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7. Secularism. With the collapse of the Mainline churches as the backbone of American religion over the past thirty years (since about 1975), Catholics and Evangelicals are the only ones left standing in this country to present the Gospel. Secularism is on the rise and is ruthless. Evangelicals are now learning that only Catholicism has the intellectual resources to combat the present secular age. And, with the pope, we have a pretty effective means for communicating the faith and representing it to the world. There is nothing an Evangelical can do that will match the power of one World Youth Day.

A moment of wretched honesty on my part. I watched World Youth Day from a distance - mostly from the threads posted by NYer - and I felt a bit of the terrible sting of envy. There is no doubt that there were tons of young Catholics being taught and/or exposed to traditional Catholicism in an exciting way. I wish I could see Reformation theology being presented in a similar way.

Promise Keepers was supposed to do that for Christian fathers and husbands, but ended up highjacked by the "purpose driven" evangelicals. There used to be great traveling Youth Convention called CYI (Christ in Youth). As a young Bible College student, I worked with this group, organizing, making flyers, putting together packets. It was a great success for a couple years in the late 90's... also highjacked.

The problem, in my opinion, isn't that "evangelicals" can't do anything, it's what "evangelicals" have become. It would be wonderful to see a return to sound theology by evangelicals from the social theology they presently follow. I know of no Reformed Christian that accepts the "purpose driven" drivel. I think that Catholics and Reformed Christians would have a tougher time reconciling, as our theology tends to be diametrically opposed.

Of course, I still think that we should have sane debate over our differences, as opposed to some of the stuff that goes on here, on other forums, and in the "marketplace." Call me crazy, but I like sane debate.

I know of no Reformed Christian that accepts the "purpose driven" drivel. I think that Catholics and Reformed Christians would have a tougher time reconciling, as our theology tends to be diametrically opposed.

Reformed and Catholic Christians both take the life of the mind seriously. American pietism denigrates the intellect, and consequently often looks, and acts, pretty stupid. (Can anybody say "Hal Lindsey?" or "Key 73?")

Emotional experiences, and false conversions, are easily induced by trained stage hypnotists ("every head bowed, every eye closed...") One of the most influential of these stage acts, Billy Graham, had enough integrity to do the math. His own statistics demonstrated, decades ago, that this approach to "evangelism" had a 96% defect rate. Only 4% of those who "went forward" at Graham's "crusades" actual demonstrated the genuine fruits of conversion.

A real conversion transforms the mind, as well as the "heart."

Promise Keepers was supposed to do that for Christian fathers and husbands, but ended up highjacked by the "purpose driven" evangelicals. There used to be great traveling Youth Convention called CYI (Christ in Youth). As a young Bible College student, I worked with this group, organizing, making flyers, putting together packets. It was a great success for a couple years in the late 90's... also highjacked.

The problem, in my opinion, isn't that "evangelicals" can't do anything, it's what "evangelicals" have become.

The problem, dear friend, is the lack of a central authority figure. This is true for ALL non-Catholic denominations, the Muslims and even the Jews. Jesus said: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." He left St. Peter in charge to ensure His Church would continue until His return. He entrusted the guidance of His Church to the Holy Spirit and assured us all that "not even the gates of hell would prevail" (Matthew 16:18). The Church cannot commit error. Individual clergy may commit sins, even popes commit sins because in the Church there are both "weeds and wheat" (Matthew 13:30).

When Pope Benedict XVI speaks, the world listens. He is the humblest servant of all, the servant of the servants of God. That humility is beautifully exemplified in the address he delivered on the day of his election.

Apostolic Blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (April 19, 2005)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble labourer in the vineyard of the Lord.

The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.

Let us move forward in the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of his unfailing help. The Lord will help us and Mary, his Most Holy Mother, will be on our side. Thank you.

I think that Catholics and Reformed Christians would have a tougher time reconciling, as our theology tends to be diametrically opposed.

Read some Akin; he is good at drawing the fine distinctions between the two but also point out commonalities. I'd post his A TIPTOE THROUGH TULIP and JUSTIFICATION: "BY FAITH ALONE"? but it would be about the hundredth time these excellent articles are posted on FR.

Remember that most of what is said of Catholic Theology is anti-Catholic propaganda.