Why I Can't Be Catholic

[4EverHis]

As a nonCatholic Christian, I personally feel so much freedom. I feel happy, full of God, and peaceful. I feel safe and secure in Jesus Christ. Confident and prepared for His coming.

But as a Catholic, I feel scared. I feel agony, fear, anxiety, worry, etc. I feel like I’m dishonoring God by talking to other heavenly creatures.

Is it not right to go with my conscience? Or would it be better for me to live a life in constant fear?

I’m sorry I don’t think your understanding of Catholicism is really correct here… have you ever read about St Therese or St Faustina? they talked a lot about trusting God and His mercy as a Catholic, I don’t live my life in fear or agony or anxiety… in fact, many Saints like St Padre Pio told us that we shouldn’t worry… we’re taught that worry is not a virtue it can even be sinful and show distrust in God, or lead to despair. And the reason we talk to Mary and the Saints is not because we talk to them instead of God… but because we ask them for prayer, like we ask other Christians to pray for us here on earth… we talk to them because they’re our friends in Heaven and part of the Church too… we honour them… (we don’t worship them)

I’d also say, don’t look for comfort but for the truth… as CS Lewis said, if you look for the truth you may find comfort in the end… if you look for comfort you’ll get nothing if the truth is in the Church then it doesn’t matter what makes us feel good.

but I really don’t think that your understanding of what it’s like to be Catholic is correct. Maybe the question is, WHY do you think so?
is it because we don’t believe in OSAS? But even though we don’t believe it, we don’t live in fear, we hope for salvation and trust in God… when we sin we go to Confession but for us that’s a gift, it’s a wonderful healing Sacrament, not a punishment or a nuisance…

God bless

 

[ZoeBlue]

I identify with this fear. When I was a child, my parents went out of town for a week and left me in the care of my best friend and her parents. That week, we went to a Baptist day camp. I had a great time cutting out pictures, coloring, eating ice cream. That is until my mother raged into the place one day and dragged me out by my arm screaming about “how dare these people” take me into a Baptist church. It was a scary experience, but I know now why she did it. But I can honestly say, I have two kids and in the same situation I would not do the same to them.

 

[yankee_drifter]

James,

The questions I asked you don’t fall under the category of “Were the NT churches independent.” I asked about tradition being on par with Scripture and about nullifying the gospel of grace with rules and additional requirements for salvation.

I would be most appreciative if you could answer me in the same category I post in and also please do not move my posts to another category.

 

[JRKH]

James,

The questions I asked you don’t fall under the category of “Were the NT churches independent.” I asked about tradition being on par with Scripture and about nullifying the gospel of grace with rules and additional requirements for salvation.

I would be most appreciative if you could answer me in the same category I post in and also please do not move my posts to another category.

In my view all of these things are intertwined.
It has already become apparent that my abilities to provide evidence that you will accept is less than what is inadequate. In other words, I have not been able to win my brother just by myself. Therefore I posted the response in an arena where we may both have the benefit of “…Two or three witnesses so that each fact may be confirmed…”

I’m sorry if this bothers you that I moved the response, but I must confess that I find our one on one coversations to be unproductive and wish to be able to provide you with the best (name removed by moderator)ut I am able to. In this case it meant moving the response to the more active thread.

Peace
James

 

[Kristofer88]

As a nonCatholic Christian, I personally feel so much freedom. I feel happy, full of God, and peaceful. I feel safe and secure in Jesus Christ. Confident and prepared for His coming.

But as a Catholic, I feel scared. I feel agony, fear, anxiety, worry, etc. I feel like I’m dishonoring God by talking to other heavenly creatures.

Is it not right to go with my conscience? Or would it be better for me to live a life in constant fear?

Hmm, freedom as in what? To feel as though some things we consider sins are alright and to feel as though it is ok because you can still be some type of Christian and commit them?

As a Catholic, you have nothing to fear, much is expected of us because we have the absolute truth and word of God, when we chose to ignore it we are judged more critically.

All Christian denominations have one absolute truth, their belief in Christ, however; only the Catholic and some what the Orthodox church contains the word of God as was passed on by the apostles. Logically, you cannot expect any other denomination to be fully correct when they reform or change their beliefs over 1000 or more years after Christ.

When you die, God will ask you why, when you had the true and absolute word of Christ, did you chose to leave? What will your answer be?

Life is full of sacrifices, we expect it to be difficult especially for Catholics, those who are with Christ will be put through the most, Christ told us this.

The feeling of fear is ok, we should fear God, it comes hand in hand with loving him.

Remember, he who loses his life for Christs sake, shall find it. That does not only apply to dying, it applies to your everyday life also.

You’re conscience could just be saten trying to pull you away from Christ because he fears when we are close to God, and it can never get any closer then with the Catholic Church.

I hope you find these words helpful, that quote from the bible I posted has helped me so many times and I know if you reflect on it it will do the same for you.

 

[yankee_drifter]

James,

The best imputation you can provide me is from the Scriptures. You move my posts in the hopes that other members of your church will oppose me and thus majority rules. If by numbers alone it means one has the truth and the RCC has billions of members, then why does Scriptures say that the road to heaven is narrow and few there be that find it. The Holy Scriptures is the sword of Truth. You cannot say that about your man made traditions. Its a fallacy to believe that a group of men, let alone one man can always speak infallibly.

The teaching of the Roman magisterium has changed on certain doctrines. For instance, the RCC previously taught dogmatically that salvation is limited to Catholics whereas Vatican II teaches that people in other Christian denominations and other religions can also be saved. The Council of Florence proclaimed: “It firmly believes, professes, and proclaims that those not living within the Catholic Church, not only pagans, but also Jews and heretics and schismatics cannot become participants in eternal life, but will depart into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels” (Dezinger, page 230). Compare that statement with the teaching of the modern Catholic Church: “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation”. This shows that the Catholic magisterium cannot be infallible, as it is claimed, because it has frequently contradicted itself.

Mary is called the gate of heaven because no one can enter that blessed kingdom without passing through her. The way of salvation is open to none otherwise than through Mary, and since our salvation is in the hands of Mary…he who is protected by Mary will be saved, he who is not will be lost” (The Glories of Mary by Bishop Alphonse de Ligouri, Redemptorist Fathers)

The apostle Peter stated in Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation IN ANY OTHER (not Mary either): for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved…except Jesus Christ.

Mary is the co-Mediator to whom we can entrust all our cares and petitions. (Catechism)

Christ alone is the one mediator to whom we can entrust all our cares and prayers to. The Scripture says, “ Cast your cares upon him.” He alone sends the Holy Spirit. I Timothy 2:5; John 14:13,14; I Peter 5:7. This is a affront to the very work and purpose of the Savior.

There are four spiritual blessings that Jesus offers to sinners. His complete forgiveness of sins, His imputed righteousness, His assurance of eternal life and a direct, personal relationship with God. These precious blessings are unknown to Catholics because their church opposes them and conceals them with their traditions. To believe the Good News of Jesus Christ, we must repent of our own efforts to save ourselves and come to Jesus with empty hands and humbled, opened hearts. Catholics are burdened with a residual punishment for the sins that they believe Jesus was unable to expiate. Catholics are taught they must purify themselves of these residual sins by means of purgatory, indulgences and the sacraments. All these things are foreign to the Scriptures. Neither Christ nor the apostles ever taught any of it. I was once Catholic, so I am not ignorant of this church’s teachings.

James, I can go on about all these teachings of the RCC that clearly contradict the Scriptures. Your church has some very serious problems and every member of this church absolutely must prayerfully address this. Salvation is too important a gift to throw away.

 

[Mad_Theologian]

Could I just say thanks for this thread. Its been answering some of my questions rather well, so thank you. I’m probably closer than ever to coming back to the Catholic church.

 

[bluelake]

I don’t think its fair to say that Anti-Catholics tend to be very angry and cynical. We must never generalize. People are only human and we all get angry at times especially when someone doesn’t agree with us. There are believers of Jesus Christ found in most every faith whether catholic, protestant or nondenominational/evangelical. I have gotten my share of angry emails and personal attacks to my blogs by catholics, but I would never make a claim that all catholics are angry, cynical people.

yankee,
I agree, being angry at other christians isn’t bibilical. Jesus said we are to love one another. Jn.4;17-21.
We all come to faith the same way, by grace. We may worship differently but Jesus is the key to our salvation, not our church.
We are not to judge the salvation of others. MT…7;1-5 God shows no favoritism. Rom.2:11
I am of course referring to Christian churches.

God bless,
bluelake

 

[bluelake]

Hmm, freedom as in what? To feel as though some things we consider sins are alright and to feel as though it is ok because you can still be some type of Christian and commit them?

As a Catholic, you have nothing to fear, much is expected of us because we have the absolute truth and word of God, when we chose to ignore it we are judged more critically.

All Christian denominations have one absolute truth, their belief in Christ, however; only the Catholic and some what the Orthodox church contains the word of God as was passed on by the apostles. Logically, you cannot expect any other denomination to be fully correct when they reform or change their beliefs over 1000 or more years after Christ.

When you die, God will ask you why, when you had the true and absolute word of Christ, did you chose to leave? What will your answer be?

Life is full of sacrifices, we expect it to be difficult especially for Catholics, those who are with Christ will be put through the most, Christ told us this.

The feeling of fear is ok, we should fear God, it comes hand in hand with loving him.

Remember, he who loses his life for Christs sake, shall find it. That does not only apply to dying, it applies to your everyday life also.

You’re conscience could just be saten trying to pull you away from Christ because he fears when we are close to God, and it can never get any closer then with the Catholic Church.

I hope you find these words helpful, that quote from the bible I posted has helped me so many times and I know if you reflect on it it will do the same for you.

kristof,
The truth you refer to isn’t which church a person attends, It’s what is in your heart. Our truth is found there. We are saved by grace, not church membership.
I’m not putting the Catholic church down in any way when I say this. We all worship and love the One and Only Lord, Jesus Christ whom God the Father has sent. Jn.5:23-30
I’m Lutheran, LCMS, the conservative branch.
When we face the judgement seat, God already knows what is in our heart. After all, he blessed us with our faith, it’s a gift.

God bless,
bluelake

 

[bluelake]

I identify with this fear. When I was a child, my parents went out of town for a week and left me in the care of my best friend and her parents. That week, we went to a Baptist day camp. I had a great time cutting out pictures, coloring, eating ice cream. That is until my mother raged into the place one day and dragged me out by my arm screaming about “how dare these people” take me into a Baptist church. It was a scary experience, but I know now why she did it. But I can honestly say, I have two kids and in the same situation I would not do the same to them.

zoe,
Your mother acted in a fit of rage, it appears. However, the folks you were staying with should’ve asked your mom if it was okay to take you to their church. I’m sure you agree today, but that was some time ago.
Baptist are christians, as you know.
We are commanded by Christ to love one another. 1Jn.4:17-21,

Rom.2:11 for futher insight.

I love you in the Lord,
bluelake

 

[Gregory_I]

Ultimately there is one source of revelation for the Catholic: Tradition; The Scriptures are the part of tradition that are inspired by God and given by divine inspiration, and the other things written by apostles, or apostolic men who handed them down to others are the Church’s living commentary on what scripture MEANS and how to interpret it, this is also a witness of the holy spirit, given indirectly, because the Holy SPirit guides the church, and the unanimous consent of the Fathers (WHich is also further clarified by tradition and the church’s authority given by the Holy Spirit to teach, sanctify and rule) will never contradict the scriptures, but only expound them.

We are SOLA VERBUM DEI. but, we find the VERBUM DEI in Sacred Tradition, the Principle part of which is the Scripture, and the expository part of which is the Fathers and the constant teaching and witness of the church throughout the ages.

WHY WOULD GOD GO TO ALL THE WORK TO PRESERVE A BOOK BUT NOT HIS PEOPLE???

 

[Writer]

You are quite right that the Early Church had troubles with determining correct teaching. What you fail to understand, because of your fixation that the Catholic Church cannot be right, is that it was the unified, universal, Apostolic Church which resolved the various issues and did so for the universal church.
Certainly there were fallen teachers, bishops etc. Not one Catholic that I know would ever say otherwise - But the sin of individuals, even many individuals, does not make the entire Church apostate, nor does it make the teaching of that Church in error.
How was it for instance that the gnostics, who believed that All Matter is evil and that Jesus could not have been truly human because he could not have been encased in “evil clay”, were opposed, ? How about the Arians who denied the Divine nature of Jesus, - how were they opposed? These things occurred long before the canon ofthe Bible was determined by The Church.

It is interesting to note that, while you say that you want to have a conversation with give and take, you never seem to address and answer points I place in my posts, you just seem to want to respout the same misinformation. The Catholic Church did not form under Constatine. The first use of the term "Catholic Church was by St Clement in His letter to the Corinthians at around 95 AD. This was before the last Apostle, ST John had died.

On another point, since you believe that the Catholic Church “Formed” around 300 under Constantine, and the Catholic Church, indeed any church, was not preserved from error, how is it that you accept the Bible??
The Bible canon was definitively set at the Councils of the Catholic Church at Hippo and Carthage in the 390’s AD. This same canon was confirmed and reconfirmed 7 times by 7 different councils, all before the time of Luther and the Reformation.
If the Catholic Church can err, then the canon, as set by the Catholic Church cannot be trusted to be accurate.

Christ also allowed his disciples to disobey the Law by picking and eating from the fields on the sabbath. When confronted by the Jewish teachers on this matter he admonished them that they were too worried about the “letter” of the Law and not enough about the spirit and intent of the Law.

You will argue yourself silly about whether the early Church was unified or not, and you will argue whether about the correct way to Baptize, and whether works are needed to demonstrate faith, and a whole host of other things, but you will, and have right here in this discussion, firmly and completely ignore Christ’s Command to “Tell it To The Church” and then abide by the Church’s decision.
You will say above that no man, or group of men has the right to change God’s commands, but then you accept the 66 book canon of the Bible even though the canon set and used for the previous 1000 years had been set at 72 books.
You reject the biblical and historical authority of The Church, and then accept the entirely unbiblical “Man Made Tradition” of Sola Scriptura.
You reject the clearly biblical authority of The Catholic Church, and then accept the Bible, a book you recieved through the Spirit Guided offices of the Catholic Church which assembled it, translated it, Hand copied it, distributed it, taught from it, defended it, and protected it, for 1000 years.

At this point I know I can say nothing to you that will make an impression or soften your heart towards the Catholic Church or to Catholics. I can only pray that at some point, your heart will open to the fullness of truth, and that you will find that you WILL be able to accept Christ’s command to “Tell it To The Church”

Peace
James

Well said, James.

 

[sdtouchton]

A comparison between Jesus Christ and His Mystical Body. They are one and cannot be separated.
What happened to the One also happens to the other.

Jesus Christ persecuted…His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church persecuted…
They rebelled against His Authority…They rebel against its Authority. 2Peter 2:10
They said Crucify Him…They have tried to destroy it for 2000 years.
He is called Beelzebub…It is run by Satan. Matthew 10:25.
He is a false messiah…It is a false church. Luke 22:70-71
He called Himself the Son of GOD…It claims it was founded by GOD, Matthew 16:18.
He called Himself Truth…It claims to be infallible, 1Timothy 3:15.
He called Himself King…It says it is the only true Church, Matthew 16:18.
He could not sin…It has no spot or wrinkle, Ephesians 5:27.
He was not be believed by many…It is not believed by many. Luke 22:67
He was denied by many…It is denied by many. Luke 22:57-60
Not understanding Him, they walked away…Not understanding it, they walk away. John 6:66
He had false accusers…It has false accusers. Mark 14:56-59
He was mocked…It is mocked. Luke 23:35-37
He was scandalized…It is scandalized. Luke 17:1-2
He was hated without a cause…It is hated without a cause. John 15:18-25
His accuser, Judas, died…Its accusers die, but still, the Church lives on.
His enemies would stumble and fall…Its enemies stumble and fall. John 18:6
We have no king but Caesar…We have no need of it, as we have the Bible.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth?..Can anything good come from Rome? John 1:46
They cried out, “Not this one but Barabbas”…It is also rejected by the world. John 15:18-25
He bore His Cross…It bears a cross also, the cross of persecution.
He died on the Cross…It has thousands of martyrs, many on crosses.

1970 years later, He lives, stronger than ever…1970 years later, it lives, stronger than ever.

However, no matter how hard the persecutors try…
His Kingdom will last forever, Daniel 7:14, Hebrews 1:8.
His Church will last until the end of the world as promised by Him in Matthew 28:20.
“BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU POWER TO TREAD UPON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND OVER ALL THE MIGHT OF THE ENEMY; AND NOTHING SHALL HURT YOU.”
Luke 10:19

“Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks AND TO THE CHURCH OF GOD”
1Corinthians 10:32
Anyone who persecutes the Catholic Church has made himself/herself a stumbling block to the Church of GOD. It is a clear violation of Holy Scripture.

“For I am the least of the Apostles, and I AM NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, BECAUSE I PERSECUTED THE CHURCH OF GOD.” 1Corinthians 15:9

“Do not be surprised, brethren, IF THE WORLD HATES YOU.” 1John 3:13

“IF THE WORLD HATES YOU, KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE YOU.
IF YOU WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE ITS OWN. BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATES YOU.
REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU: NO SERVANT IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY WORD, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO.
BUT ALL OF THESE THINGS THEY WILL DO TO YOU FOR MY NAME’S SAKE, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW HIM WHO SENT ME.
IF I HAD NOT COME AND SPOKEN TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR THEIR SIN. HE WHO HATES ME HATES MY FATHER ALSO. IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM WORKS SUCH AS NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE SEEN, AND HAVE HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER;
BUT THAT THE WORD WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW MAY BE FULFILLED, ‘THEY HAVE HATED ME WITHOUT CAUSE’, (Psalms 35:19)”.
John 15:18-25
I would say that Jesus Christ said it all in these verses written with the inspired pen of Saint John wouldn’t you?

Name another Church which is attacked so much on a daily basis as is the Catholic Church?
Jesus Christ warned us, “You will be HATED BY ALL NATIONS for My Name’s sake.”
Matthew 24:9

“Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake. REJOICE AND EXULT, BECAUSE YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN; for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

Everytime you see someone persecuting the Catholic Church, or speaking falsely against her, be happy, because those people are merely helping Catholics to gain their eternal reward in Heaven.
It is a promise from Jesus Christ Himself.

jesus4me.webs.com/proudtobecatholic.htm

 

[sdtouchton]

Peter’s commission:
Here are some of the attributes of Jesus Christ which He passed on and shared with Peter by working through him…

Jesus is:
Peter is:

The Good Shepherd, John 10:11-14
Shepherd of the Church, John 21:17

The Door of the Sheep, John 10:7
John 20:21-23, 21:17

The Rock, 1Corinthians 10:4
Matthew 16:18

The Foundation, 1Corinthians 3:11
Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 2:20

The Key Holder, Revelation 3:7
Matthew 16:19

Infallible, John 14:6
Luke 10:16, 22:28-32

The Recipient of GOD’s Word, John 5:30
Matthew 16:17, Acts 15:7

Having the Authority, Matthew 28:18
Matthew 18:15-20, Acts 2:14-40, 15:7

A Worker of Miracles, Mark 2:2-12
Acts 3:6-12, 5:15

Able to raise the dead, John 11:43-44
Acts 9:36-42

The Invisible Head of His Church, Eph 5:23-24
The Visible Head of Christ’s Church, Matt 16:18

 

[sdtouchton]

1.Catholic Church was prefigured by Old Testament prophets.
2.Catholic Church has a Holy Founder in Jesus Christ.
3.Catholic Church was built upon the Rock of Peter and the foundation of the Apostles.
4.God guaranteed that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
5.Jesus Christ said it would last forever, as He would be with it always.
6.Therefore it can be found in every day, in every century, from the time He said it.
7.Jesus Christ left His legacy, the Kingdom of GOD, His Church, to the care of the Apostles.
8.Catholic Church is guided by the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:28
9.Catholic Church is a living Church.
10.Catholic Church is the Mystical Body of Christ.
11.Catholic Church can neither be confused nor separated from its head.
12.The thread of the Church is woven throughout Holy Scripture.
Catholic Church is a Christ based Church, whereas the Bible is Catholic Church based.
13.Catholic Church has all of the pieces to the puzzle.
14.Catholic Church is indefectible. Ephesians 5:27
15.Catholic Church is The Bride of Christ.
16.Catholic Church is infallible in matters of faith and morals since it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
17.Catholic Church is infallible in its teaching of Holy Scripture since it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
18.Catholic Church fits the blueprint laid out for it in Holy Scripture.
19.Catholic Church is a visible Church that could not be hidden.
20.Jesus Christ would be the invisible head and we, the body of His Church.
21.His Church would cover the earth. Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8.
22.GOD appointed a visible Father Figure to shepherd His flock on earth, as He had always done.
23.Catholic Church is the Pillar and the Foundation of Truth. 1Timothy 3:15
24.Catholic Church alone has the fullness of truth.
25.GOD’s Church would have an hierarchal form of government.
26.GOD’s Church would have Bishops, Priests, and Deacons within it.
27.Catholic Church has a system of Apostolic Succession in order to perpetuate the visible Church on earth.
28.Catholic Church is traceable through an unbroken line of Apostolic Succession all the way back to St. Peter.
29This unbroken line is shown in secular encyclopedias as well as Catholic archives.
30.Catholic Church has a succession of truth in teaching all the way from 31.Jesus Christ down to present day Bishops.
32.Catholic Church is almost 1500 years older than the oldest Protestant church.
33.Catholic Church has the authority to abolish or enforce rules of conduct, through binding and loosing.
34.Catholic Church has the authority to forgive or to retain sins, through binding and loosing. John 20:21-23
35.Catholic Church teaches that we are not automatically saved, but our salvation depends upon us as well.
36.Catholic Church has the authority to form Councils when needed, in order to settle the issues that arise. Acts 15
37.Catholic Church was given the authority to decide the Canons of both the Old and New Testaments of Scripture.
38.Catholic Church decided the Canon of both testaments by infallible decision of several Councils.
39.Catholic Church more finely develops revealed public revelation.
40.Catholic Church does not twist Scripture to conform to its teachings. It conforms its teaching to Scripture.
41.Catholic Church has faithfully copied and preserved Holy Scripture down through the ages.
42.Catholic Church has known that The Word was Heard and not Read by the masses before the printing press.
43.Catholic Church has the final authority. Matthew 18:15-18
44.Catholic Church holds many traditions which are followed by Catholics and Protestants alike.
45.Catholic Church is an “And” Church, not “Or”.
46.Catholic Church is a teaching Church as commanded by Holy Scripture.
47.Catholic Church is consistent in its teaching and does not ‘flip-flop’ as do other churches for the whims of people.
48.Catholic Church faithfully feeds the sheep as commanded by Jesus Christ.
49.Catholic Church is rock solid and unchanging in its teaching.
50.Catholic Church stands upon a solid three legged stool, of Scripture, of Apostolic Tradition, and the Magisterium.
51.Catholic Church is the guardian of both Sacred Scripture and of Sacred Tradition.

 

[sdtouchton]

52.Catholic Church has the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Matthew 26:26
53.The Apostles knew that the truth was in Jesus Christ and in His one true Church.
54.Catholic Church has Eucharistic Adoration.
55.Catholic Church offers a clean oblation around the world and around the clock, in the Holy Mass. Malachi 1:11
56.In every minute of every day, a Mass is being celebrated somewhere.
57.Catholic Church venerates Christ on the Cross as a sacrifice and not just a plain cross devoid of Christ.
58.Catholic Church preaches the Gospel to the whole world. Matthew 24:14
59.Catholic Church has produced many thousands of Holy Saints.
60.The Church venerates the Mother of GOD. Luke 1:26-56
61.The Church venerates the Saints who have done so much for it.
62.The Mother of GOD is also the Mother of the Church. John 19:26-27
63.Catholic Church has all seven Sacraments.
64.Catholic Church treats marriage as a Sacrament.
65.Catholic Church has an annulment procedure.
66.Catholic Church has many varied Devotions.
67.Catholic Church can be found by its name, the Catholic Church, in thousands of early writings.
68.Catholic Church can be shown from these same writings that it is the same Church which Jesus Christ founded.
69.Catholic Church houses the remains of all of the Apostles and Gospel writers.
70.Catholic Church is the New Jerusalem.
71.Catholic Church is our Mother Church.
72.Catholic Church has withstood the ravages of thousands of detractors and heretics from its very foundation.
73.Catholic Church has performed many successful exorcisms.
74.Catholic Church is unbending and unmovable in its pro-life stance.
75.Catholic Church has scores of separate services of help. 1Corinthians 12:28
76.Catholic Church preaches the Word of GOD to the entire world through E.W.T.N. and other resources.
77.Catholic Church tries to unite all of Christianity into one fold.
78.Catholic Church has incredible openness.
79.Catholic Church Has provided us with a comprehensive catechism.
80.Catholic Church has a vast influx of intellectuals.
81.Catholic Church has had a spectacular growth, with over one billion Catholics in the world now.
82.Catholic Church has the Holy Spirit dwelling within it.
83.Catholic Church has humbled itself by apologizing to GOD for the past sins of some of its members.
84.Catholic Church is the most outspoken advocate of morality on earth.
85.Catholic Church has issued so many beautiful Papal documents which are guidelines for the whole world.
86.Catholic Church has the largest collection of authentic Christian documents in the world in the Vatican archives.
87.Catholic Church is the last refuge for those who are persecuted.
88.Catholic Church is because the “Pillar and the foundation of truth” has said so.
89.Catholic Church is because common sense tells us so.
90.Catholic Church is the undisputed leader of Christianity in the world.
91.Catholic Church is its own City-State, and is represented in the United Nations. Acts 1:8
92.When Rome speaks, the whole world listens.
93.Catholic Church is the only Christian Church which proclaims Jubilee years.
94.Circumstantial evidence points to the Catholic Church and only the Catholic Church.
95.The Catholic Church hears and listens carefully to Jesus Christ, her founder.
96.Catholic Church always has what the world is lacking.

We know because The Catholic Church is the Most Hated Christian Church in the World.
Just as the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ, so she naturally must follow the trials and tribulations of her founder and Head. His physical body endured an unmerciful persecution and scourging, and so must His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church, endure the same.

 

[Jason_1977]

As a nonCatholic Christian, I personally feel so much freedom. I feel happy, full of God, and peaceful. I feel safe and secure in Jesus Christ. Confident and prepared for His coming.

But as a Catholic, I feel scared. I feel agony, fear, anxiety, worry, etc. I feel like I’m dishonoring God by talking to other heavenly creatures.

Is it not right to go with my conscience? Or would it be better for me to live a life in constant fear?

my friend, you’re not both, nor can you be both. I’ll get that one out of the way. I also feel free, safe & secure in the Catholic Church. I’d be afraid of being protestant (used to be episcopalian) because I dont put water in my cereal, and I certainly don’t want to water down my faith or religion either. The mass can be intimidating. There’s a lot involved, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. Also, those heavenly creatures came down & had conversations with people on earth, and by the people on earth speaking back to them, they weren’t dishonoring God one bit. Neither is praying for their intercession. I’d say you dont know enough to even know what your conscience is telling you. You may think you do, but from the sounds of your statement, I can already tell that what you don’t know about catholicism is a lot. What that is in particular, I couldn’t pin down, but you sound the same as everyone else that THINKS they have a grasp on it, but couldn’t be further than the truth. I would suggest maybe talking to a knowledgable catholic friend. Pick & choose the catholics you DO speak to because I will be the first to admit, there are many who clam up & quiver & make up crazy stuff in response to attacks or questions and it drives me insane. Speak to one who is a catechist or a priest would be ideal. Get a straight answer, OR you can even use the catholic encyclopedia, but I can tell there’s a lot you don’t know, and your conscience wouldn’t even be a factor if YOU DID know. I’m not trying to put you down or anything, I’m just saying that once you make the same discoveries I did, your outlook will be different. I was Episcopalian for 30 years before converting 2 years ago. There’s PLENTY I don’t know about things like beatitudes, and the specifics about other traditions of the faith, BUT I AM scripture heavy & THAT is the trade off, and that is where I see everything making sense. When talking to other protestants, I only use scripture. I see no point in referencing a catechism that the other person doesnt take seriously to begin with. If I were still episcopalian, all that would do for me is tell me why they think that, but not really justify anything. Know what I mean? But I would start with taking a look at Philippians 2:12. PONDER what that might mean, and then get back to me. I don’t mind answering questions or tackling issues of the faith, and I guarantee you I will only use the Bible as a reference. The church is so rooted in scripture, I don’t need anything else. Best wishes & best of luck on your spiritual journey, may it lead you home!

 

[Kristofer88]

kristof,
The truth you refer to isn’t which church a person attends, It’s what is in your heart. Our truth is found there. We are saved by grace, not church membership.
I’m not putting the Catholic church down in any way when I say this. We all worship and love the One and Only Lord, Jesus Christ whom God the Father has sent. Jn.5:23-30
I’m Lutheran, LCMS, the conservative branch.
When we face the judgement seat, God already knows what is in our heart. After all, he blessed us with our faith, it’s a gift.

God bless,
bluelake

A man can not enter the kingdom of heaven by faith alone, but also by good works.

 

[yankee_drifter]

TristanCross,

You are so right about the freedom that belongs to a spiritually born-again believer in Jesus Christ. We who are trusting in Christ alone as our Savior. Salvation is found in no other. We can know that we have eternal life and we can have assurance of our salvation now because of the completed work of Christ at Calvary where He paid our sin debt in full. Christ is no longer to be re-offered or re-presented. Hebrews 7:27 says, “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” God said no sacrifice without the shedding of blood could ever remit sins.

As a former roman catholic, I remember the constant fear and guilt I had whenever I missed Mass. I wondered did I do enough penance, did I pray enough and hard enough. Am I really worthy to participate in the Eucharist. Do I need to do more works of charity. Then their was the fear of purgatory and where I would spend eternity. I never had the peace of Christ that passes all understanding. I didn’t even have a relationship with God. I was never taught that I could confess my sins directly to God. What I knew about Christ was that He was supposed to be the bread inside the Host and sacrificed every time Mass was said. I never read the Bible. There were no Bibles in church. All I had was my Missal, full of prayers that were meaningless to me because they didn’t come from my own heart.

For the roman catholic, their relationship with God is based on what they do rather than what Christ has done, thus they never know where they stand. How sad that they deny the all sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. By receiving the sacraments and doing works of charity Catholics believe they can merit for themselves and for the dead the graces needed for sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life. Whenever they commit a grave sin, the sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification. They have a long journey through the Sacrifice of the Mass, sacraments, good works, merit, veneration of Mary and the Saints. Each one is required to partake of the sacraments in order to be good enough to die in the state of “sanctifying grace” and then to be saved or at least, it is hoped, to land for a time in purgatory. Even on a natural level one wonders how a Catholic can have any hope. The sacrifice of the Mass and the sacraments are such that the most they can promise is a pseudo-hell called purgatory.

But the Scriptures tells us there’s only 2 places in the hereafter: heaven and hell. Its appointed once for man to die, then the judgment. There’s no stopping off place for purification. There was a time when the RCC believed in limbo, until a pope admitted there’s no such “state”.

Yet they can never have this assurance of eternal life with God because their salvation is never settled in this life. It is a sin for a Catholic to know salvation is secured. Canon 16 of the Council of Trent states, “If anyone says that he will for certain, with an absolute and infallible certainty, have that great gift of perseverance even to the end let him be anathema.” This canon is in direct opposition to the Bible. The apostle John wrote his epistle to believers of Jesus Christ, in order that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).

 

[GeorgeSword]

You have blatantly ignored most of this thread by saying that we resacrifice Christ, we do not have a relationship with Him, and that we believe His sacrifice was not one, eternal and sufficient.