Ten Facts Most Catholics Don’t Know (But Should!)[OPEN thread (Start your engines!)]

[ROMAN] CATHOLIC EXCHANGE ^ | 9 JUL 2010 | GARY ZIMAK

[Quix]

Quixicated emphases in color and/or bold appear below within some paragraphs. The headings in bold are in the original. Some extra paragraphing also injected.]

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Every time I hear someone claim to be an “ex-Catholic”, a sense of sadness comes over me.  In just about every case, people leave the Catholic Faith due to a lack of understanding. 

What unmitigated balderdash! What a cop-out! What a brazen distortion of reality! Far from "just about every case," probably a major chunk of such folks were heavily well trained in the hallowed halls of the Institution. Many were instructors--even Catechism instructors for many years in the Institution. That brazen falsehood just does not hold water.

After all, if Catholics truly believed that they were members of the one, true Church founded by Christ (and necessary for their salvation), nobody would ever leave! 

THANKFULLY, many former RC's have learned that the above assertion is simply NOT TRUE! PRAISE GOD FOR THE TRUTH!

In an effort to help clarify what the Catholic Church teaches, I have compiled a list of 10 important facts that every Catholic should know. 

NONSENSE. I'm not sure some of the assertions got within a galactic cluster's closeness to "facts."

More than simply Catholic trivia, these are important concepts that can help us to better understand and defend our beliefs.  In no particular order, these items have been compiled based upon my work at Following The Truth and my own study of the Catholic Faith.

1. Women Will Never Be Priests – Often incorrectly lumped in with the subject of married priests, this is a doctrine that has been infallibly decided and will not change.  In 1994, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Letter, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, in which he declared once and for all that “the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church’s faithful.”  Unlike the issue of married priests (which could possibly change), women’s ordination is an impossibility that will not happen.  It is not a “glass ceiling” or the Church’s attempt to hold back women.  Instead, it is an infallible recognition that men and women have different roles and that Christ instituted a male priesthood.

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I'll wait to comment on some of the following. I hope other Proddys will comment before I can get to them.

2. Fridays Are Still Days Of Penance – Ask almost anyone and they will tell you that Catholics are no longer required to abstain from meat on Fridays throughout the year.  However, the current Code of Canon Law (CIC) states that, with the exception of solemnities, “All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.” (CIC 1250)  Furthermore, “Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities.” (CIC 1251)  In the United States, the bishops have declared that it is permissible to substitute some other form of penance, but we are still urged to fast from “something” in remembrance of the Lord’s death on the cross.

3. The Bible Is A Catholic Book – Did you ever wonder how the Bible came into being?  A little known, but easily documented fact is that the books of the Bible were compiled by the Catholic Church.  For many years after Christ ascended into Heaven, there was debate about which scriptural writings were inspired by God.  The canon of Scripture (the books of the Bible) was first formally decided at the Synod of Rome in 382.  This decision was upheld at the Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397).  At these Catholic Church councils, the same 46 Old Testament and 27 New Testament books that appear in today’s Catholic Bibles were declared to be inspired by God.  As a side note, approximately 1200 years after this decision was made, Martin Luther and the Protestant reformers removed 7 books from the Old Testament.  As a result, most Protestant Bibles are still missing these 7 books.

4. The Mass Is The Same Sacrifice As Calvary – The biggest mistake that many Catholics make is treating the Holy Mass as “just another church service”, similar to those held by other religions.  In the Mass, Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross is made present, its memory is celebrated and its saving power is applied.  The Council of Trent teaches that Christ left a visible sacrifice to His Church “in which that bloody sacrifice which was once offered on the Cross should be made present, its memory preserved to the end of the world, and its salvation-bringing power applied to the forgiveness of the sins which are daily committed by us.”  When we attend Mass, we are mystically transported to Calvary, where we can unite ourselves with the Lord’s Sacrifice to the Father!

5. Annulments Are Not Catholic Divorces – Unlike the legal process known as “divorce” (in which a marriage is terminated), a declaration of nullity (annulment) states that a valid marriage never existed.  This decision is based upon the finding that on the day that marriage vows were exchanged, some essential elements were lacking.  This process is completely in conformity with the Catholic teaching regarding the indissolubility of marriage.  Incidentally, the granting of an annulment does not render children illegitimate.

6. In Vitro Fertilization Is Morally Unacceptable – Many Catholics suffering from infertility utilize this process in the hopes of conceiving children, while remaining unaware that the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) declares it “morally unacceptable”(CCC 2377).  In the Vatican Instruction, Donum Vitae, the Church states “…in conformity with the traditional doctrine relating to the goods of marriage and the dignity of the person, the Church remains opposed from the moral point of view to homologous ‘in vitro’ fertilization. Such fertilization is in itself illicit and in opposition to the dignity of procreation and of the conjugal union, even when everything is done to avoid the death of the human embryo.”

7. There Is No Salvation Outside Of The Catholic Church – Originally stated by St. Cyprian, the Latin axiom “Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus” reminds us that there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church.  This dogma was declared at the Fourth Lateran Council and is a source of confusion for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.  According to the Catechism, all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is His Body.  It does not mean that non-Catholics cannot achieve salvation.  Individuals who are unaware that the Catholic Church is the one, true Church may still achieve salvation through the merits of the Church, despite their lack of knowledge.

8. In An Emergency, Anyone Can Baptize – Although the ordinary ministers of Baptism are bishops, priests and deacons, anyone can baptize in an emergency, even a non-baptized person.  This extraordinary decision can be attributed to the necessity of Baptism for salvation and the Church’s desire to make it readily available to all.

9. Hell And Purgatory Still Exist –  Contrary to the belief of many Catholics, the Church still teaches that “the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin, descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, eternal fire” (CCC 1035)  Furthermore, “all who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation, but after death they undergo purification, so to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC 1030)  This purification process, formally declared by the Church at the Councils of Florence and Trent, is known as Purgatory.

10. Catholics Don’t Worship Mary And The Saints – Many Catholics are confused about the role of the Blessed Mother and the Saints.  Should we pray to Mary and the Saints or should we go “right to the top” and pray to God?  In a nutshell, the Catholic Faith teaches that we must worship God alone.  Mary and the Saints are to be honored, not worshipped.  However, their intercession can be extremely powerful and emulating their virtues can put us on the road to Heaven.

While the above list only scratches the surface of the robust Catholic Faith, it provides a glimpse into the depth of Catholic teaching.  Further explanation on these and other topics can be found by examining the Code of Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, both of which can be found online at the Vatican website (www.vatican.va).  Not only will studying the teachings of the Catholic Church enable us to better defend her when challenged, it will help us to become closer to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who founded our Church 2,000 years ago.

Gary Zimak is the founder of Following The Truth Ministries, a lay apostolate created to assist Catholics in learning more about their Faith. He is a frequent guest on EWTN's "Son Rise Morning Show" and has appeared on Sirius Radio's "Seize The Day" with Gus Lloyd as well as several local Catholic radio shows. In addition to writing for Catholic Exchange, Mr. Zimak speaks at various parishes, updates The Catholic Truth website and posts frequently on his blog, Facebook and Twitter. He is a member of Catholics United For The Faith, an officer in the Knights of Columbus and resides in New Jersey with his wife Eileen and twin daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. They are actively involved in Sacred Heart Parish in Riverton, NJ.

[Iscool]

I don't accept your biases, and you don't accept mine, so the only common denominator we have is the writings of the early Christians. That's the only way we can measure which interpretations today have merit, and which are false gospels.

Or, you can forgo any interpretations and just believe what God says in the Scriptures which pretty much trashes the writing of your early Christians...

[small voice in the wilderness]

This is one of the most disingenious posts I've ever received. You actually believe that your church fosters unity among believers? Have you read the Title of this Thread? And this is just TEN FACTS. Read what other Catholics say regarding any of a number of beliefs you have. One says this is what you teach. ANother comes along and says, no this is what we believe. And someone else wanders in and it's something different yet again. The only thing you all have in common are the abilities to speak one way here and another way there. Please at least have the decency to not insult the words they we clearly see posted here, day after day.

It's a do-dah parade. the first brigade goes by lock-step in some point of order, then here comes the second brigade, synchronized in another point of the same order, then here comes yet another group with another view, yet still marching under the same banner. You guys DO march under the same banner. But you need to read what is says:

WE'RE NOT SURE

JUST WHAT WE KNOW

do-dah, do-dah.

[OpusatFR]

I’m jesting, ya big lug.

Seriously, I don’t read your stuff unless it makes sense.

And the usual blather is time consuming nonsense.

I know you are Christian, not sure if you are Trinitarian because of the Pentecostal beliefs, some are, some are not.

But...do not deny my Christianity and relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit because THAT is not your place to ascertain.

And that, Horatio, is what I see you doing on these boards; denying another’s relationship with God because you have no idea of that person’s listening skills.

AND I listen very very well to HIM because HE does let me know what HE wants me to know.

[Quix]

INCORRECT ASSERTIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND ALLEGATIONS

AGAIN.

1. I don’t know what’s on anyone’s mind precisely—much less what’s on anyone’s heart and much much less what’s precisely going on between them and God.

2. I can assert what things appear to be to me and what things appear to indicate, TO ME.

3. I can also assert comparisons between what folks say vs what folks do.

4. I can also assert comparisons between what folks say at point “A” in time vs point “M” in time—and between context “Z” vs context “Y.”

5. I can also assert comparisons between what persons “A,” “D,” “G,” and “R” say are their beliefs given that they are part of the same organization—e.g. the Vatican system.

6. I can also assert comparisons between organizational dogma of organizations purporting to be Christian in comparison to what Scripture says, TO ME.

7. I can also compare dictionaries and histories used by Proddys vs those used by RC’s.

8. I hope and pray you do have a vibrant authentic dynamic RELATIONSHIP WITH ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH HIS SON JESUS THE CHRIST WITH THE NURTURANCE AND ASSISTANCE OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT. I AM VERY TRINITARIAN.

[Cronos]

Sometimes
IT'S
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HUMOROUS
when folks brazenly display
their outrageous reality mangling & distortions in editing articles (this thread is a case in point)!

[Quix]

INDEED. WELL PUT.

It’s a wonder Proddys don’t have chronic whip-lash trying to stay up with the ephemeral dogmas of the RC’s hereon.

[Quix]

Or, you can forgo any interpretations and just believe what God says in the Scriptures which pretty much trashes the writing of your early Christians...

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AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

[Cronos]

Oh, you mean de-consecrated buildings? Could be, could be. However The Church is not just consecrated buildings -- it is the living community that has been taught the faith of Christ through the Apostles.

Would you really call Joyce Meyers, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn and co as "biblically sound" -- even though they are Pent-a-coastals.

Like the rest of that song-and-dance-with-no-theology crowd, their dogma is strongly non-Christian

It would be better for these Pent-a-costals to accept Christ and not just hanker after their pastor.

Don't you think it obscene how all these Pent-a-costals glorify their preachers and minimize Christ?

And thanks for mentioning how the Church has been out there actively doing missionary work and bringing Christ's word to all, while at the same time trying to prevent non-Christian groupings like the Word-of-God penta-costals and their multiple gods teachings from spreading like a canker among the new Christians

[OpusatFR]

“I AM VERY TRINITARIAN.”

That’s good. Some of the Pentecostal anti-Trinitarian stuff gives me the willies.

Nitey night.

[Cronos]

Uri: You will not have salvation until you ask YHvH for His salvation.

Dr. Brian: Then anyone who dies before the age of reason is damned to hell?

Of course not. Salvation is a free gift, not one accomplished by our works (i.e., accepting, asking, etc.)

That's why Christianity from the times of the Apostles has had infant Baptism.

But how can you say that Christianity has had infant Baptism right from the times of the Apostles? Ok, I know in the Bible the Apostles baptised an entire family and at no point does the Bible say that infants should not be baptised. And, I know that Origen and earlier Christian writers including Ignatius from the 1st century wrote about infant baptism.

BUT, the groups that were formed in the 19th and 20th century say that this didn't happen! Who are you going to believe? A group that's less than 100 years old or The Church founded by the Apostles and teaching the Apostolic faith as handed down from Christ through His Apostles?

[Cronos]

There can only be ONE proper interpretation of Scripture. Any "spirit" that inspires tens of thousands of competing interpretations is not the Holy Spirit.

How dare you say that the proper interpretation of Scripture as handed down from Christ through His apostles is the only proper interpretation? What about Billy-Nilly and the Western-Central PresbylutherBaptist group of Scientific Christadelphians that was formed last week? Who says they don't have the right interpretation?

[Cronos]

The Church is not just the Popes. we’ve had corrupt popes, priests, laity etc., but the Holy Spirit guides His Church as a whole. That’s why The Church has survived while heresies from the Arians to now the Mainstream protestant groupings have diead out. A quote said that most heresies run out of steam in 500 odd years. This is visible in the first generation Protestant groupings. The new groupings that date to just the 19th and 20th centuries will have a shorter life.

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[Cronos]

Dr. Brian That's why Christianity from the times of the Apostles has had infant Baptism.

Uri: Who are you to tell the creator of the universe what His Rules for salvation are ?

Exactly. Who are you, Brian to tell Uri what his rules for salvation are? And don't quote the Bible, Tradition or early Christian writers. They are all wrong if you contradict Uri.

[Cronos]

My cohorts hereon

What do you call these cohort spawn of yours?

[Cronos]

but where do the UFOs come from? Are these from within the solar system? Are they from the Milky Way? Or outside? Puzzling.

[small voice in the wilderness]

I will tell you this, if they are depending on God's Word and His Word alone to begin their church, they are MILES ahead of your doctrines of men, and traditions of endless tripe.

Of course, I wouldn't expect you to know. being bound by chains of religion, you've grown accustomed to the festering sores of commandments of men. One more thing: God is not impressed with your suffering for the cause. It's a man-made cause with an ending that begs for another chance. But there are no do-overs. And once you've heard the truth, you cannot claim ignorance.

[Cronos]

Uri: I read His Word with the illumination of the Ru'ach HaKodesh.

That is fascinating. The illuminati? And there is hidden meanings in the texts, right?

[Cronos]

You actually believe that your church fosters unity among believers

well, firstly, it's Christ's Church. And yes, the ONE CAtholic and Apostolic Church (Catholic, Orthodox, Oriental, Assyrian) does foster unity among believers. Among non-believers who follow incorrect interpretations like Marcionites, Montanists, Paulicians etc., we dont' want "unity"

[Cronos]

Well, Pente-costals like those following Benny Hinn and the other Word-of-God groups do not believe in the Trinity. BEnny believes in 9 gods I think, while the Word-of-God seems to believe in the same. These Pent-e-costal groups are not Christian, no more than Mormons.

They wouldn't ascribe to the beliefs encapsulated in the Nicene Creed