Why be Catholic?

[DavidFilmer]

FightingFat:

Sorry to confuse you David, the word I used was ‘though’.

Of course, my bad. That’s what I get for posting at two in the morning!

It was a long study of history that convinced me of the true nature of the Catholic Church. I was trying to disprove the claims of the Church, but I only disproving my own protestant ideas. I followed in the footsteps of John Henry Neuman (though I didn’t know it at the time). At the time I converted, I did not even know one single Catholic in good standing to sponsor me for RCIA - the priest had to appoint somebody!

 

[Led_Zeppelin75]

DavidFilmer:

Because it’s the One True Church established by Jesus Christ. (and I’m not aware of ANY other Christian faith that even attempts this claim).

Ever heard of the Orthodox Church? Could you maybe give us some proof as to believe your claims.

 

[DavidFilmer]

Led Zeppelin75:

Ever heard of the Orthodox Church?

I have heard of the Orthodox Church, but I have never heard an Orthodox Christian claim that the Orthodox Church is the One True Church established by Jesus. They claim equality with Rome, whereas Rome claims exclusivity. Rome considers Herself equal with no one.

If I’m misrepresenting Orthodox doctrine, please cite the definitive dogmatic statement to the contrary. Oh, wait – I almost forgot, the Orthodox Church does not consider Herself capable of making definitive dogmatic proclamations – at least, not without Rome’s participation.

So, it stands to reason that the Orthodox Church COULD NOT make the “One True Church” claim. The Church that Jesus Christ established possessed and exercised authority to proclaim doctrine in the name of the Holy Spirit as a de fide doctrine (as Orthodox Christians will readily admit). Since the Orthodox Church does not claim this authority, it could not possibly be the “One True Church established by Jesus Christ.”

Of course, the Orthodox claim that Rome does not possess this authority either (at least, not without their participation). Thus, they claim that the Schism has made the Church doctrinally impotent. Hmm, sounds like the “gates of Hell” managed to prevail against the Church after all.