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To: Gamecock; irishtenor
No, a sin is evidence that we are still human

That it is as well, except it is not evidence of our humanity but of our fallen state. Catholicism teaches that man was created immortal and perfect, in the Father's image: the true man is Christ. But still sin is a defect of faith as true faith moves mountains and gives us what we ask, and we want to be perfect as out Father in Heaven is perfect because Christ told us so (Mt 5:48). I am aware the Calvinism teaches otherwise; my purpose here is to explain from what perspective the Church says what is has to say about Protestantism. This is the foundational scripture on theosis:

2 Grace to you and peace be accomplished in the knowledge of God and of Christ Jesus our Lord: 3 As all things of his divine power which appertain to life and godliness, are given us, through the knowledge of him who hath called us by his own proper glory and virtue. 4 By whom he hath given us most great and precious promises: that by these you may be made partakers of the divine nature: flying the corruption of that concupiscence which is in the world. 5 And you, employing all care, minister in your faith, virtue; and in virtue, knowledge; 6 And in knowledge, abstinence; and in abstinence, patience; and in patience, godliness; 7 And in godliness, love of brotherhood; and in love of brotherhood, charity. 8 For if these things be with you and abound, they will make you to be neither empty nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he that hath not these things with him, is blind, and groping, having forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore, brethren, labour the more, that by good works you may make sure your calling and election. For doing these things, you shall not sin at any time.

(2 Peter 1)

Not that it is as bold as St. Athanasius' "God became man so that we may become God". Those were two popes who knew how to shock sensibilities. Faith, we find out is the start; perfect charity is the goal. If we don't walk that walk, we fall short, as Christ warned so many times.

154 posted on 05/20/2008 10:05:15 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: annalex

***Faith, we find out is the start; perfect charity is the goal. If we don’t walk that walk, we fall short, as Christ warned so many times.***

In this we find agreement. Go in God’s peace, friend.


162 posted on 05/20/2008 10:25:37 PM PDT by irishtenor (Check out my blog at http://boompa53.blogspot.com/)
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