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James248
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Examples?
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Bonnie
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Individuals, such as my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends?
Or particular denominations, such as Baptist, Methodist, Assembly of God, Nazarene?
Many, perhaps most, non-Catholic Christians believe in the invisible Church.
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ZenFred
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Yeah Frankensteining a mix of religions together means I’ll definitely be wrong and when this often done (by new age types) they take only superficial parts and there is no real substance to its faith. For example, Buddhism/Hinduism isn’t about reincarnation and if you start talking who you were in a past life, you’ve missed the whole point.
I’m choosing to take away the majority of beliefs. Sticking with pretty just the Shema, the Lord is your God, The Lord is One. Jesus quotes this prayer himself. Everything after that is a maybe.
This thread was moved to other religions. That’s fine, but you all are missing the point. I’m not shopping around anymore. The beliefs I’m giving up on aren’t just Christian ones. For the most part in terms of Christianity I’m moving from disbelief to uncertain.
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ZenFred
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A better way to say this is that I no longer take my own beliefs seriously. For example, I admit that right now I don’t think Jesus is God nor do I think he is the messiah. But I know I’m probably wrong, if not about this belief then something else. I can’t actually be without beliefs, but I can avoid attaching too much significance or certainty to them.
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James248
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That may be true.
However Jesus founded a VISIBLE Church with a HIERARCHY. The invisible Church is contrary to Scripture.
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Bonnie
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I don’t think it matters if they believe the Church is visible or invisible - there is still only one Christian Church.
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reggieM
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I like the view espoused by ZenFred - it is open to God, searching, exploring. We all have to seek God’s will.
All of that and more, but … (I hate to do it
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As we search, our understanding grows. Conflicts and confusions (not all) can be resolved. “The best available explanation and option” will eventually appear. And - God often calls us to a decision. That’s discernment.
It’s like marriage. We seek God’s will. “Who is the one He wants for me?”
Yes, we play the field, meet others - we like more than one! But the path is moving towards a commitment.
I am totally sympathetic with anyone who is sorting out religious options. I believe, with prayer and persistence, God does show the way. It can take a long time.
For me, if there was a better, more integrated, more cohesive path than the Catholic Faith, I would look at it seriously.
Today I see none. I think there’s nothing close. Of course, I’m biased.
But some years ago theologians were saying that there is nothing in other religions that cannot be found in some form in the Catholic Faith.
When it comes down to precise details, I know it doesn’t quite work that way. But in general, I think the point stands.
All of that and more, but … (I hate to do it
)As we search, our understanding grows. Conflicts and confusions (not all) can be resolved. “The best available explanation and option” will eventually appear. And - God often calls us to a decision. That’s discernment.
It’s like marriage. We seek God’s will. “Who is the one He wants for me?”
Yes, we play the field, meet others - we like more than one! But the path is moving towards a commitment.
I am totally sympathetic with anyone who is sorting out religious options. I believe, with prayer and persistence, God does show the way. It can take a long time.
For me, if there was a better, more integrated, more cohesive path than the Catholic Faith, I would look at it seriously.
Today I see none. I think there’s nothing close. Of course, I’m biased.
But some years ago theologians were saying that there is nothing in other religions that cannot be found in some form in the Catholic Faith.
When it comes down to precise details, I know it doesn’t quite work that way. But in general, I think the point stands.
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James248
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And it is the Catholic Church.
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jlhargus
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Amen
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Rosebud77
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reggieM
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Like Muslims?
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peter26
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Someone who embraces Christ, with or without the mediation of the Church, is a Christian by definition.
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Rosebud77
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I agree totally but many here will not, Peter. With thee always…
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reggieM
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Not sure where that definition comes from, but I don’t think Islam would agree with you. They embrace Christ but they don’t want to be called Christian.
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Bonnie
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But not as the Son of God - only as a prophet.
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reggieM
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Ok, but notice how we’re starting to add some definitions here. It’s no longer enough simply to “embrace Christ”. We have to have certain beliefs.
Here you’re saying belief that Jesus is the Son of God is not optional.
Why is belief in the Real Presence optional in order to be called a Christian?
How about belief in the efficacy of Baptism? A lot of people “embrace Christ” who do not believe that baptism is necessary - that it’s just a symbol. Why can a person deny that and still be considered a Christian? Are they really embracing Christ? Or are they like Muslims who embrace Christ as a Prophet?
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Bonnie
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I haven’t read the Catechism recently, but I’m pretty sure it’s a given for Catholics. If we get too loosey-goosey with what “embracing Christ” means, you could end up with people who consider him to be a great inspiration or moral teacher & nothing more being called Christian.
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Wannano
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You are asking great questions. They would make great threads.
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Rosebud77
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Please tell me that this is not what i am thinking it might be? Terrible! REALLY!
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James248
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But it’s gonna be a lot harder for them to get into Heaven.
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