What Christian unity means to you? Please read carefully.

[mozart-250]

I don’t have control over this. But I do firmly believe the Holy Spirit will move all Christians to be members of One Church which Jesus Christ had intended since the beginning. His Church was not meant to be divided or splinter. I believe the Schism and the Reformation was the result of the sins of all Christians.

The Schism and the Reformation are water over the dam at this point. I don’t have that much of an interest in revisiting it to figure who’s sin is where.

I have no idea God in the future will unify Christians under one ecclesiastical organization. If He were to do so, I have no idea what that organization would be (I know you assume it to be your denomination…I have no reason to make that assumption).

All I can do is live in the present and be faithful to what God has for me today.

I have deep calling from God within me to bring all Christians to himself and unit the Church which was once One Church.

That’s fine…and I respect you for it. At least you are not sitting home watching the tube and drinking beers.

That problem is yours. The Catholic Church does affirmed for about 2,000 yrs that we are indeed the One True Church of Christ. I don’t believe the Church will reframe from turning her head the other way.

Actually my problem is with the arrogance that particular doctrine seems to foster amongst some Catholics.

But to be fair I have seen similar arrogance on our side of the house, and I find it equally repulsive. And perhaps there are other pet doctrines that get elevated out of propotion that foster this arrogance. The more I observe different Christians in action the more I become convinced that we all are more-or-less equally messed up.

You might ask why I am so insist on Christian unity. I shall tell you. Jesus prayed to the Father asking that we, his believers, be one just as the Father and Jesus are one. Jesus also said that if there is a man sin against his brother, and doesn’t listen to him. He brings two or three witnesses. If he doesn’t listen, he instruct us to take it to the Church.

The issue we have here in division within Christianity into three parts, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. I do not believe God, the Father wanted his Son, Jesus Christ’s Church to be divided.

I do know one thing. Satan wants Christians to be divided. God doesn’t. I do believe that someday we will be one. That is why I keep insisting that more dialogue needs to be discussed at all levels on theological and moral issues. An agreement needs to set in order for unification to take into effect.

I’m not here to debate against the pros and cons of Catholics vs. Non-Catholic Christians. What I am trying to bring here is offer a chance for us to be One Church in Christ.

We are, members of the Mystical Body of Christ, but this Church is damage and wounded by divisions, and prides on all sides.

For once I am thankful that Pope Benedict XVI has done his best to bring reconciliation between the Christian Churches who are not in communion with us. This is a chance for us to work out our differences.

And that is commendible to work for Christian unity on an individual/local level. Since I am just a schmuck in the pew, I figure the best I can do on this account is to seek peace with Christians who are not like me while at the same time be faithful to the calling which God has for me.

On an organizational level, it is what it is and neither you nor I can control it.

 

[paarsurrey]

At least you are not sitting home watching the tube and drinking beers.

Actually my problem is with the arrogance that particular doctrine seems to foster amongst some Catholics.

But to be fair I have seen similar arrogance on our side of the house, and I find it equally repulsive. And perhaps there are other pet doctrines that get elevated out of propotion that foster this arrogance. The more I observe different Christians in action the more I become convinced that we all are more-or-less equally messed up.)

Hi

The easy solution of arrogance is to become humble, that is a Christian confirmed attribute, humbly all Christians submit before GodAllahYHWH and gear up efforts of unity.Please leave the arrogants alone as they are indeed a hurdle.

Quran

[53:33] Those who shun the grave sins and all indecencies except minor faults. Verily, thy Lord is Master of vast forgiveness. He knows you well from the time when He created you from the earth, and when you were embryos in the bellies of your mothers. So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows him best who is truly righteous.

Unqoute

Thanks

 

[Eric_Hyom]

Greetings and peace be with you AgnosTheist; thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, I believe we need to be pushed a little harder
All major Schisms, Splits & Heresies would have been prevented had jesus said these 3 things:

• I am God.
• The Father, Son & Spirit are one in a Trinity.
• Peter, to you and your successors I give supreme authority on all matters of faiths and morals. And the Papacy shall have its seat in Rome.

Direct to the point. No beating around the bush. No obscure statements that are open to interpretation.

Would you obey these three things if they had been written in the way you suggest, and I may be wrong but I sense it would not make any difference. Sadly we all do what we want to do, just to make my point look at a couple of the commandments, don’t kill, don’t commit adultery. The world would be a better place if we obayed these commands

The same goes with unity, we don’t want to unite with that lot, we want to do things our way so we can continue to be right.

Just one minor point that we theists have to endure, we have no final proof that God exists. If we cannot prove the existence of God, then how can we have final proof that Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism is true?

Can you imagine how unbearable life might be if God had given Catholics that final and absolute proof that the Catholic Church is the only Church. I am a Catholic and I can imagine that our arrogance would go up by a factor of ten.

I believe that God in his wisdom has given us the amount of proof we need, too little and we would not believe, too much and it puts a greater burden on us.

Unity demands that we change ourselves, we do not try and change others, hence the greatest commandments.

How do we love people of other faiths as we love ourselves.

In the spirit of praying for peace on Earth

Eric

 

[paarsurrey]

In the spirit of praying for peace on Earth

Hi

I am with you praying for unity,diversity and peace in the world.

Thanks

 

[a_priori]

I know all Christians whether, Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant want Christianity unity.

It sounds nice but it’s just not true.

I spent 40 years as a Protestant and I’ve been liberal, evangelical, Calvinist, Arminian, charismatic and everything in between. I was Eastern Orthodox for 12 years before finally becoming Catholic.

The boots-on-the-ground truth is that most Christians fiercely guard their doctrinal (and sometimes ethnic) turf to the exclusion of any notion of “unity”.

Let the Calvinists arm wrestle the Arminians over the nature of election. Let the Orthodox and the Catholics go at each other over the Filioque.

Some things are a little more obvious. If someone is hungry you should probably feed them. If someone is suffering and it is within your power to help them, you should probably do it.

This is why I’m Catholic. God will have to sort out the hermeneutics later. Who has the best doctrine? I have no idea. But I know who does the most for a suffering world where I live. The Catholic Church.

The greatest truth is ironically found in a Royal Bank of Scotland commercial: “Less talk, more action.”

To most Christians I’ve come across in 54 years (a very large number of Christians of all stripes), maintaining the doctrinal/denominational status quo is
far more important than any notion of unity. Unity is an ambiguous, amorphous concept that most feel would ask them to give up too much.

My experience. Your mileage may vary.

 

[paarsurrey]

To most Christians …maintaining the doctrinal/denominational status quo is
far more important than any notion of unity.

Hi

Is it true?

I ask everyone who reads this post, please.

Thanks

 

[Eric_Hyom]

Greetings and peace be with you pearsurrey, I enjoy reading your continued messages of peace

I am with you praying for unity,diversity and peace in the world.

We must continue to pray for each other despite all our differences in the hope that we may find peace in our heart and be at peace with God and each other.

In the spirit of praying for peace on Earth

Eric

 

[ralphinal]

It sounds nice but it’s just not true.

I spent 40 years as a Protestant and I’ve been liberal, evangelical, Calvinist, Arminian, charismatic and everything in between. I was Eastern Orthodox for 12 years before finally becoming Catholic.

The boots-on-the-ground truth is that most Christians fiercely guard their doctrinal (and sometimes ethnic) turf to the exclusion of any notion of “unity”.

Let the Calvinists arm wrestle the Arminians over the nature of election. Let the Orthodox and the Catholics go at each other over the Filioque.

Some things are a little more obvious. If someone is hungry you should probably feed them. If someone is suffering and it is within your power to help them, you should probably do it.

This is why I’m Catholic. God will have to sort out the hermeneutics later. Who has the best doctrine? I have no idea. But I know who does the most for a suffering world where I live. The Catholic Church.

The greatest truth is ironically found in a Royal Bank of Scotland commercial: “Less talk, more action.”

To most Christians I’ve come across in 54 years (a very large number of Christians of all stripes), maintaining the doctrinal/denominational status quo is
far more important than any notion of unity. Unity is an ambiguous, amorphous concept that most feel would ask them to give up too much.

My experience. Your mileage may vary.

I agree. One of the things that people use to define themselves is their faith. Even if they don;t know why the believe it, it is what they beleive. Christian unity can work on some things, like a community food bank. It cannot work when the articles of faith of the groups is challenged. It may work with political/geographic issues, but not when the message is now changed.

 

[paarsurrey]

Greetings and peace be with you pearsurrey, I enjoy reading your continued messages of peace

We must continue to pray for each other despite all our differences in the hope that we may find peace in our heart and be at peace with God and each other.

In the spirit of praying for peace on Earth

Eric

Hi

I agree with you and appreciate your good feelings.

Thanks

 

[Zooey]

The boots-on-the-ground truth is that most Christians fiercely guard their doctrinal (and sometimes ethnic) turf to the exclusion of any notion of “unity”.

Let the Calvinists arm wrestle the Arminians over the nature of election. Let the Orthodox and the Catholics go at each other over the Filioque.

I’ll tell you what: I can believe that the EOs & the Catholics can be reunited. I can believe that us Protestants can be reunited with the EOs & the Catholics.
But the Calvinists & the Arminians? Nope; gonna be bashing each other’s heads, right up to the very gates of Heaven. (I only wish I were kidding; you all have no idea, until you’ve been out here in the Protestant trenches, just how much animus there is between the 2 sides…)

 

[dessert]

I think it may happen after Jesus second coming, IMHO I think we have a lot of testing and trials to go through yet. And this is what brings unity usuallly when we are all in the same boat.

There needs to be a healing for all. We should be talking about what the next disaster that will be to bring us closer, but I would rather not.

Look at what happened with the forum almost crashing and getting lost I’m sure that pulled us together for the time being anyways except for those who did leave for good.

I used to think unity meant compromise but have changed my opinion on that, it really means inclusion now to me but may change IMHO anyways

 

[a_priori]

But the Calvinists & the Arminians? Nope; gonna be bashing each other’s heads, right up to the very gates of Heaven. (I only wish I were kidding; you all have no idea, until you’ve been out here in the Protestant trenches, just how much animus there is between the 2 sides…)

Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. We must keep praying. It’s the only option.

 

[AgnosTheist]

Jesus said to him, “Do you beleive because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing.” Oh wait, why am I answering Agnos? He knows this verse, and many more already.

LOL!

 

[jmcrae]

Let the Calvinists arm wrestle the Arminians over the nature of election. Let the Orthodox and the Catholics go at each other over the Filioque.

Some things are a little more obvious. If someone is hungry you should probably feed them. If someone is suffering and it is within your power to help them, you should probably do it.

This is why I’m Catholic. God will have to sort out the hermeneutics later. Who has the best doctrine? I have no idea. But I know who does the most for a suffering world where I live. The Catholic Church.

 

[Eric_Hyom]

Greetings and peace be with you Mannyfit
“For were two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst of them.”

When the Bishops, and Popes are gather in Jesus’ Name. He is there. When Church Councils are invoke, they are done so with Jesus Christ’s name.

This has to be a major incentive to inspire unity, because when two or three, Protestants, Orthodox or Baptists are gathered in Jesus name; then surely Jesus is present too.

In the spirit of praying for peace on Earth

Eric

 

[Mannyfit75]

Greetings and peace be with you Mannyfit

This has to be a major incentive to inspire unity, because when two or three, Protestants, Orthodox or Baptists are gathered in Jesus name; then surely Jesus is present too.

In the spirit of praying for peace on Earth

Eric

That’s pretty tiny text. You are right, but we need to be united visible as well as invisible

 

[AgnosTheist]

There have been more than just popes who are given the gift of healing to include raising the dead, cursing the sick.

which pope had the power to heal the sick and raise the dead?

People like St. Padre Pio and other saints not to mention the Apostles. These miracles happen to strengthen the the faithful.

Strengthening the faith is only a secondary function of miracles. Its primary function was to instill faith to the faithless. Thats how it worked with Moses and Jesus. Miracles are needed again my friend. Right now. The faithful are dimming.

Was you reason for leaving the Church the lack of your trust in Jesus Christ?

I left the church because i did not see any proper authentication on the pope for me to keep practicing some church teachings which i felt didnt make sense.

If Pope John Paul was able to heal the sick, trample snakes, and repel bullets (like when a muslim guy shot him), powers which jesus allegedly bestowed upon the 72 diciples, thats what I consider as an objective authentication. And I’m sure countless protestants and orthodox would bow down to rome.

I am done here with you, AT… I don’t think this thread does really concerns you. You aren’t Christian. You are Agnostic (correct me if I am wrong).

I was just sharing what I felt back then when I was a christian. Back then faith restricted me from voicing what I felt deep inside as the short comings of jesus.

 

[Mannyfit75]

which pope had the power to heal the sick and raise the dead?

Peter.

Strengthening the faith is only a secondary function of miracles. Its primary function was to instill faith to the faithless. Thats how it worked with Moses and Jesus. Miracles are needed again my friend. Right now. The faithful are dimming.

When your faith is weak, you’ll be held accountible in judgement seat of God. I think I would fear God’s judgement than doubt my faith.

I left the church because i did not see any proper authentication on the pope for me to keep practicing some church teachings which i felt didnt make sense.

There is that world felt again. It’s not how you feel, but if you trust Jesus’ own words, you too would remain faithful to His Church.

If Pope John Paul was able to heal the sick, trample snakes, and repel bullets (like when a muslim guy shot him), powers which jesus allegedly bestowed upon the 72 diciples, thats what I consider as an objective authentication. And I’m sure countless protestants and orthodox would bow down to rome.

I would not think bow down to Rome is the proper tone. Pope don’t ask for totally submission to him. The Pope calls us to return to God, and submit ourselves to God, by obeying all of God’s precepts.

I was just sharing what I felt back then when I was a christian. Back then faith restricted me from voicing what I felt deep inside as the short comings of jesus.

A voice that brings doubt to your faith can lead to a far serious threat. To deny God is brings grave danger to your soul and may cost the death of the soul by sin. I can only hope repentence was in the mind of any non-believers, least he be condemned.

With man it is impossible to do much good in the world. With God’s assistance through prayers, and self-sacrifice, all things will be manifested, and in the end those who persevere in the end will be saved, just as Jesus said. There is a need for all believers to pray more, ask for God’s mercy, repent, and be saved. It is not too late. God will give you that chance, but you must do so with continous prayer.

 

[ralphinal]

AT,
Pope John Paul II, in my opinion, did something that proved he was a man of God that was greater than any healing. He actually forgave his attacker. He did not call for blood. He did not harbor hate. He forgave. He lived out the teachings of Christ when NO ONE would have blaimed him for doing otherwise. Would a Muslim have done the same?

You want a sign, some marker of truth? How about a man who lived exactly what he preaches in this day and age?

 

[Mannyfit75]

AT,
Pope John Paul II, in my opinion, did something that proved he was a man of God that was greater than any healing. He actually forgave his attacker. He did not call for blood. He did not harbor hate. He forgave. He lived out the teachings of Christ when NO ONE would have blaimed him for doing otherwise. Would a Muslim have done the same?

You want a sign, some marker of truth? How about a man who lived exactly what he preaches in this day and age?

Pope John Paul II’s example was live up by his Christian virtues. I recall a old saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” With Pope John Paul II, he did just that.