Posted on 04/05/2005 10:01:52 PM PDT by Coleus
For the last quarter of a century, this non-Catholic has had a pope. Now that John Paul II is gone, I am even more of an orphan than the Christians in the Roman church. For they will surely have another pope, but that one may not be mine, since I haven't converted.
I am sure I am reflecting the views of many Protestants. Who else but John Paul II gave voice to my faith and my values in 130 countries? Who else posited personal holiness and theological clarity against postmodern self-deception and egotism? Who else preached the gospel as tirelessly as this man?
What other clergyman played any comparable role in bringing down communism, a godless system? What other world leader—spiritual or secular—understood so profoundly how hollow and bankrupt the Soviet empire was, so much so that this tireless writer never bothered to pen an encyclical against Marxism-Leninism because he knew it was moribund?
Has there been a more powerful defender of the sanctity of life than this Pole, in whose pontificate nearly 40 million unborn babies wound up in trashcans and furnaces in the United States alone? What more fitting insight than John Paul II's definition of our culture as a culture of death—an insight that is now clearly sinking in, to wit the declining abortion rates in the United States?
In Europe some time ago, a debate occurred in Protestant churches: Should John Paul II be considered the world's spokesman for all of Christianity? This was an absurd question. Of course he spoke for all believers. Who else had such global appeal and credibility, even to non-Christians and non-believers?
Of course, there was the inveterate Billy Graham. There were many faithful Orthodox and Protestant bishops, pastors and evangelists.
(Excerpt) Read more at christianitytoday.com ...
Intercessor: "For there is one God, and one mediator (intercessor) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)."
Catholics lack assurance...thus, their flailing around for methods which might give them a "better chance".
The only chance you have is thru the righteous blood of Christ, that's it. Don't try any other work.
This is part of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.
Catholics are often accused of being "anti-women". Perhaps we should lay claim to being too far the other way!
The second the title hit my eyes, I knew it was going to be a hairy thread. :-]
Oh, and I believe the Pope is with the Lord too. :-)
Catholics, like everyone else, are at the mercy of God.
Thankfully, He is a merciful God!
"This is part of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity."
How's that?
One Protestant's thoughts on the Pope...
"I am more afraid of my own heart than of the Pope and all his Cardinals. I have within me the great Pope, Self. "
-Martin Luther
True...but only to those who trust in Christ's righteousness. That is the only way to Heaven. Don't try another way. Christ is it.
In addition to Paul's words in I Timothy, regarding prayer, the author of Hebrews tells in Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need"
That's better. Technically correct grammar on this point and all that.
They don't consider Jesus sufficient.
Please speak for yourself. This statement is just plain absurd!
They feel they need another heavenly intercessor.
See above.
I will point out to you that in Christ and his Grace, we have many, many brothers and sisters - as well as a mother - and angels to boot, in heaven to help us out here on Earth. We're one big happy family!
This is not praying "with"; this is praying "to".
Obviously, Christ is not sufficient for Catholics. Seems He's not strong enough. Praying "to" Mary is done all the time thru the rosary. Prayers "to" other saints are made all the time as well.
Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
http://catholicism.about.com/od/prayerstomary/tp/top10pmary04.htm
I agree with you but I think you have made your point. There's no need to keep this up.
I'm researching Fatima now. Quite an eye-opener.
Sorry for butting in, but how do you come to this conclusion from your referenced Scripture passage in St. Paul's 1st letter to Timothy?
It states that there is one God and one mediator between God and men, namely Christ Jesus. This is clearly in accord with everything that Catholics believe. It states nothing about a belief in the communion of Saints constituting a form of "worship" due to God alone.
If you read the whole pericope of this passage in context, you'll realize that St. Paul, under the full influence of the Holy Spirit, starts out (probably at the beginning of Ch. 2) by exhorting Timothy to pray, intercede, supplicate, and give thanksgiving for all men. Not only that, but he then says that it is good and acceptable to God!
Which contradicts the whole point you are trying to make. I'd say that the very Scriptural passage that you are using to accuse Catholics in general of "worshiping" Mary (and the other Angels and Saints by extension) separate from the one, true God, clearly shows that Catholics are following Scripture very closely in interceding with them within are familial bonds with Christ!
Thanks for the advice; however "we" may think differently about these things. Error is error. This may actually be a good time for discussing Catholic/Protestant issues IMO as the differences between the churches rarely come up nowadays. If you choose not to...well that's up to you.
I chose not to.
I respect your decision. Many protestants are currently feeling that way.
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