Holy moly TC, you graduated high school in 1957? Man, you are older than dirt, but that's ok.
No, I didn't have a Bible, and we did not study it. We did have to listen to the priest in religion class, because we were told we could not read the Bible, unless the priest told us what it meant. We did get catechism, but I was not really interested in ANY religion, so I didn't pay much attention. I was a man of the world, so to speak to speak. I couldn't be bothered with any kind of "religion."
Then, the Navigator dudes came along. What impressed me about them, is they were not hypocrites. They talked the talk, and walked the walk. No one in that "other religion" I was in, ever did that. They GAVE me a ASV, and said read it. I did, that I is why I am no longer in that "other religion."
If others want to remain in "other religions," that's on them. I just want to know how they plan to bluff their way into Heaven, cuz if "religious people" go to Hell, what difference does it all make?
Now, I have Bible studies, and I ONLY invite my Catholic friends, and yes, I have many catholic friends. We have some good discussions. It's ok, I guess. 😄😀😇
I suppose a lot of Catholics can't understand anyone coming away from Catholicism
I too never had a bible, just a Baltimore Catechism ...
Still remember #1 ...
Who is God ?
God is the creator of heaven and earth and all things
it served us little kids but Catholicism never much planned for little kids to grow up to be adults and have a healthy curiosity about "What's it all about, Alfie ?"
I met Jesus in '81 and HE had all the answers I needed for every question
If others want to remain in "other religions," that's on them.
True.
After we've TOLD them; over and over again; their choice is theirs alone.
They can choose to be reconciled to GOD, or reconciled to an organization.
The Catholic church taught me the same way about the Bible.
Don’t read it myself because I can’t understand it.
It’s the job of someone trained in theology to read it for me and tell me what is says.