Pope says its “absurd to love Christ without the Church, to listen to Christ but not the Church"

AsiaNews ^ | 01/30/2014

[RitaOK]

Thank you very, very much for an even more expansive answer to my reply to infinnegan. I appreciate your elaboration on the question of baptism in the Church.

I also appreciate the chapter and verse you quite capably provided on “membership baptisms”, found rather common in protestant communities, for the shocked and disbelieving.

[boatbums]

Don't they even admit that a big percentage of RCs are CINOs (Catholic in name only)? How little would it take for some to finally realize what we have been trying to say all this time - that THE church is the "spiritual house" of God, the body of Christ whereby ALL believers are living stones being built up into it? I honestly DO believe some do get it but the contentious here will never admit it.

[boatbums]

When Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, he wasn't addressing a SINGLE assembly but ALL those who were following Christ (Rome was a BIG city and probably had many assemblies scattered across). That's the beauty of the God-breathed Scripture - it addresses ALL believers with the truth GOD chose to reveal at that time. Because it is God's word, it transcends time and is still relevant today.

[boatbums]

They forget that Paul wrote mostly to church communities.

Perhaps it is you who forgot that Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit sacred Scripture which was for ALL believers? Or do you think what he wrote to the believers in Corinth didn't apply to those, say, in Ephesus or today to ALL believers?

[boatbums]

It does sadden when those who call themselves Christians use the Holy Bible to “bash” other Christians simply because those Christians belong to the Catholic Church. Lord, be mericiful to them!

Oh, you mean like posting a thread that says all Christians have to be Roman Catholics or they aren't real churches? Does this not count as bashing? Are only Catholics bashable now?

[boatbums]

Somebody needs to put her big girl panties on. ;o)

[boatbums]

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-5)

Why do you think these people were baptized twice? I was baptized as a baby without ANY faith at all required of me. Why is it strange to be baptized again when I really did receive Jesus Christ as my Savior?

[boatbums]

☺

[boatbums]

Yeah, I call dooky on that one, too.

[boatbums]

I am surprised by the surprise, over the fact that more than one baptism is not uncommon in some protestant churches, either upon request by the newcomer, or by request/encouragement of the new church community, or pastor. Perhaps it is not as prevalent as it once was, but gee, it was a common occurrence in the past. My own relatives are but a few examples.

Your initial post implied that Protestants get baptized "many" times. You said, "“Many protestant churches encourage, or agree to, second and third baptisms for newcomers, in there particular church”. The way you said it made it sound like every time someone wants to join a new church, they get baptized again. That is not anything I have ever heard. In my case, I was baptized when I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and joined a Southern Baptist Church. This was technically a re-baptism, but the first one was done TO me when I was a little baby and I had no expression of faith. The second one I count as the REAL one and I believe God honors it, too. When I joined an Evangelical church when we moved, I did not get baptized again and there was no need to.

Is this one of those "Protestant" myths you Catholics fall for?

[boatbums]

The Church fell into corruption and rather than reform Holy Mother Church...

Wait a sec...are you admitting that the Catholic Church fell into corruption??? Would that be those gates of hell knocking?

And, BTW...the Reformers DID try very hard to reform the "Holy Mother Church", but those in charge rejected their attempts, excommunicated them, persecuted them and even executed some. You can't reform what refuses to acknowledge it needs it.

[boatbums]

And I’ll bet Posey Trail Christian Church on Posey Street is straighter on the gospel than the local Roman Catholic one.

[SaxuminMD]

You are all welcome to Catholic Mass. Anytime... hope to see you there....

[Biggirl]

In truth, the council that did the reforms was called Trent.

[Biggirl]

Here is an interesting commentary. God Bless.

http://www.ignitumtoday.com/2013/12/05/answers-to-a-pagan-christmas/

[Biggirl]

Thank-you and God Bless.

[Gamecock]

Trent was Rome digging it’s heels in against the Reformers.

[Biggirl]

I am staying put where I am at.

[CynicalBear]

>>I honestly DO believe some do get it but the contentious here will never admit it.<<

I too often wonder if they sort of get it but can’t admit because that would put chinks in other areas of belief. Then I wonder if it is just our eternal optimism.

One thing I have been convinced of in the last couple of days is that all too many find comfort in their group rather than in Christ.

[CynicalBear]

>>When Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, he wasn't addressing a SINGLE assembly but ALL those who were following Christ<<

I’ve often wondered if he and the others really understood the impact they would have for the period of time their writings have lasted. I can’t imagine that in their carnal mind they did.