But I see no "Catholic bashing" in discussing your own beliefs on this thread and what beliefs of Catholicism you don't agree with. I suppose I could start by looking at your profile.
>> I agree with many of the writings of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. (The dead guys up above) <<
Haven't read much of Augustine or Calvin, I'm familiar with some of Luther's writings. I agree with many of the problems he had with the Catholic church at that time (such as the church selling indulgences), I also have problems with many of writings, like his bitter anti-Jewish pamphlet "On the Jews and their lies" he published in his later years.
>> I believe that placing your faith in life and death of Christ is the only way to enter the Kingdom. <<
I diagree. Would you say devout extremely piously, faithful Jews who accept God the father but do not know God the son have no chance at entering the Kingdom of heaven and are doomed to hell for all eternity? I certainly wouldn't accept that.
>> I believe that He was born to a virgin named Mary, who was a real person, worthy of respect, but not to be prayed to, through, or whatever. <<
I don't believe in praying to Mary or worshiping her, I do believe in petitioning the Virgin Mary and evoking her name to God during prayer. This has been around since the earliest days of Christianity, as has the title "Mother of God". I don't see why any protestant would have a problem with the title of "Mother of God" if they fully agree that Jesus was divine (God made flesh) and that Mary gave birth to him. It certainly doesn't claim that gestating in Mary is the REASON he is divine and that his divinity springs from her.
>> I believe Christ grew up in a house with at least one brother. <<
The bible uses "brother" is many contexts besides physical flesh-and-blood "brother". Jesus had no earthly father, so in a real sense he couldn't have a biological "brother", at least not a full brother. And the idea of fully human "half brothers" just strikes me as bizarre. I never considered the idea growing up.
>> I believe that He died nailed to a cross, was resurrected three days later, and as we say, "Sittith on the right hand of God the Father almighty." I believe in the Godhead. <<
I fully agree.
>> I believe Man’s chief end is to “Glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” (Westminster Catechism, Question 1) <<
I fully agree.
>> I believe that people worshiping in certain denominations, who are not fighting to reform them from within, or leaving for a denomination/church that preaches the truth, are in spiritual jeopardy. <<
I can see you have a valid point here.
>> I believe in Sola Scripturum. I believe that the Bible is the only key to salvation. <<
I disagree. The present "canon" of the bible was first compiled around 395 A.D. at the earliest. Are we to believe that for the first 400 years of Christianity, those Christians had no chance at salvation because they only followed certain portions of scripture and not the entire holy bible? Did the apostles have no chance at salvation because the new testament didn't exist yet when they followed Jesus?
>> Yes prayer is critical, but let’s not forget, many sins are committed in the name of religion by people who "pray". Prayer should be checked against God’s Word. Remember, without a prayerful, distraught monk reading the Bible, there would not have been a Reformation. <<
I agree prayer is critical, but not the key to salvation.
>> Could there be some errors? NO! Since God gave it to the original writers, He can certainly guard over it as it is transcribed over and over. For it is written: ”The grass withers, the flowers fade, But the word of our God stands forever.” <<
God's word doesn't contain errors, but man's translation of it does. Human beings are imperfect and made mistakes, and whenever man is charged with writing down God's word and translating into their tongue, they are bound to get some parts of it imperfect.
>> In the eyes of God, a homosexual’s sin is no worse than mine. Yes, there will be homosexuals in heaven (gasp); those who accept the atoning death of Christ, and renounce their lifestyle, will be there. Those who seek to have the church approve of, and celebrate their lifestyle, will have some explaining to do (as will the church leaders who play into this). <<
I agree with this, being homosexual in and of itself doesn't cause anyone to go to hell.
I believe in corporate worship, the encouraging of brothers and sisters. I believe the only solution to the race problem is God. I believe the only answer to any problem is God.
I agree.
>> I believe that there is a big problem with legalism. (Read about the Jewish leaders in the New Testament) I think many of us are wound to tight (one of my sins) and should be more supportive of those who are not as far along in their spiritual journey. (Don't confuse supportive as encouraging sin, but lifting up from sin) <<
I'm not sure exactly what you're saying here.
>> I believe that The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul is one of the best books ever written. <<
I haven't read it. Please provide some details.
I believe that there are two times when I am as close to God as I can be in this world. When I am with someone who is about to die, or when I am in the delivery room at a birth. “Be still and know that I am God” <<
This is rather vague, but I like it in a poetic way. Ironically it kind of reminds me of McCain's statement on evolution that "I believe in evolution, but when I see a beautiful sunset on an Arizona night I know God's hand is responsible". I would agree with him on that.
It is the key as it point to Christ. It is not required reading if not available. Besides, the Apsotles were the first hand recipients of the Gospel, no?
Besides, the NT was floating around among the elect bfore the formal canon was established.
BB: Haven't read much of Augustine or Calvin, I'm familiar with some of Luther's writings. I agree with many of the problems he had with the Catholic church at that time (such as the church selling indulgences), I also have problems with many of writings, like his bitter anti-Jewish pamphlet "On the Jews and their lies" he published in his later years.
Again, I said "many." Do you agree with everything your church has written? Do you approve of the inquistion?