One of the things the anti-Catholic bigots consistently forget is that this is the United States of America. Men of all faiths — and women — have fought and died so that every citizen here has freedom of religion. It is against the Constitution to try to suppress any belief, although that, I am sure, does not trouble the bigots.
Completely aside from attacking the Holy Father, the stance of the anti-Catholic bigots on FR is that Catholics do not have the right, according to them, to practice their faith, their traditions, and their CHRISTIANITY the way they are led by the Holy Spirit.
I think it would not be going too far to state that the anti-Catholic bigots would like to outlaw the Church. There is evidence of attempts to suppress Catholic teaching, and I have no doubt that some of it comes directly from those who hate Christ’s Church on Earth.
I am quite certain that, as in ages past, some of these scurrilious attacks are based on a venal desire for the Church’s wealth to be stripped, thinking it will make the Church less effective in the world. I also note that some here have very little idea who the Church’s enemy was, during the Crusades. This is surprising, since the same Enemy is active today.
I will, in opposition to self-proclaimed Presbyterian religious authorities, pray to whomever, whenever I wish. I have a feeling that if the REAL Presbyterian church authorities saw some of the “work” of their so-called adherents, they would be ashamed.
St. Michael the Archangle, defend us in battle. Be thou our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan, and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
Presbyterians believe the Bible is the final authority for faith and practice
(I will) pray to whomever, whenever I wish.
That is obvious. And you have so much to choose from. Pity you tend to ignore the only one that matters...
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name..."
Nothing about praying to St. Michael. But of course, Scripture's instructions are habitually ignored by RC apologists.
Don’t take it too hard, JA; there’s always going to be weak people in a group of any significant number, and often these people will turn to hatred because it’s the easy way. Belittling others to make themselves feel good is a standard M.O. People like to feel important by talking Salvation with a big “s” - but anyone from the outside can see there’s little concern for any one beyond what they want to perceive in the mirror. Take heart in knowing that as vocal as these kind of people need to be (for if they weren’t constantly deriding others they’d lose their sense of superiority), they are by far in the minority.
Some on this site do, however, preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is our only Savior, redeemer, mediator, intercessor, justifier and salvation.
Part of the Christian's obligation in preaching the Gospel is to preach it in truth. Therefore Christians admonish Roman Catholics who kneel and pray to anyone other than the Triune God because the word of God rebukes all such activity as idolatry.
He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god. They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" -- Isaiah 44:15-20"Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
Yes, there is.