I may be lacking in explanatory skills, my research skills are pretty formidable. Therefore, I offer the following suggestions for further reading:

Cecil P. Staton, Jr., editor. Why I am a Baptist: Reflections on being Baptist in the 21st Century.
Grady C. Cothen. The New SBC: Fundamentalism’s Impact on the Southern Baptist Convention.
Herschel H. Hobbs. Baptist Faith and Message.
?. A Handbook of Christian Theology: Definition Essays on Concepts and Movements of Thought in Contemporary Protestantism.

For looking up specific issues:
Merrill Frederick Unger. New Unger’s Bible Handbook.
Neil S. Wilson et al, editors. The Handbook of Bible Application.

I really hope this helps.

 

[greggy53]

My little-time out has given me a clearer perspective.

1. I really, really want to promote understanding and goodwill. I’d like us Christians, all of us, to be able to stop quarrelling and focus on things we can agree on and do together. Like housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted (and afflicting the comfortable!). My passion can sometimes get in the way of my words, so my very first statement must be this: I am truly sorry for any offence I have caused.

If you believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God the Father. If you can agree with me on that then I accept you as my brother in Christ.
Dettingen;58965482.:

Communication is a difficult thing, and I think the more important the topic, the greater the likelihood for miscommunication. So, either I’ve misunderstood questions or I’ve failed to answer questions in a sufficiently comprehensible way. Again, I apologise, and promise faithfully to try harder.

Don’t apologise for standing up for what you believe, and stating it as best you can.
Dettingen;58965483.:

The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is central to Baptist thought. As I’m demonstrably inadequate when it comes to explaining it, I offer these resources: baptisthistory.org/priesthood.htm and gracevalley.org/articles/Priesthood.html (Caution: he makes some statements that offend me because to some extent he is defining the idea in terms of what Catholics have got wrong. I think he’d have done better to just say what Baptists are for. I’m including it here because despite that flaw, it’s a clear explanation, IMO.)

I think a probelm that all Protestants have to some extent is that in order to justify their theology, and particular christian beliefs it is necessary for them to prove the Catholics are wrong about theirs. Thats just the way it is. The Catholic Church is the oldest Christian denomination, and Protestants need to justify leaving it. They see themselves as “reformers”, and to be a reformer you muist first point out what is wrong that needs changing. Speaking for myself It doesn’t bother me, and I welcome a good debate. Besides when I see other denominations attacking the Church I see it as a sort of compliment. We are the original Christian Church. They can’t go anywhere without bumping into us.

 

[Illamus]

Greetings All,

I’m no scholar or hardly no anything about doctrines or can’t even name all the saints. As a Baptist/Christian I know I have so much to learn. I know that in the end we as humans are not perfect and can never hope to be on this earth. God gave us laws to abide by along with rituals, symbols, prayers and earthly leaders. Unfortunately because we are sinners and unpure in the eyes of god we cannot every hope to see him using only these means.

Jesus Christ is the living word and God manifested in the flesh. His sacrifice and ressurrection is sufficient enough for us. I get the feeling reading some responses that people just want to be reassured that they are serving the lord correctly. This is not a competition among christians. If you truly have accepted Christ into your heart then you will try and live by his example until you pass from this plane. Details are worthless if you can’t see the big picture. God is love and we should do well to concentrate on that thought. There is no Catholic heaven, Baptist Heaven, Muslim heaven, Jewish Heaven or Whatever you want to call it. There is just Heaven and Hell. I’m not gonna go into purgatory because I am not well informed on such a subject but the other two are final destinations.

Anyways, God bless you all and I apologize for my grammatical errors as this was typed in a rush.

 

[greggy53]

Greetings All,

I’m no scholar or hardly no anything about doctrines or can’t even name all the saints. As a Baptist/Christian I know I have so much to learn. I know that in the end we as humans are not perfect and can never hope to be on this earth. God gave us laws to abide by along with rituals, symbols, prayers and earthly leaders. Unfortunately because we are sinners and unpure in the eyes of god we cannot every hope to see him using only these means.

Jesus Christ is the living word and God manifested in the flesh. His sacrifice and ressurrection is sufficient enough for us. I get the feeling reading some responses that people just want to be reassured that they are serving the lord correctly. This is not a competition among christians. If you truly have accepted Christ into your heart then you will try and live by his example until you pass from this plane. Details are worthless if you can’t see the big picture. God is love and we should do well to concentrate on that thought. There is no Catholic heaven, Baptist Heaven, Muslim heaven, Jewish Heaven or Whatever you want to call it. There is just Heaven and Hell. I’m not gonna go into purgatory because I am not well informed on such a subject but the other two are final destinations.

Anyways, God bless you all and I apologize for my grammatical errors as this was typed in a rush.

You were doing fine until you got to the part about Purgatory.
Honestly, there are many things we can agree on, but Catholics understand that faith alone is not enough, the Bible alone is not enough. The scriptures teach us this emphatically. Mother Church is also a vital part of salvation. The Church and Christ are one. I get the impression that you believe that we are only about rituals and symbols. I can assure you that every Catholic ritual is rooted in scripture, and apostolic tradition.You are here to discus these differences between us are you not?

 

[Filioque]

Greetings All,

I’m no scholar or hardly no anything about doctrines or can’t even name all the saints. As a Baptist/Christian I know I have so much to learn. I know that in the end we as humans are not perfect and can never hope to be on this earth. God gave us laws to abide by along with rituals, symbols, prayers and earthly leaders. Unfortunately because we are sinners and unpure in the eyes of god we cannot every hope to see him using only these means.

Jesus Christ is the living word and God manifested in the flesh. His sacrifice and ressurrection is sufficient enough for us. I get the feeling reading some responses that people just want to be reassured that they are serving the lord correctly. This is not a competition among christians. If you truly have accepted Christ into your heart then you will try and live by his example until you pass from this plane. Details are worthless if you can’t see the big picture. God is love and we should do well to concentrate on that thought. There is no Catholic heaven, Baptist Heaven, Muslim heaven, Jewish Heaven or Whatever you want to call it. There is just Heaven and Hell. I’m not gonna go into purgatory because I am not well informed on such a subject but the other two are final destinations.

Anyways, God bless you all and I apologize for my grammatical errors as this was typed in a rush.

The basics are a good starting point, if we have not charity… (Love of God) we have nothing. This does not however mean that we should ignore the differences, or overlook the fact that contradictory teachings cannot all be correct, or that what Jesus and the Apostles taught is important too.

As the old saying goes, “You can catch more flies with honey…” So if we argue and or discuss dogmatic differences in the love of God, with prayer and the intent of showing God’s love for mankind, and not to win a battle for our own glory, we shall be doing good.