“I live in the United States of America, and (converts out of pure love and faith) do not exist there.”
I call that pretty bold talk from a one-eyed fat man.
Oh, sorry, for a moment there I thought this was “True Grit” (the John Wayne version, which is the only true, whole, and complete version).
Of course there are converts out of pure love and faith in America. I am gob-smacked that you could find the pride of intellect to state categorically that there are none.
“singling out the Orthodox Presbyterians (or whatever they call themselves) for anti-Semitism when right wing Catholics are every bit as opposed to Christians participating in Jewish rituals (like seders)”
So, the only reason to adhere to one’s own faith is that one hates Jews? To participate in a non-Catholic rite is to suggest that one accepts that rite as theologically valid, that’s all.
“Too bad the hieararchy of “the church on earth” doesn’t question their loyalty.”
Satan’s attacks on the Church in the 20th century struck major blows. However, we appear to have turned the corner with our German Shepherd, and I think he will continue to draw a line in the sand.
“What’s authority for if it is never used?”
Authority must be used with wisdom. Just because I think a given action should be taken right now, and in a given way, doesn’t mean it should. I’m not wise. I think His Holiness is. When one looks at the condition of the Episcopal Church right now, with schisms and rug-muncher “bishops,” one must wonder if John Paul II wasn’t wise not to come down hard on apostasy in that particular period of history.
“Not in this country (Illiterate peasants can become converts. American Catholics think the Baptist church was created by G-d to pick up the simpletons who don’t have the mental acumen to be Catholics.”
What country are you living in? Maybe I should ask first what planet you are living on.
I meant there are no "simple" converts in the USA. Here the Catholic Church appeals only to intellectuals. I think it's the only kind of person they want.
So, the only reason to adhere to one’s own faith is that one hates Jews? To participate in a non-Catholic rite is to suggest that one accepts that rite as theologically valid, that’s all.
You have completely misunderstood my point in that comment. Your co-religionist Cronos has been lambasting Orthodox Presbyterians (or whichever it is) for at least a year as anti-Semites because they are opposed to chr*stian seders, supposedly unlike the wonderful, tolerant, liberal Catholic Church which allegedly has no problems with them. I merely called him out on his hypocrisy in condemning a denomination for an attitude that exists just as much in the Catholic Church. If you want to argue with someone who believes chr*stian seders are a wonderful thing, then you'll have to argue with him, not with me.
Satan’s attacks on the Church in the 20th century struck major blows. However, we appear to have turned the corner with our German Shepherd, and I think he will continue to draw a line in the sand.
You mean the German shepherd who, before he was pope, wrote a book on Genesis rejecting its facticity and even the concept of original sin? Some "conservative" that guy is.
“Not in this country (Illiterate peasants can become converts. American Catholics think the Baptist church was created by G-d to pick up the simpletons who don’t have the mental acumen to be Catholics.”
What country are you living in? Maybe I should ask first what planet you are living on.
I live on the planet where during six years in the Catholic Church begging someone to speak to my mother about joining (and yes, I did speak to her myself--I'm the only one who ever did) they absolutely refused to do so because, as a visiting priest told me, the Baptist church is perfectly fine. That's the planet I live on. What planet do you live on where the Catholic Church actually wants people--not just intellectuals, but ordinary people--to join it??? It sure ain't earth, buddy.
The only way I managed to join the Catholic Church was by taking the initiative myself. The Catholic Church doesn't really go to any effort to attract or convert anyone, and most Catholics ridicule those denominations that go door to door and try to convert people. I've never understood why; at least those other churches care about ordinary people.
Joining the Catholic Church is like joining the Masonic lodge; the "seeker" as to petition to enter.