Why do so many protestants not consider church attendance an important part of their faith?

[Polycarp1]

Christ redeemed us all through His incarnation, life, passion, death and resurrection in complete obedience to the will of His Father. Because of His redemptive action, we now have the opportunity to get to heaven. Salvation on the other hand, deals with each individual person and their relationship with God and how they, as individuals, actually get to heaven.

The non-Catholic view of salvation is that once one accepts Christ as their personal savior, their salvation is assured. This comes from several scripture quotes including John 3:3, Heb 9:12 and Rom 5:15. The belief is generally that no matter how good or bad we are after we’ve accepted Christ, we can not lose our salvation.

Although none of these verses refer specifically to FAITH ALONE, Rom 3:28 is generally used to support this belief since it states that a person is justified by faith apart from the law. It is possible that one might be led to this conclusion by looking ONLY at these scriptures AND by approaching scripture with the preconceived idea that all Catholic practices and traditions are unnecessary. But as we previously discussed, all of the Bible is inspired and we can not therefore recognize ONLY those verses which meet our particular need.
St. Paul, in Rom 3:28, was referring to works peculiar to the old Jewish Law, ie., circumcision as in Rom 3:30-31. When Catholics refer to works they mean works of charity and love.

 

[PRmerger]

Very good way of putting it sister in Christ!!

shaw::blushing:

Good thread, too. I’m so happy and blessed to be Catholic!!!

Me too! Dontcha wish everyone had this blessing? Just think what the world would be like?

 

[KathleenGee]

About worship, I shared a post here, #'s 83 and 85 from St. Justin the Martyr. He died in the mid 100’s. Looking back then, the thought and actions in St. Justin’s time are the same today at a Catholic Mass. There have been additions to the present Mass, but the intent and tone in St. Justin’s description is the same now as it was 2000 years ago.

As we pray, we believe.

About Catholic belief, here is a piece by St. Hilary, who was a bishop. St. Hilary was born in the year 300 and died in 368, and he was a Doctor of the Church. So this writing of his is over 1,600 years old.

‘We believe that the Word became flesh and that we receive His flesh in the Lord’s Supper. How then can we fail to believe that he really dwells within us? When he became man, he actually clothed himself in our flesh, uniting to it himself for ever. In the sacrament of his body he actually gives us his own flesh, which he has united to his divinity. This is why we are all one, because the Father is in Christ, and Christ is in us. He is in us through his flesh and we are in him. With him we form a unity which is in God.’

‘The manner of our indwelling in him through the sacrament of his body and blood is evident from the Lord’s own words: “This world will see me no longer but you shall see me. Because I live you shall live also, for I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.” If it had been a question of a mere unity of will, why should he have given us this explanation of the steps by which it is achieved? He is in the Father by reason of his divine nature, we are in him by reason of his human birth, and he is in us through the mystery of the sacraments. This, surely, is what he wished us to believe; this is how he wanted us to understand the perfect unity that is achieved through our Mediator, who lives in the Father, lives also in us. This is how we attain to unity with the Father. Christ is in very truth in the Father by his eternal generation; we are in very truth in Christ, and he likewise is in us.’

‘Christ himself bore witness to the reality of this unity when he said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I in him.” No one will be in Christ unless Christ himself has been in him; Christ will take to himself only the flesh of those who have received his flesh.’

‘He had already explained the mystery of this perfect unity when he said: “As the living Father sent me and I draw life from the Father, so he who eats my flesh will draw life from me.” We draw life from his flesh just as he draws life from the Father. Such comparisons aid our understanding, since we can grasp a point more easily when we have an analogy. And the point is that Christ is the wellspring of our life. Since we who are in the flesh have Christ dwelling in us through His flesh, we shall draw life from him in the same way as he draws life from the Father.’

 

[KathleenGee]

So as we do believe in the Word of God, we also believe that Jesus Christ is the Eternal Word, True God and True Man.

Thus we believe the Word of God is more than words but Flesh and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The sacraments are more than words, or rather a belief using only words. The sacraments are outward signs of the inner reality, the existence of Jesus Christ Himself.

The sacraments are concrete…not words that can be arbitrated and disputed. We can see and feel and touch the sacraments, made of ordinary elements of every day life, but bring forth the greater reality of Jesus Christ among us!

He has never left us. He said He would always remain with us.

So you can’t say that just the words of Scripture are no different than the Sacraments.

And this is where Catholics and Protestants are not the same.

Subsequently, the Body and Blood of Christ is NOT TO BE TAKEN COMMONLY, meaning, after Mass, then extra consecrated hosts of His Precious Body and Blood are to be thrown away in the garbage can or the Blood in the wine is poured down the sink. To do so would be a great sacrilege.

The Divine Presence of God is present in our tabernacles. The sanctuary candle is lit next to the tabernacle to communicate to us that God is remaining in His flesh and blood among us. And we are not to enter commonly as if we are meeting in some fellowship, but we are to come in with the utmost awe before this is the same God who determines who enters heaven and who is refused.

The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is the same God who led the Jews out of Egypt, was the Pillar of Fire, Who parted the Red Sea to Christ present who preached, performed miracles, died and rose from the dead…and remains with us in His Sacrament of Love and Unity, the Eucharist.

 

[TechieJustin]

I wonder how long your marriage would last if you only got together on Christmas and Easter, (oh and one really big anniversary night out that ended with a flourish)?

I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.

 

[KathleenGee]

Well, there are other feastdays you are missing out as well.

 

[PRmerger]

I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.

That’s…um…a bit of a disingenuous answer.

Clearly you know that no marriage will last that gets together twice a year. Nor would you want to engage in a relationship with someone who only wants to be with you twice a year–oh, with one big really anniversary night, as well)

 

[ralphy]

Jesus also said “I will be with you until the end of ages.” how so? By means of the Real Presence of Christ, which we find in the Tabernacle.

In the Book of Revelation we are told that the Sanctuary Lamps of those seven churches had gone out. I never knew what that meant, until I found out that the Sanctuary Lamp is the lamp next to the Tabernacle, whose light tells you that Jesus is present within.

Those lamps went out because they had stopped believing in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, and had stopped putting Him into their tabernacles.

There are no Sanctuary Lamps in most Protestant churches, are there?

Right - which is why the Sacrifice made at Mass is a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving (the bread and wine) and that what we receive from the Altar in sacrifice for our sins is Jesus Himself, under the appearances of the bread and wine, but not actually the bread and wine.

The Word of God is Christ in His Church; not (exclusively) a book.

Good day to you. I say that if you are a born again Christian that Christ dwells within you, we are His sanctuary , through the Holy Spirit. He is physically home in heaven, but He is here through the Holy Spirit. You will not find Him on earth in a tabernacle. He also says in His word that there is no more sacrifice for sin, and yet you continue offering sacrifices, why is that? I have come to the conclusion that the death on the cross at Calvary according to the RCC was not sufficient enough to do the complete job that Christ had intended to do, so the RCC adds some more sacrifices to complete the job,right? This to me is another gospel. You will not find sanctuary lights in Protestant churches because we as born again christians are the light of world, as the light of Christ shines through us. In Christian Love, Ralph

 

[KathleenGee]

ralphy,

Do you go to a church that is always denigrating Catholics?

Did you take the time to read St. Hilary’s teachings on the Eucharist that were written in the early 300’s???

Or the posts regarding St. Justin around the year 135 AD? People have always believed in the Eucharist…

As our churches have the Divine Presence of God, it is only fitting He is placed in a tabernacle. You didn’t read my post about Catholic belief that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit as well.

All talk but no substance? How can you be a light if you have time in your life to have hostility for a faith you have been instructed to oppose its history…The strongest opposition to the Eucharist comes from American fundamentalists…newly organized Christians going back a few hundred years.

Martin Luther never intended at the beginning to sever ties with the Church.

 

[ralphy]

ralphy,

Do you go to a church that is always denigrating Catholics?

Did you take the time to read St. Hilary’s teachings on the Eucharist that were written in the early 300’s???

Or the posts regarding St. Justin around the year 135 AD? People have always believed in the Eucharist…

As our churches have the Divine Presence of God, it is only fitting He is placed in a tabernacle. You didn’t read my post about Catholic belief that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit as well.

All talk but no substance? How can you be a light if you have time in your life to have hostility for a faith you have been instructed to oppose its history…The strongest opposition to the Eucharist comes from American fundamentalists…newly organized Christians going back a few hundred years.

Martin Luther never intended at the beginning to sever ties with the Church.

By the way you mentioned “as our churches” which must mean the buildings themselves, as Christ only has one church, those who are born again and belong to the Body of Christ, this is His church. I have not been “instructed” to oppose the history of the RCC, I have been there and know what it teaches, and it is preaching “another” gospel as far as I am concerned. In Christian love, Ralph

 

[KathleenGee]

Ralph,

Have you even bothered to read peoples’ posts??? I have shared with you ancient Christian believers.

Sorry, don’t use your faith in Christ and His Word to put down our faith here. You have been invited to read some historical texts. So what is your response?

 

[jmcrae]

Here’s a question… Even thought I’m catholic, I don’t attend church regularly. Only on Christmas and Easter.

However, last year I spent Christmas at the Vatican during Midnight Mass.
I think that should charge up my Catholic battery for a few more years. Right?

It’s not primarily about “charging your batteries.” The point of going to Mass on Sundays is to give God the worship that He is due, for having created us from nothing, and for keeping us alive from day to day. Every breath you take is a gift from God; surely, an hour on Sundays is not too much time to take out of all that breathing, to say “Thank you” and to worship Him.

 

[KathleenGee]

And it is with the waters of Baptism that we are made a new…not our own works.

Each day we must renew our walk with Christ and carry His cross…it is about Him, not us.

 

[TechieJustin]

It’s not primarily about “charging your batteries.” The point of going to Mass on Sundays is to give God the worship that He is due, for having created us from nothing, and for keeping us alive from day to day. Every breath you take is a gift from God; surely, an hour on Sundays is not too much time to take out of all that breathing, to say “Thank you” and to worship Him.

I stood in line for five hours. I could smell Benedict’s aftershave. That has to count for something.

 

[jmcrae]

I stood in line for five hours. I could smell Benedict’s aftershave. That has to count for something.

Sure, it counts for* something*. It counts for your “Hey, I went to a Papal Mass” boy scout badge.

Just not for every Sunday Mass between then and now, that’s all.

 

[PJM]

=PRmerger;6580404]And because Protestants cannot have the *most *intimate form of union–the One Flesh Union–that only those who have the Eucharist can enjoy.

Certainly, Protestants can have a wonderful relationship with Jesus; however, they’re unable to consummate this relationship. They’re just “buddies”. Best buddies, for sure, but not Spouses with Jesus.

Very well said! THANKS

 

[PJM]

=tweetymom;6578914]I have a very real and personal relationship with Jesus, as most people who are Christians do. Has nothing to do with the name on the door. Sure am thankful that God is our judge and Savior. Andsister most Christians are very educated in the Biblejust because they do not agree with you doesn’t mean they are stupid. Not only do a lot of Protestants fail to go to church, I know many many Catholics who do not either. So it is an issue that all churches deal with.

***Why sure it does

ONLY in Catholic Churches [behind the door] can one actually find the Real Presence of the Ressurected Living Lord!

And I agree with you; I have NO DOUBTS that there anre MANY Catholics [by NAME ONLY] who are in Hell and heading that way.***

 

[PJM]

=TechieJustin;6580699]Here’s a question… Even thought I’m catholic, I don’t attend church regularly. Only on Christmas and Easter.

However, last year I spent Christmas at the Vatican during Midnight Mass.
I think that should charge up my Catholic battery for a few more years. Right?

That depends on wether you actually learned anything:shrug:

Are yo now actually going to BE A CATHOLIC or simply continue pretending that you’re one

**Matt.7: 24 **“Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand;”

**Matt.13: 19-23 ** “When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Luke 6: 47-49 “**Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: ** he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Luke.11: 28 **"But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” **

Being a Catholic is is the DOING; not the proclaiming!

Love and prayers,

 

[tweetymom]

That depends on wether you actually learned anything:shrug:

Are yo now actually going to BE A CATHOLIC or simply continue pretending that you’re one

**Matt.7: 24 **“Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand;”

**Matt.13: 19-23 ** “When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Luke 6: 47-49 “**Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: ** he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Luke.11: 28 **"But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” **

Being a Catholic is is the DOING; not the proclaiming!

Love and prayers,

Being a Christian is doing not proclaiming.

 

[PRmerger]

Sure, it counts for* something*. It counts for your “Hey, I went to a Papal Mass” boy scout badge.

LOL! :whackadoo:

And maybe one gets a silver star on one’s Good Behavior Chart–but, as for anything thing else…not so much.

Again, I’d like to see the relationship in which the wife says, “Honey, we’re so strong in our love I’ve decided that we’re going to make love only on Christmas, and Easter–oh and one big celebration on our anniversary. That should get us through the year, yes?”