I would say the most controversial is number 4; Even if you accept the concept of transubstantiation, it seems quite a leap from believing Christ has physically appeared on your lips in human form, to believing that the Mass itself mystically transports you to Calvary in a sacrifice equal to that of Calvary.
I’m not sure however that I’ve ever seen a Catholic argue that before, so it could well be that this assertion is contested even with the body of Catholic believers.
No, we really believe that. I used to say that Scientologists had nothing on us, we seriously believe the time/space continuum rips wide open at every Mass. I know it sounds crazy, but no crazier than the Incarnation, Passion and Resurrection.
Let’s say that #4 is the most incredible. Among reasonably educated Catholics, however, there is universal recognition that such is the teaching of the Catholic church, which is not to say that everyone who knows it is the teaching of the Catholic Church subscribes to that belief.
Not controversial at all to those who believe the words of Christ.
I would say the most controversial is number 4; Even if you accept the concept of transubstantiation, it seems quite a leap from believing Christ has physically appeared on your lips in human form, to believing that the Mass itself mystically transports you to Calvary in a sacrifice equal to that of Calvary.The teachings of the Church (the Pope and the Magisterium) on dogmatic faith and morals cannot be contested and any Catholic who thinks they can has a false (and Protestant) understanding of the Catholic Church.
I’m not sure however that I’ve ever seen a Catholic argue that before, so it could well be that this assertion is contested even with the body of Catholic believers.
IT’s a mystery, Charles. It’s a mystic religion, in the end.
It isn't just "equal to." It just plain IS. The Eucharist IS the Sacrifice of Calvary in an unbloody manner.