Name one or two reasons you think God allowed Protestantism.
I think one reason might be that Catholicism is so… difficult, that maybe God wanted there to be an “easier, softer” way that would lead people to Christ (and He knew that many would then be led to the RC Church)?? Just a thought.
This is an interesting, but completely wrong conclusion.
Why? Because the structure of the RCC is directly from God, and it’s truth is assurred by The holy Spirit.
Some make a big deal of “faithfull Catholic practice being hard.” Let us not forget what Christ suffered for US on the Cross, and that we to MUST suffer in return. "If you wish to come after me,take up YOUR CROSS and follow Me (that means do as I did for you!) God away’s, everytime, in every case, in every circumstance provides abundant graces to permit us, IF we accept His grace and apply them properly, to fullfill His Will:thumbsup: Mt.11: 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; 26 yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. 27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (C)
Have you ever considered how difficult is would be to practice, say, Mormonism, or the Amish religious practices, or Orthodox Judism? Now those are really tough!
Also, i think that Protestants generally focus on different things than Catholics do, different “aspects” of God, things that are nonetheless very important… like, well… i just think that sometimes they are more… friendly… & i feel they may trust in God’s mercy more than a lot of Catholics…
Yep, your right in so far as we Catholics can and should learn to be more friendly and welcomming! But take care in where they have different philosophy’s and theologies than we do. There can only be a songle truth for any issue, and only within the Catholic / Orthodox Churches is the complete and single truth ot be found.
The fact that God is “All Knowing” is at least part of the answer.
Look at what has taken place witin His Church in the past fifty years are so.
For example according to the 2000 Catholic Almanac:
In 1965 about 70% of all Catholics regullarly fullfilled there Sunday and Holiday Obligations. In the year 2000, that number had decreased as a percentage, to about 25%
Then factor in the Great works the Grahms, and Dr. Dobson’s “Focus On The Family,” and we can easly see that they have filled a very large Spiritual need, not filled by the American -CC.
Even without the Sacraments, and the “fullness of truth”, these two examples are leading a great many to Christ, and may God bless them for there work in His vineyard.
No, I’m not down on the RCC. But like so many, I am devistated by this **Post Vatican II American Catholic Church, **which has in oh so amny way’s seperated from Romes authority and guidance!
54% of “catholics” voted for a known Pro-Death Candidate! I read last year an article in, I think in Time magazine, who did an article on the Sacrament of Confession, which claimed that perhaps as many as 90% of Catholics do not go to Confession even once per year! Wow!!!
You phrased you question very well. God permitted this, but did not cause it.
God is alway’s in charge, alway’s has a plan and in the end, His Divine Will, will be done! amen!
But it will take our cooperation, our humble obedience, our learning, practcing and then sharring our RCC!
God bless, and Merry Christmas! Joy to the world, Christ is HERE!
PJM m.c
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