[Marie2]

From the Protest point of view, though, the RCs created the schism by embracing and teaching terribly false doctrine - and persecuting to death those who spoke against it.

From the linked article: “Unfortunately, the Catholics are right. Christian salvation consists in works.”

Aye yi yi. Anathema to us, we are so grateful to say, “It is by grace we are saved, and not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

[raygunfan]

oddly enuff, we all see james touting works, in addition to faith, and nowhere do we see anyone in the bible touting faith alone, grace alone, scripture alone...oddly enough, all three are basic tenents of the protestant churches.

[Campion]

the RCs created the schism by embracing and teaching terribly false doctrine - and persecuting to death those who spoke against it.

Both parties sinned. We have confessed ours (see JP2) and have fixed many of the abuses. What have you done?

From the linked article: "Unfortunately, the Catholics are right. Christian salvation consists in works."

You're quoting a Protestant pastor's sermon. (Hauerwas is a Methodist, as he makes quite clear.)

But take it up with James chapter 2. And before you do that, quote Ephesians 2:10. You know it comes right after Ephesians 2:9.

[Campion]

Given the other thread on the Swedish Lutheran Church (a product of the Reformation) and its endorsement of same-sex marriage, I'm curious whether you think that's a good thing.

I don't see the Swedish Catholic Church (which, if you don't count the Poles and other immigrants, probably fits in a hotel ballroom) endorsing same-sex marriage.

[Dutchboy88]

You go girl! That is the Gospel, irrespective of what all of RCs will throw at you. We know because the Scriptures tell us this over and over. Anathema is right.

The works that proceed from salvation by faith is what James is speaking of (not as a requirement of salvation), but the Romanists don’t tolerate such freedom in Christ. They need the chains and the tall hats, the gold, Mary, the sacraments, the relics, the popemobile, the Swiss Army, the big buildings, the separate country, the chanting, the indulgences, the sacerdotal system, the latin, the doctrines of control, and did I mention the tall hats? But, Christians know it is Eph. 2:9!! Paul trumps the pope. Thanks for your great post.

[Rose Commander]

Unfortunately, I have to disagree with your last paragraph. While it is true we need grace for salvation, we are, in the end, judge by works, "...And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what THEY HAD DONE (emphasize added)" (Revelation 20:12 RSV). Also, St. James added, "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead" (St. James 2:26 RSV) Grace by Faith and Works is the way to Salvation. After all, Jesus's Sermon on the Mount was all about action, He told us to build our houses (faith) on the rock (works) so that the house will not fall when "the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house (all tribulations)" (St. Matthew 7:25 (24-27) RSV). Besides, we Catholics never in 2000 years had we been taught that works is the way to salvation, instead we were taught that we are saved by Grace through Faith and Works, not by Grace through Faith Alone.

[Marysecretary]

Amen, Marie. Works do not save us but God expects us to do the works He created for us from the beginning after we are born again.