Posted on 09/17/2015 12:42:53 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Over 50 percent of Americans raised in the Catholic Church say they've left the faith at some point in their lives, according to a Pew Research survey on religion and public life.
The data further revealed that among the 52 percent who left the Church, about six out of 10 have returned at some point.
Two-thirds of the group that left the Church now consider themselves ex-Catholics and no-longer identify with the faith.
Around 13 percent, however, still identify as Catholic, but no longer practice the religion.
For those who are still practicing, around 73 percent said they've been in the Church their entire life, and seven out of 10 said they could never imagine leaving it.
Aside from membership, Pew Research also uncovered surprising beliefs held by Catholics pertaining to families.
The survey found that a "strong majority" of Catholics said children being raised in unconventional families with unmarried parents living together, same-sex couples or single parents, is acceptable. Around 90 percent, though, preferred that children be raised with a married mother and father. Forty-three percent said it's acceptable for a gay couple to raise a child.
"Nine-in-10 U.S. Catholics say a household headed by a married mother and father is an ideal situation for bringing up children. But the survey shows that large majorities think other kinds of families — those headed by parents who are single, divorced, unmarried or gay — are OK for raising children, too," noted Pew in the analysis released just days before Pope Francis' first U.S. visit in which he'll encounter a national Catholic population largely supportive of family units not advanced or encouraged by Church teaching.
The survey also found that: "A sizable majority (85 percent) think it's acceptable for a man and a woman to live together as a couple outside of marriage, including more than half (55 percent) who say cohabitation is as good as any other living arrangement for adults. And [seven]-in-10 Catholics say married couples who opt not to have children have chosen a lifestyle that is as good as any other."
And while many Catholics hold progressive beliefs when it comes to issues involving families, the Church seems to be maintaining its traditional views, despite the change in tone from Pope Francis when it comes to divorce and homosexuality.
The Pope did, however, make changes to the Church's annulment process, loosening restrictions on Catholics who wish to remarry. The Vatican is also expected to host a meeting in October with Catholic leaders worldwide where they will analyze recommendations on family issues, including divorce and marriage.
So you’re saying that this poster’s father is the Devil? Am I interpreting this correctly?
But you still can't offer a modicum of proof or evidence that Evangelicalism existed before the 18th century or so.
It's SOP.
Top 10 Most Wicked Popes
http://listverse.com/2007/08/17/top-10-most-wicked-popes/
1. Liberius, reigned 352-66 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
2. Honorius I, reigned 625-638 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
3. Stephen VI, reigned 896-89 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
4. John XII, reigned 955-964 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
5. Benedict IX, reigned 1032-1048 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
6. Boniface VIII, reigned 1294-1303 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
7. Urban VI, reigned 1378-1389 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
8. Alexander VI, reigned 1492-1503 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
9. Leo X, reigned 1513-1521 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
10. Clement VII, reigned 1523-1524 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
Top 10 Worst Popes in History
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-worst-popes-in-history.php
1. Pope Alexander VI (1431 – 1503)
2. Pope John XII (c. 937 – 964)
3. Pope Benedict IX (c. 1012 – 1065/85)
4. Pope Sergius III (? – 911)
5. Pope Stephen VI (? – 897)
6. Pope Julius III (1487 – 1555)
7. Pope Urban II (ca. 1035 – 1099)
8. Pope Clement VI (1291 – 1352)
9. Pope Leo X (1475 – 1521)
10. Pope Boniface VIII (c. 1235 – 1303)
The Bible contains inspired Scripture. Scripture has been around for long before Catholicism came on the scene.
Bible alone = Scripture alone, so yes, it has been around since the beginning.
The Canon of the New Testament was around since Christ resurrected and ascended?
Jesus did.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I said Scripture.
Scripture is what points to Jesus.
Scripture is what Jesus used to defeat the temptations of Satan in the wilderness.
Scripture is what the Bereans were commended for studying to see if what Paul was telling them was so.
Scripture is what Paul told Timothy would make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Yup. Been around a LONG time, way before Catholicism.
You are aware, aren’t you, that the OT has enough in it about Jesus to come to faith in Him?
So the NT was not necessary? The OT was sufficient?
To recognize Jesus. Yes.
Was the NT necessary?
Yes, otherwise God would not have given it.
When I am asked if I've been Catholic my entire life I say, "Not yet."
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
Benjamin Franklin
Ping!
lol
Mark, thank you for post 53 of what the Pope Emeritus wrote 50 years ago. It is becoming a bit of prophesy.
If you really think about it lot of Pope were in bed with King of England and other Euro countries
Perfect example Clement VII who too wuss take on Charles of Spain then he was imprisoned by him later
Our church keeps getting people. The church is packed more than it ever was.
another /Like
So what did the priest say to you.
Another point — once baptized a Catholic you are always a Catholic; you just aren’t an active one.
Good call.
Welcome back!
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