The Fullness of Truth

[PJD1987]

Hey everyone,

First of all, it has been awhile since I’ve been on here, been going through some stuff personally, so I’d ask for your prayers please.

Secondly, and the reason I’m writing here is the fact that I have a number of Non-Catholic friends, who I have no problem speaking with about faith, and a common issue comes up that I don’t quite know how to adequately explain. The issue is the fact that some, I suppose, believe the Catholic Church is somewhat elitist by saying that we have “the fullness of Truth” and makes others feel like we (Catholics) think we are better than them. Now, obviously this is not true, but it is difficult to explain to someone that doesn’t quite grasp that, and so I am looking for a decent way to explain this; yes we do have the fullness of Truth and we are the One Church established by Christ, but that does not equal being “better” than anyone else. I’m stuck on this and would appreciate some help on how to better articulate that. Thank you!

God bless,
Paul

 

[snarflemike]

Hey everyone,

First of all, it has been awhile since I’ve been on here, been going through some stuff personally, so I’d ask for your prayers please.

Secondly, and the reason I’m writing here is the fact that I have a number of Non-Catholic friends, who I have no problem speaking with about faith, and a common issue comes up that I don’t quite know how to adequately explain. The issue is the fact that some, I suppose, believe the Catholic Church is somewhat elitist by saying that we have “the fullness of Truth” and makes others feel like we (Catholics) think we are better than them. Now, obviously this is not true, but it is difficult to explain to someone that doesn’t quite grasp that, and so I am looking for a decent way to explain this; yes we do have the fullness of Truth and we are the One Church established by Christ, but that does not equal being “better” than anyone else. I’m stuck on this and would appreciate some help on how to better articulate that. Thank you!

It’s really a question of “which church, if any, teaches all that Jesus and the Holy Spirit taught to the apostles?” They can’t ALL teach all that the apostles were taught, because they all disagree on one or more points. So either one church, and one church alone, teaches all that the apostles were taught, or perhaps no church teaches all that the apostles were taught (but then did the gates of hell prevail against Jesus’ promise?).

 

[DavidFilmer]

We believe that the Catholic Faith is inherently superior to all other beliefs - it’s objectively better than any protestant faith.

That doesn’t mean that individual Catholics think they are inherently superior to others by virtue of their faith. Heck, we don’t even come close to claiming that being a member of the Catholic Church will get you into heaven. If you can be Catholic and still go to hell, you can’t call yourself inherently better.

 

[jochoa]

Hey everyone,

First of all, it has been awhile since I’ve been on here, been going through some stuff personally, so I’d ask for your prayers please.

Secondly, and the reason I’m writing here is the fact that I have a number of Non-Catholic friends, who I have no problem speaking with about faith, and a common issue comes up that I don’t quite know how to adequately explain. The issue is the fact that some, I suppose, believe the Catholic Church is somewhat elitist by saying that we have “the fullness of Truth” and makes others feel like we (Catholics) think we are better than them. Now, obviously this is not true, but it is difficult to explain to someone that doesn’t quite grasp that, and so I am looking for a decent way to explain this; yes we do have the fullness of Truth and we are the One Church established by Christ, but that does not equal being “better” than anyone else. I’m stuck on this and would appreciate some help on how to better articulate that. Thank you!

God bless,
Paul

Excellent question! Please consider the following concept:
Since Catholic can be defined as All-Embracing, then the Truths of Catholicism are the Truths of All.

The fun and rewarding challenge is to learn how all perspectives can be validated as operating within the Truths of Catholicism.

For it is when we humble ourselves and understand how others are valid in their perspective, that we can more effectively guide them to see a greater light.
Just as it when we do not humble ourselves and do not understand how others are in the least somewhat valid, that we keep ourselves in the dark.

 

[Maryann_C]

There is a different tact you could take. I might ask them if they believe that their Church teaches all the truth that Jesus taught that we can commonly verify by looking at the scriptures.
I have just been reading ( again) Acts 1 through 10 . I think that ( since they are heavily highlighted in my Bible) were some of the scriptures that led me into the fulness of truth. Some things jump to mind that might be useful for you to note , perhaps memorize or at least highlight and then keep your bible with you when talking to them.

So I would then ask them does their Church teach that one has to be baptised by water in the name of Jesus not just the Holy Spirit? If they say yes then you could point them to the last sentence of Mathew’s Gospel BUT since we are talking Church authority/truth here I would point out that EVEN though Saul had , had a vision of Jesus and was sent on a mission by Him personally Jesus STILL prescribed that Paul must go though the ‘normal’ steps’ to come into full communion with the Church :Acts 9 specifically verses 17 and 18 , where I would highlight that “he got up and was baptized” this despite the fact that Ananias had only prayed ( presumably by the laying on of hands although it does not say) that Saul may regain his sight and “be filled with the Holy Spirit “.
We see also in Acts 10 Peter is sent to gentiles who before his very eyes are filled with the Holy Spirit versse 46 " for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God” even though they are not yet baptized we know this because AFTER that Peter says verse 47 " can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

I suggest going here first because many protestant denominations that I have come across believe that all that is necessary is the ‘personal relationship’ and a ‘sinners prayer’ to be said in order to be part of the Church ( the body of Christ whom Saul persecuted).

Then I would go scripturally through THEIR faith beliefs and show where the commonality and where the error is , then you can put to them well if not your Church WHICH one teaches it as Jesus and his appointed apostles taught as we can verify by scripture. If they want to go down the Mary or Purgatory or Indulgences road you stick to things that can be clearly seen in scripture , because after that once they have realized the holes in their Church teaching and that the Catholic Church teaches it ALL, THEN you might be able to tackle the harder ones on the basis of authority.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[benjohnson]

As a Lutheran, without diminishing my own church, I have no problem with the Catholic church saying that it has the “fullness of truth.” In fact, I would urge Catholics to help share that truth with with others, especially other Catholics who are in severe need of guidance.

If you’re getting ‘push-back’, it may be time to brush up on your rhetorical techniques

 

[JonNC]

It’s really a question of “which church, if any, teaches all that Jesus and the Holy Spirit taught to the apostles?” They can’t ALL teach all that the apostles were taught, because they all disagree on one or more points. So either one church, and one church alone, teaches all that the apostles were taught, or perhaps no church teaches all that the apostles were taught (but then did the gates of hell prevail against Jesus’ promise?).

Oh, goodness no! I reject completely the notion that the failure of human beings to understand His fullness of truth means the gates of Hell prevails against His Church, unless of course the gates of Hell have prevailed against the Church Triumphant as well.
None of us believe that.

Jon

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Hey everyone,

First of all, it has been awhile since I’ve been on here, been going through some stuff personally, so I’d ask for your prayers please.

Secondly, and the reason I’m writing here is the fact that I have a number of Non-Catholic friends, who I have no problem speaking with about faith, and a common issue comes up that I don’t quite know how to adequately explain. The issue is the fact that some, I suppose, believe the Catholic Church is somewhat elitist by saying that we have “the fullness of Truth” and makes others feel like we (Catholics) think we are better than them. Now, obviously this is not true, but it is difficult to explain to someone that doesn’t quite grasp that, and so I am looking for a decent way to explain this; yes we do have the fullness of Truth and we are the One Church established by Christ, but that does not equal being “better” than anyone else. I’m stuck on this and would appreciate some help on how to better articulate that. Thank you!

God bless,
Paul

Paul, I pray the the Holy Spirit of the Lord is with you during this time of need.

Comparison, other than for discernment, is mostly fruit of a bad tree. Pride and arrogance follow it closely. I am not saying this is your case. However, I have seen too many Catholic brothers falling victims of the fruit of these evil trees. Your Non-Catholic brothers may have experienced some of them. In addition, throwing around words like infallibility only create division when used in the wrong context.

At times, often, I go back to this passage of scripture when I see this situation happen:

Luke 9:46-50

The Greatest in the Kingdom.
46 An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.
47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side
48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

It is very hard to remain humble, especially harder when you have more understanding of the things being discussed. If we have a hard time understanding the doctrines in our own Church, how much harder do you think it is going to be for someone outside our Church?

Another Exorcist.
49 Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.”
50 Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

This is so important to keep in mind when talking with fellow Christians who are in a different doctrinal walk with our Lord. We should be able to know their walk by the fruit of their tree. And we should welcome them with gentleness and open arms and make every effort to explain those things they don’t understand or understand incorrectly.

We must also keep in the back of our minds the parable of the Vigilant and Faithful Servants (Luke 12).

To those whom much is given, much is required.

In Him,

Jose

 

[GratefulFred]

For me, the Fullness of Truth, has three most essential elements:

1. Christ’s authority given to Peter. Matthew 16: 13-19
2. Christ’s authority given the Apostles to properly consecrate Holy Eucharist Luke 22: 17-20
3. Christ’s authority given to the Apostles to forgive sins. John 20: 19-23

For me, I am trying to relate to Christ on HIS terms, not my terms.

Unless a Christian church has a clear line of authority back to and alligence to these passages, that Church cannot rightly claim to have the Fullness of Truth, IMHO.

As I strongly desire to follow Christ and the Fullness of Truth as best I can, I must seek out and remain in THE church that has that clear line of authority back to the Gospels.

My understanding does not make me feel superior to anyone. I’ve got all I can do just trying to actually live what I believe. I am very grateful for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the knowledge that my sins ARE forgiven in the way Christ established. I am grateful that I CAN receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist: This IS My Body. This IS My Blood. And I am very grateful to be in THE church Christ gave HIS authority to.

When I try to help others understand the Fullness of Truth above, they find it difficult to accept.

Like many outside the Catholic Church, I believe that Christ is THE Living Son of God. I must take Christ at His Word. He spoke the Truth. Anyone who tries to reduce that Truth with “Yea, but,” is putting personal limits on the Fullness of Truth. I pray that, in time, they will come to accept the Fullness of Truth and enter into the Catholic Church.

 

[Maryann_C]

Comparison, other than for discernment, is mostly fruit of a bad tree. Pride and arrogance follow it closely. I am not saying this is your case. However, I have seen too many Catholic brothers falling victims of the fruit of these evil trees. Your Non-Catholic brothers may have experienced some of them. In addition, throwing around words like infallibility only create division when used in the wrong context.

Jose

I understand what you say but this boarders on saying don’t bother instructing anyone just do your thing and leave everyone else alone? That could guide someone into committing a sin or omission. Or do I misunderstand you?