I feel I have to respond to your post. I don't know which "non Bible based organized religion" you are speaking of, I know it's not the Catholic Church since most of the Mass is from the Holy Bible. We read from the Old Testament and the New Testament, with readings from the Psalms, actually quite beautiful.
I don't feel your speaking of the Catholic Church either when you mention the "elevation of man in doctrine while deminishing Jesus Christ", after all, Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the Holy Mass, we believe He is present in the Holy Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. At the elevation by the priest we are all on our knees before Jesus Christ. We tell Him that we are not worthy to recieve Him and we apologize during Mass for having offended Him. Then we eat His Body and Blood, as He commanded in the Bible.
I have issue with this also "to be really saved you need our extra special religious doctrine." We believe that Jesus instituted 7 sacraments, which we recieve, frequently on our journey to heaven, they really are extraordinary helps, I don't know how people do without them.
Of course I must ask this question: Isn't "being saved" and "saying the sinners prayer" an 'extra special doctrine of man, that just originated over the last two centuries? I hope I am asking this to the right person. Because noone believed this until the 1800's I believe. Jesus never says in the Gospel to "say the sinners prayer" and you'll be saved.
Of course the never ending misunderstandings which people cling to about Catholics 'worshiping Mary', 'worshiping statues' etc. is old and tired. I don't understand why people keep bringing these up even when they are told that we don't do such things. Oh well.
Regarding salvation outside the Church, I believe we are all responsible to find the truth of what Christ wants us to do. In my opinion, and I left the Church at one time because of some of the things you mentioned, the Catholic Church has the fullness of truth. The splendor of truth. "The whole enchilada." And I shall never leave "home" again.
I believe there is alot of hatred toward the Church and people cling to old "misdeeds" and misinformation because they are comfortable living the way they think is best, which I believe is pride. From what I've read about Luther he had some valid points to be made but he let his pride get the better of him. Many Catholic saints at the same time as Luther worked for change, and they stayed.
You mentioned 'dillusional' a few times, suggesting that Catholics can only accept Church teacing. You also insinuated that somehow we are linked with Satan because of 'short tempers.'
I don't see myself as dillusional, I see myself safe in my Mother's arms and I find true freedom of spirit in the Catholic Church. I don't hold any temper for anyone who makes the accusation you make, I hold sadness. Sadness that people cling to misdeeds and misinformation and reject the truth of Catholic teaching, which I believe is the teaching of Christ Himself.
Peace be with you.
We keep bringing them up because that is what is taught in catholic schools.
Becky
Most protestant evangelical churches nowadays are Arminian. The RCC is works-based salvation.
Of course the never ending misunderstandings which people cling to about Catholics 'worshiping Mary', 'worshiping statues' etc. is old and tired. I don't understand why people keep bringing these up even when they are told that we don't do such things. Oh well.
Take yer "hail Mary";
...
Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our deat amen.
I don't know if I'll EVER get that out of my head.
Praying TO Mary for intercession to Jesus. Unbiblical as the day is long.
Regarding salvation outside the Church, I believe we are all responsible to find the truth of what Christ wants us to do. In my opinion, and I left the Church at one time because of some of the things you mentioned, the Catholic Church has the fullness of truth. The splendor of truth. "The whole enchilada." And I shall never leave "home" again.
They're full of something, but Truth ain't it.