mgist, what we are trying to do here is not anti-catholic HATE or bashing. I know when one is under what they perceive to be an attack, it can feel like hate. We born again protestants on these threads know that the only way to be saved is to have faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we see here how many people believe they can be saved through baptism, through Mary, or the Eucharist, it really makes us hurt for those who do believe that, because it may lose them their salvation. There are SO many differences between our pathways to salvation that we feel we need to speak out against them. It has NOTHING to do with you or any other Catholic personally.
Hopefully the truth will set you free from the bondage of not knowing until you die whether or not you will be in heaven for all eternity.
Thank your for your own personal interpretation of Scripture.
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. 52 If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. 53 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 54 Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. 55 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. (John 6:51-55)
Hopefully the truth will set you free from the bondage of not knowing until you die whether or not you will be in heaven for all eternity.
Perhaps practitioners of 16th Century theological error should be more concerned with the state of their own souls.
We believed that we are saved through Jesus also. We happen to think that there are many things, that God has given us, to help remain in Jesus. Prayers are essential. We do pray to Jesus and ask others to help us. We do believe in eternal life, and feel that those that have served our God continue to do so in spirit. Not all Catholics follow doctine, and that is perfectly fine. My personal experience is that Mother Mary, was given to us as an excellent role model, and I have felt her presence. She led me to Jesus. I really appreciate her.
The Pope, and other good men, have dedicated their lives, left behind wordly goods, and family behind, to dedicate their entire lives to God.
The Pope has done nothing to hurt you, yet some people hate him. I really find that sad. It hurts me too. You love your children, does that mean you love God less? Of course not. You likely love God more, when you love your children more. If you were to describe your love of a deceased grandmother, who you knew was in heaven next to God, you would probably be accused of worshipping her, but you don't. You simply love her. In loving God, you love others.