Replies

Of course I must ask this question: Isn't "being saved" and "saying the sinners prayer" an 'extra special doctrine of man, that just originated over the last two centuries? I hope I am asking this to the right person. Because noone believed this until the 1800's I believe. Jesus never says in the Gospel to "say the sinners prayer" and you'll be saved.

Most protestant evangelical churches nowadays are Arminian. The RCC is works-based salvation.

Of course the never ending misunderstandings which people cling to about Catholics 'worshiping Mary', 'worshiping statues' etc. is old and tired. I don't understand why people keep bringing these up even when they are told that we don't do such things. Oh well.

Take yer "hail Mary";
...
Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our deat amen.

I don't know if I'll EVER get that out of my head.

Praying TO Mary for intercession to Jesus. Unbiblical as the day is long.

Regarding salvation outside the Church, I believe we are all responsible to find the truth of what Christ wants us to do. In my opinion, and I left the Church at one time because of some of the things you mentioned, the Catholic Church has the fullness of truth. The splendor of truth. "The whole enchilada." And I shall never leave "home" again.

They're full of something, but Truth ain't it.

I've pointed to the scripture references regarding works, and some church teaching on the matter. I believe that if you love someone you will want to do something to please them. These are sometimes called works. I believe that (and I may have posted it) that Christianity is an "action" based religion. I love Jesus and I want others to love Him also so I do things that I believe will be pleasing to my heavenly Father. I do not believe that once we are 'saved' that we have to do nothing and can shut up the spirit in us. Nature does not bare that out, and I believe common sense says the same. Though I count everything that is given to me as grace.

You say you won't be able to get the "Hail Mary" out of your head. I regret that I wasn't saying it earlier in my life. After I started my devotion to Mary my spiritual life took off. There have been books written about Our Lady also, they explain many things. I think that Jesus giving us His Mother("Behold your Mother-Behold your son") is one of the most beautiful gifts Jesus gave to us. She certainly is my Mother, and I believe if you knew her correctly you would have a devotion to her also.

Peace be with you.