Why Not?

[jericho777]

Jericho you are confusing Church discipline with Church doctrine. I can see by what you are posting why you left the CC. It is quite simple you never understood it. You can blame the Priest, the Church, the milkman. hey you can even blame me if you want. But what would it change. Ignorance of the faith is ignorance of the faith.

Honestly I’m not blaming anyone. I always did what I was taught. That was never a problem. We were told what the church expected and did it. Believe me the nuns would not let you slide anyway.

Perhaps you can take some time this lent, and forego meat, Not because it is a Church discipline at lent, but for the reason you were to not eat meat in the first place. To remember, remember on Fridays what Christ did for you at lent.

Eating or not eating meat during lent has no biblical correlation to faith. This is my point man made rules = man made religion.

And maybe start learning the Catholic faith, then you can make up your mind again when you understand it. Bet you one thing, I can not promise you will come back, but you will hunger for what you have lost. And it wont be the meat on Friday

I found this site doing research on JW’s . I’m interested in relearning facts about the catholic faith. I have already made my mind up though. Even more so after being on here. I’m just trying to sort out all the conflicting opinions.

 

[T_More]

When we bought our house we got cable for the first time. I used to watch Christian TV and laugh at it thinking I could use my faith against them. They presented a clear concise description of Christ and His word. The faith I had followed from birth was not holding up to the light of biblical truth. I was challenged greatly. I asked the priest who married us some questions and he could not answer them. That was 21 years ago. I learned more about God and the bible in the six months after than in the 28 years before. I only look forward now to life with my Lord and Savior.

Interesting. I have had the same thing happened to me after learning more about the CC. After spending almost my whole life as a JW, and knowing the faith very well, it’s been very educational for me to learn about the CC. I’ve learned more about God and Christianity these past few months studying the CC than in all my many years as a JW. Since then, Protestantism has never even been an option in my mind.

 

[jericho777]

Interesting. I have had the same thing happened to me after learning more about the CC. After spending almost my whole life as a JW, and knowing the faith very well, it’s been very educational for me to learn about the CC. I’ve learned more about God and Christianity these past few months studying the CC than in all my many years as a JW. Since then, Protestantism has never even been an option in my mind.

I’ve been dialoging with a JW over a period of three years now. He was catholic at birth but I’m a bible christian now.

 

[T_More]

I’ve been dialoging with a JW over a period of three years now. He was catholic at birth but I’m a bible christian now.

Watch out you don’t get taken with their teachings.

I have found that most JW’s that used to be Catholics were usually poorly catechized in their Catholic faith. When I was a JW and met ones that used to Catholic, many times they couldn’t correctly explain Catholic teachings.

 

[rinnie]

Honestly I’m not blaming anyone. I always did what I was taught. That was never a problem. We were told what the church expected and did it. Believe me the nuns would not let you slide anyway.

Eating or not eating meat during lent has no biblical correlation to faith. This is my point man made rules = man made religion.

I found this site doing research on JW’s . I’m interested in relearning facts about the catholic faith. I have already made my mind up though. Even more so after being on here. I’m just trying to sort out all the conflicting opinions.

Great, you stick around for one year. Not everyday of course. And P.M me in one year from now and let me know what you really learned. I have faith in our teachings, and in alot of these people here. They are good People jer. So ask everything, and learn the truth. Thats more than anyone can ask of you. Hope to see you around and hope I can help.

 

[PJM]

=jericho777;6242652]That’s how long I’ve been gone I didn’t even know it was changed. It was always a sin to eat meat on Friday during Lent. The nuns told us we would go to hell. If it has been changed to only two days now are those who were guilty before now forgiven?

***It’s difficult, but not impossible that eating meat on Friday is or was a Mortal sin. Unless it was done with speific intent of prophaning our Lord. Any and all other reasons would make it a veniel sin, and this NOT in an absolute sense requiring Confesion.

Welcome home friend. God is well pleased with yor decision, as are we your brethern. ***

Love and prayers,
Pat,

 

[rinnie]

***It’s difficult, but not impossible that eating meat on Friday is or was a Mortal sin. Unless it was done with speific intent of prophaning our Lord. Any and all other reasons would make it a veniel sin, and this NOT in an absolute sense requiring Confesion.

Welcome home friend. God is well pleased with yor decision, as are we your brethern. ***

Love and prayers,
Pat,

You know what PJM it all comes down to authority. Who has it? We all know that God has it. But what we all do not know, or refuse to accept is that Jesus passed down that Authority to the Apostles and the Apostles are being led by God through the Church (Holy Spirit).

We can show scripture, Tradition, etc but if a person feels that they do not need the Church leading them what more can we say???

We can show them time after time Jesus left us the Church to lead us to the fullness of the truth, If he didn’t feel we needed that why the Apostles in the first place. If we all have the gift of the HS to do all things then why did scripture say we don’t and why did Jesus feel we needed the Apostles to lead us.

Never got a answer from them, or one that makes sense. And probally never will. But we can try through the word of God and some simple common sense try!

 

[rinnie]

***It’s difficult, but not impossible that eating meat on Friday is or was a Mortal sin. Unless it was done with speific intent of prophaning our Lord. Any and all other reasons would make it a veniel sin, and this NOT in an absolute sense requiring Confesion.

Welcome home friend. God is well pleased with yor decision, as are we your brethern. ***

Love and prayers,
Pat,

Exactly. It all comes to obeying the Father. It is one of the commandments. We believe that the Pope is our Father, we believe that he is the Holy Father so we obey.

We trust God when he sent the Advocate to lead the Pope to the fullness of the Truth. He gave us the Pope and Bishops so we would not get confused. That is why you and I agree on the truth, Because we agree one truth not many. One Church not many.

Scripture tells us in order to have the true church it must have the 4 marks. ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC. If you have the 4 marks you are in the right place!

So its not a question about him asking us to give up meat on Friday that is the issue, its what does that giving it up do for our soul. Easy it gives us a better understanding of suffering which giving up the meat goes hand in hand with fasting, which is hard. And it also reminds us what Christ did indeed do for us, and fasting, and giving up and spending more time in prayer brings us to the whole Goal the Pope had in mind. BRINGING US CLOSER TO GOD. How people can have a problem with that I will never see.

And if people think fasting is so easy try it. Then see how hard that it is , and it can not even COMPARE to what Christ went through. What people cannot see it is not the deed, its what the deed did for us mentally.

The Pope has a job, it is to do everything in his power to bring us closer to Christ. Asking us to not eat meat during lent and fast during lent, and spend me time with God is a power given to him from God to evercise. Sure he cannot force us, If God will not take away our free will, why would you think the Pope could. The Pope just like Gods asks us to obey the Father. You either to or don’t. Its not for the Popes good, its for our own. You either do this and receive your reward which is bringing you closer to God or you don’t.

 

[hellopeople]

I don’t agree with many of the teachings of the church. I don’t agree that birth control is intrinsically evil or that masturbation and pre marital sex are grave acts. I also don’t believe that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ. To be honest, that seems like complete nonsense to me. I don’t think that you have to confess your sins to a priest either.

 

[Agripa]

Well, its complex. I was born into the faith, but alas, I received an excellent education along the way - some of it from very rational Jesuits. One of them taught me early Church History where Lo and Behold, I discovered that Jesus’s divinity was not as clear cut for like 300 years - definately not as Mom and the nuns tried to beat into me!

From there I attended a lecture given by the late Alfred North Whitehead, a famed philosopher and theologist, although errant in the Church’s view - they were not having any of that Process stuff at all in the 80’s! But old Alfred (and he was old at that time), he had this notion that if God exists, God cannot exist in some future point while exisiting now - so God is itself “becomming” as we all are.

And from there it was a hop, skip and a jump to Dominic Crosen and the Jesus Institute which pretty much convinced me that Jesus was indeed a real person who was a Jewish religious figure with a following (and there were many such figures in Jewish History given there is no central teaching authority in that fine Tradition.)

And Jesus was certainly active in the social and political life in a time and place that was a crucible in history - Two worlds merging, the Jewish with Roman and indeed Jesus rose up, if you will, in a time under the greatest Roman Ruler, Augustus. Did you know Augustus deemed himself the Son of God? It was in fact a term stamped on Roman coins of the day.

It is this perspective that makes me see Jesus in a seriously bright, rational light, not the mythological light that Catholics want to beleive in.

So, I dont know if that makes me a “non Catholic” per se, but I think if I went to a typical parish priest, he would not permit me to claim being a Catholic and not beleive in the myth. However, I think there are some Jesuits that might!

So perhaps its debatable as to whether I am a Catholic, but I am respectful to the that Tradition and if I dont beleive all that is expected of me, I shant claim the title!

 

[rinnie]

I don’t agree with many of the teachings of the church. I don’t agree that birth control is intrinsically evil or that masturbation and pre marital sex are grave acts. I also don’t believe that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ. To be honest, that seems like complete nonsense to me. I don’t think that you have to confess your sins to a priest either.

Neither does the Church. They have what they call a pure method. And I am sorry you disagree with the word of God because every Protestant Church I know agrees that you should not have sex before marriage. They agree with God word:shrug:

But here is something to think about. The birth control pill. Do you know that it is one thing that cannot be taken completely out of the water supply. And that is why it is getting harder and harder to women to have babys. Because children are drinking it and in a sense are getting a tiny dose of it from birth.

Now our parents never were on it, or our parents parents anyway. And look at the familys back when. Something to think about.

So to say the birth control pill is not evil, it can do evil things do you not agree. Or do you not agree the pill has hormones in it that can be harmfull to all?

And I understand that you do not agree that we must confess our sins to a Priest, but God gave that authority to a Priest and says otherwise.

 

[HarmonyServant]

Why am I still not yet a Catholic? Simple; I have a stubborn husband who thinks Catholics have it all wrong. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in RCIA by now.

 

[rinnie]

Why am I still not yet a Catholic? Simple; I have a stubborn husband who thinks Catholics have it all wrong. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in RCIA by now.

Why not become a little stubborn yourself and study the faith. And bring him to the fullness of the truth. You would be amazed what it can do for your marriage

 

[HarmonyServant]

Been studying and praying for a good four years now. St. Monica has become a dear friend of mine. And Blessed Kateri; the Lily of the Mohawks might help open up my Cherokee husband’s heart.

 

[PJM]

=Agripa;6245650]Well, its complex. I was born into the faith, but alas, I received an excellent education along the way - some of it from very rational Jesuits. One of them taught me early Church History where Lo and Behold, I discovered that Jesus’s divinity was not as clear cut for like 300 years - definately not as Mom and the nuns tried to beat into me!

From there I attended a lecture given by the late Alfred North Whitehead, a famed philosopher and theologist, although errant in the Church’s view - they were not having any of that Process stuff at all in the 80’s! But old Alfred (and he was old at that time), he had this notion that if God exists, God cannot exist in some future point while exisiting now - so God is itself “becomming” as we all are.

And from there it was a hop, skip and a jump to Dominic Crosen and the Jesus Institute which pretty much convinced me that Jesus was indeed a real person who was a Jewish religious figure with a following (and there were many such figures in Jewish History given there is no central teaching authority in that fine Tradition.)

And Jesus was certainly active in the social and political life in a time and place that was a crucible in history - Two worlds merging, the Jewish with Roman and indeed Jesus rose up, if you will, in a time under the greatest Roman Ruler, Augustus. Did you know Augustus deemed himself the Son of God? It was in fact a term stamped on Roman coins of the day.

It is this perspective that makes me see Jesus in a seriously bright, rational light, not the mythological light that Catholics want to beleive in.

So, I dont know if that makes me a “non Catholic” per se, but I think if I went to a typical parish priest, he would not permit me to claim being a Catholic and not beleive in the myth. **However, I think there are some Jesuits that might! **

So perhaps its debatable as to whether I am a Catholic, but I am respectful to the that Tradition and if I dont beleive all that is expected of me, I shant claim the title!

Dear friend,

Did any of your enlighteded teachers share with you that there are a GREAT many priest and bishops in Hell? Father John A. Hardon, a Jesuit Theologian and Philosopher [may he rest in peace], a TRUE Catholic Priest who reflects well, the Sacred and Holy Tradition of the Jesuits, as my fomer mentor was deeply distressed about how Satan has worked his magic,in his beloved Jesuit Order, but knew well the culpert is PRIDE.

It appears your not seeking clarification or truth, but should God change your mind [let us pray] GOOGLE his name and read wht he has to say. He was a well known author and speaker.

Holding the views you do; why would you still wish to identify yourself as a “catholic?” Oh, I get it. If your a “catholic” can can hold these views, so can other “catholics.”

Catholics, actual informed and practicing Catholics are part of ONE, Holy, Catholic an Apolostolic Church. I fail to see how you are connectd to Her in any real way?

**"However, I think there are some Jesuits that might! " **Yep, and your heading for he same place they are if you don’t change your way’s.

Sorry, but I’m NOT impresed with your know more and know better views.

Dear God help us and save us from those who claim to KNOW MORE THAN YOU OUR CREATOR DOES!

 

[AndrewJaffery]

But here is something to think about. The birth control pill. Do you know that it is one thing that cannot be taken completely out of the water supply. And that is why it is getting harder and harder to women to have babys. Because children are drinking it and in a sense are getting a tiny dose of it from birth.

Huh…never thought about that, nor did I realize it was harder for people to be having babies (For good reason too). Though, studies show there’s trace amounts Cocaine on paper money, so it’s not the worst thing out there…

Now, back to answer the question…it should be quite obvious why I’m not Catholic. I’m not even Christian.

 

[Publisher]

ANd to your publisher there is much you can also do. You can study really study the teachings of the RCC. Then you will understand why it claims and rightly so to be the Fullness of the Faith. I have always put my faith in Jesus Christ my dear Lord and Savior since I could remember to talk. And he has never let me down. My Church has never let me down, because I have learned my Church is indeed the true Light of the World. One in the Same my Dear Lord and Savior.

But while you are placing yourself in his strong hands you can learn the teachings that he left his Apostles here to teach you .

Rinne,

I have studied the RCC and find it lacking IMO. I do not find it’s claims compelling. I understand why YOU believe the RCC contains the “fullness of the faith”…but the Fullness of the Faith isn’t found in institutions no matter how noble and good…it is found in the Light Within…Truth is found in the Presence in our midst…in the True Teacher who “is among His people to teach them Himself.”

While I understand your beliefs are dear to you and that you believe the RCC teaches you what the apostles taught and you must embrace them…that avenue is not open to me as a Friend…I must take responsibility and “work out my own salvation with fear and trembling”…it is a weighty responsibility which I do not take lightly…I and I alone will one day stand in His Presence and give account…for me the most pitiful excuse I could give Him if I should be asked “Why” I believed the things I did in mortality would be to answer…“Because the church told me so.” Or “My priest or minister said thus…”

I will trust in those things I have experienced. The Light which I have experienced directly and with no mediation of priest, minister or saint has never let me down either…I trust in the Light…“the true Light which enlightens every man…”

Your last sentence reminds me of a quote many Friends have used over the years when told they must embrace the teachings of an institution which claims to be that of the apostles…“Thee tells me what Christ says…thee tells me what the apostles say…but what can thee say?” Friends must “own” their beliefs…responsibility must rest solely with us as individuals and collectively as we become the Body of Christ in our world.

Friends don’t get a “pass” by reciting a creed or set of beliefs…those beliefs we embrace must be part of us…I don’t get a “pass” by embracing what others believe as truth…I must experience them as Truth and Life and bear the responsibility squarely on my shoulders…I must “stand squarely in the Light”.

 

[PJM]

=AndrewJaffery;6245850]Huh…never thought about that, nor did I realize it was harder for people to be having babies (For good reason too). Though, studies show there’s trace amounts Cocaine on paper money, so it’s not the worst thing out there…

Now, back to answer the question…it should be quite obvious why I’m not Catholic. I’m not even Christian.

***My dear friend,

As the orginator of this string I feel compelled to ask.

" it should be quite obvious why I’m not Catholic. I’m not even Christian"*

Are you Bragging, Complaining or Searching? **

Love and prayers,

Pat

 

[AndrewJaffery]

***My dear friend,

As the orginator of this string I feel compelled to ask.

" it should be quite obvious why I’m not Catholic. I’m not even Christian"***

Are you Bragging, Complaining or Searching?

Love and prayers,

Pat

First of all, I’m not a deer I would never brag about that, probably. I’m just stating a fact. More of a shrug, if anything. You could say searching, in theory…as in, searching about the what the church says, and whatnot. I’m not one of those people to come on and moan about how bad and evil religion is, and such.

 

[Agripa]

Dear friend,

Did any of your enlighteded teachers share with you that there are a GREAT many priest and bishops in Hell? Father John A. Hardon, a Jesuit Theologian and Philosopher [may he rest in peace], a TRUE Catholic Priest who reflects well, the Sacred and Holy Tradition of the Jesuits, as my fomer mentor was deeply distressed about how Satan has worked his magic,in his beloved Jesuit Order, but knew well the culpert is PRIDE.

It appears your not seeking clarification or truth, but should God change your mind [let us pray] GOOGLE his name and read wht he has to say. He was a well known author and speaker.

Holding the views you do; why would you still wish to identify yourself as a “catholic?” Oh, I get it. If your a “catholic” can can hold these views, so can other “catholics.”

Catholics, actual informed and practicing Catholics are part of ONE, Holy, Catholic an Apolostolic Church. I fail to see how you are connectd to Her in any real way?

**"However, I think there are some Jesuits that might! " **Yep, and your heading for he same place they are if you don’t change your way’s.

Sorry, but I’m NOT impresed with your know more and know better views.

Dear God help us and save us from those who claim to KNOW MORE THAN YOU OUR CREATOR DOES!

So, how do you, PJM, know if someone is in Hell? If there is a Hell, I was told by other humans that only God knows who goes there or who goes to heaven - no mere human knows this.

Second, I find it interesting you invite people on this forum to tell you why they are not Catholic, then you bash them with the hell and damnation thing - I just dont get that!!

Why is it that people deeply convicted in their faith feel this need to impose that conviction upon others and if others don’t follow in that faith, they are damned to burn in a Hell place forever??? Why is that?? That is so 11th century!

Man’s greatest fear is his awareness of mortality - religions have been playing on that fear for centuries with the great result of gold in their coffers each Sunday and armies to impose and grow the religion. Ancient Rome did it just this way and Catholics picked it up from them!

I identify myself as Catholic because I was baptised as such and no Authority in that Church has told me I am not - and you, dear “friend” have ZZZZEEEERRRROOO authority to tell me differently.