Why are you Protestant?

[guanophore]

I think I would be right in saying that, while Jesus may have put authority in the hands of the apostles, 2 things have happened since; 1) the apostolic era ended, and 2) the apostles left us with scripture.

You do not believe in Apostolic succession?

What do you mean “Christ may have given authority?”

You do not believe that the Apostles passed the authority given to them by Christ to their successors, the bishops? Do Lutherans believe that a teaching authority is not necessary?

For Lutherans, scripture is the final norm, upon with all teaching must not conflict.

Where did this tenet of faith come from? If it is the “final norm”, why does it not say this about itself?

Sola scriptura, therefore, does not eliminate Tradition. It simply requires that tradition, as we continue to move further away from the apostolic era, maintains consistency with what the apostles left us - scripture

You don’t seem to believe that the Apostles left us anything outside of Scripture. If this is true, why do you retain the liturgy?

I guess then, that you agree with the LDS, that there was a great apostasy. It seems taht you are saying that Jesus was too weak or disinterested to preserve His Word in the church.

I think the response you’ll get is Christ should be the focus, not the Church.

Such a statement does not seem to appreciate Christ’s total identification with His Church.

JonNC:

we are quite aware of the importance of the Church in providing sanctifying grace.

Jon

how is this possible, if the Church itself is not unified with Christ?

 

[guanophore]

I think the Catholics have come a long way from “As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory shall spring.”

It is a fallacy to think that this phrase in any way represents Catholic teaching, past, or present. The fact that wicked persons such as Tetzel created such drivel, and passed it off as Catholic, does not alter Catholic Teaching. This was never the Teaching of the Church, so no, the doctrine has not “come a long way”. Luther’s mistake was thinking that the doctrine needed reform, when it was persons who had departed from the doctrine that were in need of reform. Men are always in need of Reform.

However, I do concede that “Catholics have come a long way”. Most Catholics are still very poorly catechized in their faith, but thanks to sites such as CAF, this is getting rectified.

The space between the position Luther espoused and the modern Catholic position on justification/sanctification - at least as Catholics on these boards articulate it - is not as great as it might seem.

No, and it never was. The “space” was between Luther’s ears. It is understandible why he came to his conclusions, not recognizing that the doctrine of the Church was not identical with the corrupt clerics whose deplorabable behavior caused scandal.

Heck, there was even a Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification signed by many Lutheran groups and the Roman Catholic Church. Sadly, my synod was not one of them, an action I personally disagree with.

Toward the unity of the Body for which Christ prayed.

 

[guanophore]

I’m a former Methodist myself and I would definitely describe my previous views as anti Catholic, not that this is the norm for Methodists.

I was totally ignorant about Church history and true Catholic teaching.

What a joy to discover, and keep discovering!

I sojourned in a wonderful Methodist community for 6 years. During that time, I learned more about the Catholic faith than I had in 12 years of “catechism”.

 

[Anna_Scott]

prodigalson:

You have raised some very interesting questions.

I grew up in Southern Baptist Churches. My name is still on the role at a local Baptist Church here in Texas (more than 12,000 members,) though I rarely attend.

About 4 years ago, I began studying the history of the transmission of Scripture and the History of Judaism and Christianity. I had no idea that this study would cause me to question much of what I have been taught my whole life.

I cannot call myself a Baptist anymore. My studies revealed many false doctrines espoused in Baptist Churches. I mean no disrespect to the Baptist Forum Members. I am just honestly stating my experience.

I came to these Forums looking for answers. Like many Protestants who come here, I argued Sola Scriptura. Over time, and through discussions with some very patient forum members, I let Sola Scriptura go, realizing Protestants simply traded Catholic tradition for the tradition of the Protestant Reformers.

After spending time on CAF; I tried a Protestant Forum on another website. That was a disaster.

I had grown accustomed to the free exchange of ideas here at CAF. Subsequently, I got in so much trouble, so quickly on the Protestant Forum. I was not allowed to question or argue against certain doctrines. Moderators removed many of my posts, and I was getting private messages from a site minister, who told me most of the staff questioned my agenda. He offered to discuss my questions through private messages. I was stunned.

I am telling you all this to demonstrate an unfortunate mindset in some Protestant religions—there are things that you are not to question or even discuss.

Church History is rarely incorporated in Protestant teaching–at least in the Baptist Churches I attended. And heaven forbid, I should question the KJV of the Bible.

I also witnessed anti-Catholic sentiment within the Baptist Church. Some Protestants make Catholics sound so terrible, a good Protestant would not dare explore your beliefs. This is not all Protestants. This is simply my experience.

So, after 4 years of study, I am not at a point of embracing Catholicism; yet I cannot go back to false teachings of the Baptist Church. I have said before, that I don’t really know where I belong. I am somewhere between Protestantism and Catholicism. I have even had Protestant forum members, here, accuse me of sounding more Catholic than Protestant, and that was not meant to be a compliment.

I have learned so much here and I appreciate the freedom of speech here.

I am 54 years old. Even with all my studies, I have found that it is difficult to escape 54 years of indoctrination.

Still Searching,
Anna

I would say to continue with your research on the OT and Jewish tradition. Maybe even look into learning some Hebrew? I think this will help you tremendously. Also, I would suggest looking into the Catechism, the bible, and the Early Church Fathers. Here you will find what the original church looked like, and let me just tell you… It looks pretty Catholic to me.
You could always attend RCIA to get some more questions answered. Or ask some more questions, I would be more then happy to help
I’m going to a class right now called Defending the Faith in a local Catholic Church, so I do need some practice lol. thanks,

I am very touched by your post. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you. May He grant you the grace of an open heart and an open mind. It seems though that He has already done that.

As a side note, I love reading conversion stories. And it is always the case, that once people started studying in depth, they came to the truth of the Catholic Church. But all in the Holy Spirit’s good time.

The truth is out there

I am going to respectfully ask that you please treat me with respect and stop personally insulting me.

I am mistaken I thought this was a thread that you desired Protestants to open their hearts on their beliefs and into the most hidden recesses of their souls.

Your intent all along was to place them on a platform where you could better load, aim, fire.

My view of being a Christian is to be Christ like, showing compassion, empathy, love, forgiveness, to be gentle and humble by nature, to be one that is very approachable, to be thought of as a brother or sister, to be really with you in their intentions towards the good in all manners and if correction or education needs to be discussed, to do so in a Christ like manner…

Leopolis, such a statement is not conducive to productive discussion. The NC religions forum is here to provide a venue for discussing differences in faith, comparing and contrasting. Entering a thread with this attitude pretty much foils the goal. Of course you believe these things or you would not be Catholic, however, the fact that others see things differently does not mean they are illogical. they do not start with the same premises you do, so they arrive at different conclusion.

No, I don’t. I do not think in black or white, and I recognize that many people may be looking at the Truth from different points of view. Obviously you are not familiar with the story of the three blind men and the elephant!

This statement is a blatant contradiction of the teaching of the Catholic Church. As correctly identified, it represents only your personal opinion, which seems to be somewhat uninformed and bigoted.

The Catholic Church teaches that all who are validly baptized are members of the mystical Body of Christ, and this includes both Lutherans and Anglicans. They also do practice Eucharistic Liturgy, and believe in the Real presence.

And finally, to judge that those who don’t have the fullness of Truth found in the Catholic Church are “lukewarm” is downright insulting. Would that the Catholics lining the pews had the zeal for their faith found among our separated brethren here!

On the contrary, brother, what you have done is not what Jesus wants, for those who are not against us are for us.

For those of us who are non-Catholics, and still searching; the responses we receive from Catholic forum members will either demonstrate the love of Christ in Christian charity, or drive us away with attacks and insults.

I appreciate those Catholics who are charitable and sincere in wanting to help those of us who are truly searching for God’s truth.

I listed only a few of the charitable and helpful comments. There were others equally appreciated.

P.S. NotTooSmart should not have had to ask to be treated with respect.
Anna

 

[prodigalson12]

Ok, still not liking the dynamic of what’s going on, the case being by still picking on a member, regardless if they put their foot in their mouth, can you please show the same charity towards him?

I so wished my protestant bretheren were at mass with me a couple of weeks ago. The sermon very much covered how both Catholics and Protestants would be in heaven, side by side, where the misconceptions along they taking a seat in the back, and we are up front, was a complete misnomer and a poor understanding of God’s grace in our lives. There often have times where I’ve visited protestant services and had members tell me they were “reformed catholics”, and I always countered with, there was nothing to reform from, outside of your misunderstanding of the faith, which in all cases, they were reforming from a distorted view and understanding of the church, not the true church itself. I even walked out of a service where this was being preached, the pastor mentioned some member as being a reformed Catholic several times, and after he stepped down to resume the rest of their service, I approached him, showed him my bible and rosary, and told him that I’m a visiting Catholic and what he said was not appreciated in the least.

We never before, during and after mass put down protestants, the same is not true in many cases, “not all” along the other side, and this is the sad truth to it all. My presence within those places and here as well is to unify, not divide, that is what Christs presence would be if he were here today, so I try to default to “what would Jesus do”, when there are situations that seem to be tearing us apart. If one particular service, pastor, or denomination simply cannot get my message, I dust myself off, move on, and pray that the Holy Spirit moves within them to change their ways. I may make a suggestion, but not always, for not all are going to get the message no matter who is delivering it, the same as how the prophets were rejected, the same as how our Lord was rejected, is the same thing that goes on to this day.

From the beginning with a new church that I visit, I tell these people I’m Catholic, immediately I see in their faces almost a state of total shock, this then turns into a state of defensive scrutiny, like I’m there to judge them, or worse, to convert them, which is never the case for my agenda. I’m there to share in fellowship, I’m there to experience their flavor of worship, and in all cases, there to pray with them whole heartedly. I also enjoy the bible studies and workshops that are offered, it’s so nice to be in my element as a valuable contributor, to be reading the gospel, side by side with my protestant bretheren, and to show, we as Catholics are not some far off, unapproachable cult, that we worship the same God, we believe in the same gospel of truth, yet there are limits even I cannot put up with when it comes down to some of them that put down my faith.

What I’m seeing with the trends these days is alarming, and is an issue, all sides of true believers are firmly united with and this deals with the fake, feel good, prosperity only, weak poser churches that have exploited the situation entirely. They are only protestant in name, they give all Christians a bad name for passing off something else entirely false and label it as worship, when the reality of it is only seated to make money, to let people wallow in their filth, and God forbid you for showing any kind of leadership which could potentially challenge their authority. You have no idea how much I’d like to pin another list onto their doors, just as Luther did, at least it would be relevant to what is going on today, that original list Luther created, when clearly defined should be revised to reflect the truth of what is going on with our Catholic church today, you would find it would be a great deal smaller then the original one, which my point being, Why are you protestant?

 

[Hisalone]

Ok, still not liking the dynamic of what’s going on, the case being by still picking on a member, regardless if they put their foot in their mouth, can you please show the same charity towards him?

I so wished my protestant bretheren were at mass with me a couple of weeks ago. The sermon very much covered how both Catholics and Protestants would be in heaven, side by side, where the misconceptions along they taking a seat in the back, and we are up front, was a complete misnomer and a poor understanding of God’s grace in our lives. There often have times where I’ve visited protestant services and had members tell me they were “reformed catholics”, and I always countered with, there was nothing to reform from, outside of your misunderstanding of the faith, which in all cases, they were reforming from a distorted view and understanding of the church, not the true church itself. I even walked out of a service where this was being preached, the pastor mentioned some member as being a reformed Catholic several times, and after he stepped down to resume the rest of their service, I approached him, showed him my bible and rosary, and told him that I’m a visiting Catholic and what he said was not appreciated in the least.

We never before, during and after mass put down protestants, the same is not true in many cases, “not all” along the other side, and this is the sad truth to it all. My presence within those places and here as well is to unify, not divide, that is what Christs presence would be if he were here today, so I try to default to “what would Jesus do”, when there are situations that seem to be tearing us apart. If one particular service, pastor, or denomination simply cannot get my message, I dust myself off, move on, and pray that the Holy Spirit moves within them to change their ways. I may make a suggestion, but not always, for not all are going to get the message no matter who is delivering it, the same as how the prophets were rejected, the same as how our Lord was rejected, is the same thing that goes on to this day.

From the beginning with a new church that I visit, I tell these people I’m Catholic, immediately I see in their faces almost a state of total shock, this then turns into a state of defensive scrutiny, like I’m there to judge them, or worse, to convert them, which is never the case for my agenda. I’m there to share in fellowship, I’m there to experience their flavor of worship, and in all cases, there to pray with them whole heartedly. I also enjoy the bible studies and workshops that are offered, it’s so nice to be in my element as a valuable contributor, to be reading the gospel, side by side with my protestant bretheren, and to show, we as Catholics are not some far off, unapproachable cult, that we worship the same God, we believe in the same gospel of truth, yet there are limits even I cannot put up with when it comes down to some of them that put down my faith.

What I’m seeing with the trends these days is alarming, and is an issue, all sides of true believers are firmly united with and this deals with the fake, feel good, prosperity only, weak poser churches that have exploited the situation entirely. They are only protestant in name, they give all Christians a bad name for passing off something else entirely false and label it as worship, when the reality of it is only seated to make money, to let people wallow in their filth, and God forbid you for showing any kind of leadership which could potentially challenge their authority. You have no idea how much I’d like to pin another list onto their doors, just as Luther did, at least it would be relevant to what is going on today, that original list Luther created, when clearly defined should be revised to reflect the truth of what is going on with our Catholic church today, you would find it would be a great deal smaller then the original one, which my point being, Why are you protestant?

The conter Reformation proved the fact that therewas a need for Reformation. You say you dont like the dynamic on this thread -----you created it . When I said several pages in that it turned inot aProtestant bashong thread you said “I see no bashing” . The fact is the original posters have not come back on this thread, why should they. You have set up a shooting gallery for them which was even agreed to by Catholic posters.
Your holier than I attitude that you never hear anything negative in a Catholic Church about Protestanst. Well look at this forum it is full of it Catholic attitudes.

 

[prodigalson12]

The conter Reformation proved the fact that therewas a need for Reformation. You say you dont like the dynamic on this thread -----you created it . When I said several pages in that it turned inot aProtestant bashong thread you said “I see no bashing” . The fact is the original posters have not come back on this thread, why should they. You have set up a shooting gallery for them which was even agreed to by Catholic posters.
Your holier than I attitude that you never hear anything negative in a Catholic Church about Protestanst. Well look at this forum it is full of it Catholic attitudes.

This forum and the real world are two different things. There are way too many Catholic’s and protestants here that I am ashamed of with how they are handling things. Do not mistake my position as being holier then thou, it took me two decades to arrive at the truth and those were some very hard years to endure. I could have easily watered down my faith to conform with the status quo, I could have remained luke warm with it and diluted myself into thinking, this is all there is, but I wanted more, much more, thus the quest began.

The thing is, 100 years ago, we would not even have this discussion, it would have moved to literal arms, and we would be literally killing each other over views, over lies, over slander, over every conceivable thing that the church is firmly against, and I guess we have at least moved forward enough to be able to discuss it in a civilized manner. If the original posters wanted to leave, then let them, they had an agenda that had nothing to do with this thread to begin with and chose to use this as their own personal battle ground. Guys, you really don’t want me to create a battle ground of my own, I could put forward resources that would put every single self rightous, limited perspective post to complete and utter shame and there would be absolutely nothing even the site owner could do to restrain me, for I can circumvent any thing they throw at me, trying keep me out of this place and not only turn this forum upside down, I can shut it down entirely for as long as I see fit. It’s not what you “can” do, it’s what you “should” do that matters, thus, I show a ton of restraint for not doing so. The reason why I can are many, but it boils down to God’s grace, his gifts he has bestowed upon me, and they are to be used in the way he wants them, not my will, but his.

Back on topic here, we have a few genuine posts explaining why People are Protestant, the original question remains the same. Can we please address that, and that alone?

 

[Anna_Scott]

I do not understand how things took such a turn here.

I opened up about my experiences as a Christian in the Protestant Sector. I have not been offended in anyway by anything prodigalson12 has said.

I have found prodigalson12 to be very sincere.

There are uncharitable Catholics and uncharitable Protestants on many Threads. No forum is perfect. Freedom of speech is a good thing. With that freedom comes both good and bad.

I think asking the question, Why are you Protestant? is a good thing. It causes many to stop and think for a moment, except for those who go through life with blinders on–I can’t fix “blinders.” Only God can do that.

Remember:

Jude Chapter 1: 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Anna

 

[prodigalson12]

Thanks Anna,

I learned afterward, that there were people that were and continue to follow each other around just to continue the debate carried over from one thread to another and another, this particular one happened to be a casualty in that little war, and this is how it got turned around. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have created a group and would have terminated many of the posts that were steering it the wrong direction.

So, for all it’s worth, hopefully, this will continue and move forward, as intended.

 

[guanophore]

For those of us who are non-Catholics, and still searching; the responses we receive from Catholic forum members will either demonstrate the love of Christ in Christian charity, or drive us away with attacks and insults.

I appreciate those Catholics who are charitable and sincere in wanting to help those of us who are truly searching for God’s truth.

I listed only a few of the charitable and helpful comments. There were others equally appreciated.

P.S. NotTooSmart should not have had to ask to be treated with respect.
Anna

Thanks for doing that Anna. You are right, He should not have to ask, but, if it is necessary, I am glad it was done. The mods are really very busy,an d it is best if we can all help one another to the full measure of maturity in Christ.

 

[Anna_Scott]

I do not understand how things took such a turn here.

I opened up about my experiences as a Christian in the Protestant Sector. I have not been offended in anyway by anything prodigalson12 has said.

I have found prodigalson12 to be very sincere.

There are uncharitable Catholics and uncharitable Protestants on many Threads. No forum is perfect. Freedom of speech is a good thing. With that freedom comes both good and bad.

I think asking the question, Why are you Protestant? is a good thing. It causes many to stop and think for a moment, except for those who go through life with blinders on–I can’t fix “blinders.” Only God can do that.

Remember:

Jude Chapter 1: 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Anna

Thanks Anna,

I learned afterward, that there were people that were and continue to follow each other around just to continue the debate carried over from one thread to another and another, this particular one happened to be a casualty in that little war, and this is how it got turned around. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have created a group and would have terminated many of the posts that were steering it the wrong direction.

So, for all it’s worth, hopefully, this will continue and move forward, as intended.

Thanks for doing that Anna. You are right, He should not have to ask, but, if it is necessary, I am glad it was done. The mods are really very busy,an d it is best if we can all help one another to the full measure of maturity in Christ.

prodigalson12:

This really is a good Thread topic.

I’ve only started a couple of Threads, myself.

It can be quite exhausting for the OP—to try to keep the discussion respectful and on topic.

So, I really appreciate your good intentions and the time you have devoted to this Thread.

Anna

 

[gamewell45]

I love to visit protestant services on a regular basis, they all have some aspects I find appealing, yet often, I wonder, how many of the people that attend here are of their particular denomination that defines this one specifically as theirs compared to another. What is it in particular you choose this one and not another, what defines it specifically, how knowledgeable are you about it, compared to another and this being the very reason you stick to just this one?

I also wonder, how many of the members have given the Catholic church a second thought, much less, explore what it’s about and truly know what it means to be a Catholic? I know the question if asked of me would produce many reasons for why I choose it over the protestant denominations, I also think, are the same things that were in place during the reformation, the same now? Do they apply to today’s times, and if not, is there a reason to remain outside of it still to this day? I feel there are many that attend, not really putting forth an understanding of the times that existed during the formation of their denomination, and in many cases, they are there only because they have not explored other avenues at all, it seems often, simply saying the word Catholic, all of a sudden, a stream of thought, largely misguided about the church raises several red flags, like it’s this big unapproachable church and is beyond their reach to even bother entertain dialog with people that practice their faith within it.

I’m curious to see the response to it here, and I guess, in my case, I’m not afraid to attend and fellowship with Protestants, at their places of worship, I just don’t see that happening very often at mine and I want to know why as well.

Why are you Protestant?

I guess I am what you would call a “cradle” Episcopal; I was Baptised, Confirmed and married in the Episcopal Church and thats where I’ve worshipped all my life. It’s the only Church I’ve ever known.

Having been in attendance at Roman Catholic Churches for Mass amd the Ordination of a dear friend from a Deacon to a Priest and I am fascinated with the similiarities between the two churches. Not so much as to switch faiths, but to better understand the Roman Catholic Church.

In my quest for further knowledge of the similiarties between the two churches, I found this site while looking for resources to learn more and I must tell you how impressed I am with the website; its a wealth of information and more then I could ever ask for. I look forward to further dialogue with all of you!

May The Good Lord Bless You!

 

[Anna_Scott]

Why are you Protestant?

I guess I am what you would call a “cradle” Episcopal; I was Baptised, Confirmed and married in the Episcopal Church and thats where I’ve worshipped all my life. It’s the only Church I’ve ever known.

Having been in attendance at Roman Catholic Churches for Mass amd the Ordination of a dear friend from a Deacon to a Priest and I am fascinated with the similiarities between the two churches. Not so much as to switch faiths, but to better understand the Roman Catholic Church.

In my quest for further knowledge of the similiarties between the two churches, I found this site while looking for resources to learn more and I must tell you how impressed I am with the website; its a wealth of information and more then I could ever ask for. I look forward to further dialogue with all of you!

May The Good Lord Bless You!

gamewell45:

Glad you are here.

I am a Protestant Christian and I love CAF.

I’ve tried Protestant Forums on other websites, but I always end up back here. I learn from these forums everyday.

Anna

 

[Justy90]

And rightly so becuase the Catholic is not in communion with the Wisonsin Evangelica Synod Lutheran Church.

I think you creatively missed it here. The WELS Lutherans do not allow Catholics to receive in their church. It doesn’t matter how you feel about it.

 

[Justy90]

Care to point out which part of my post is “bashing”? I think this is more a case of the truth hurting.
Also you brought this on by posting the following:
Justy 90: "I’m not just a Protestant of any kind. I’m of the church who has kept sacred the 7 Sacrements which date all the way back to the Apostles and who was the church who attempted to keep all of what was good, wholesome and proper in tradition while screening out what was not useful, excessive and not appropriate for Christian worship."

Yes. And when he did not get an annulment he decided to break up the Body of Christ like a child in a tantrum.

That is incorrect. The Episcopal church which is one church in 39 autonymous Anglican churches ordained an openly homosexual man which was in opposition to most of the other 39. It was the Episcopal church who did this, not the Anglican Communion.

True, I am probably ignorant about a lot of other things relating to the Anglican Church but not on the subjects that I addressed above.

Nope. Sorry, your ignorance abounds far and wide.

 

[prodigalson12]

Justy, you were one of the people I spoke about with bringing your personal war onto this thread. Just cool it!!! Take your debate onto PM or create another thread for it, it’s not welcomed here at all…

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Care to point out which part of my post is “bashing”? I think this is more a case of the truth hurting.
Also you brought this on by posting the following:
Justy 90: "I’m not just a Protestant of any kind. I’m of the church who has kept sacred the 7 Sacrements which date all the way back to the Apostles and who was the church who attempted to keep all of what was good, wholesome and proper in tradition while screening out what was not useful, excessive and not appropriate for Christian worship."

Yes. And when he did not get an annulment he decided to break up the Body of Christ like a child in a tantrum.

That is true. There is and was much to change about the practices of members of the Catholic Church. But that was no reason to chop it into pieces.

St Augustine wrote something like: The Body of Christ may be bleeding, putrid and covered with sores, but that is no reason to chop it up into pieces.

HHmmm, you must take that up with Elgar who posted otherwise. See his post above. He is Anglican.

The Anglican communion (or at least maybe some branches of it does condone homosexual union) or else they will not ordain openly active homosexual men.
**Why is it so hard for people in CAF to understand that the Anglican Communion does not condone and ordain actively gay men and officiate gay marriages? The Episcopal Church, the depraved and lost sheep of the Anglican Communion, has done so and believes these things. That does NOT mean the entire communion does. It’s like saying because ELCA Lutherans condone gay ordination then the LCMS Lutherans do as well. This is not a difficult concept yet I hear this accusation almost daily in here?/**B]
True, I am probably ignorant about a lot of other things relating to the Anglican Church but not on the subjects that I addressed above.
**You are not well-versed in the Anglican world if you believe the entire communion or even a majority of it condones gay “marriage” and gay “ordination.” Not even a majority condones women’s ordination?/**B]
When necessary I do.

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

I love to visit protestant services on a regular basis, they all have some aspects I find appealing, yet often, I wonder, how many of the people that attend here are of their particular denomination that defines this one specifically as theirs compared to another. What is it in particular you choose this one and not another, what defines it specifically, how knowledgeable are you about it, compared to another and this being the very reason you stick to just this one?

I also wonder, how many of the members have given the Catholic church a second thought, much less, explore what it’s about and truly know what it means to be a Catholic? I know the question if asked of me would produce many reasons for why I choose it over the protestant denominations, I also think, are the same things that were in place during the reformation, the same now? Do they apply to today’s times, and if not, is there a reason to remain outside of it still to this day? I feel there are many that attend, not really putting forth an understanding of the times that existed during the formation of their denomination, and in many cases, they are there only because they have not explored other avenues at all, it seems often, simply saying the word Catholic, all of a sudden, a stream of thought, largely misguided about the church raises several red flags, like it’s this big unapproachable church and is beyond their reach to even bother entertain dialog with people that practice their faith within it.

I’m curious to see the response to it here, and I guess, in my case, I’m not afraid to attend and fellowship with Protestants, at their places of worship, I just don’t see that happening very often at mine and I want to know why as well.

Some Protestants would say that Rome hasn’t changed; and that for that reason, they cannot have fellowship with it.​

I think all your questions could be asked about Catholicism by Protestants.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Justy, you were one of the people I spoke about with bringing your personal war onto this thread. Just cool it!!! Take your debate onto PM or create another thread for it, it’s not welcomed here at all…

Hi Prodigal,

In all fairness, Justy isn’t a war-monger. He’s simply tired of the accusations and generalizations being thrown around in CAF about Anglicans, as am I. The constant “church of Henry VIII that womanizing adultering cheater” is what gets thrown around here A LOT and the redundant generality that Anglicans all over the world ordain women, gays, and love gay marriage is lame. Nigeria is the largest Anglican province on the planet earth and it does none of these things. The ACNA is striving to purge itself of these ideas but sadly they still cling to women’s ordination in some parts of the new province. The Church of England is in a sad, pathetic state of affairs as is the Anglican Church of Canada. Anglicans are going through hard times, no doubt. The facts are that they’ve struggling and there is a major realignment going down. Some are bailing to the Catholic Church, some are bailing to evangelical circles, and some are staying to fight what they believe is the good fight for Anglican orthodoxy. Justy is an ACNA Anglican and he is fighting for what he believes in. If you knew his story as an Anglican and what his diocese went through in this realignment versus the Episcopal Church and the sacrifices they are making, you’d understand that he cares for and loves his church a great deal. Hearing folks ignorantly bashing it and mis-characterizing it in here day in and day out can get anyone a little worked up. Just like the accusations Catholics have to put up with so often about being Mary-worshippers and papists, etc.

 

[prodigalson12]

Gurn, where does discussing the present affairs of the Anglican church have anything at all to do with the original thread topic? Create another and take it there if you guys want to debate it, this isn’t the thread for that.