Posted on 07/18/2010 6:04:05 AM PDT by Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus
That Catholic Hispanics voted for Obama due to immigration promises would be a warranted conclusion, but which was yours, not mine. As for myself, that liberalism predominates where Catholicism does is not extrapolation, but is consistently evidenced. The why of it can be reasonably understood as both having both spiritually and historical causes.
Its a collection!
“I belong to a non-denominational evangelical church.”
Do you go to Church on Sunday?
” Consistency in teachings which are not sound, from annulments with their broad criteria ...”
What are those “broad criteria” you object to?
“...to praying to the departed saints...”
What do you mean “dead” saints? Are not there LIVE saints in heaven this day?
It is sometimes difficult for those who do study the scriptures to follow a certain class program when they have surpassed that and looking for something with more depth. I've often thought maybe some should go onto become teachers themselves rather than an attender.
One woman taught who was in her late 70's in a church I attended....what teaching she gave! She often said there were few there to learn rather they attended her class more for the fellowhip. I think there are many churches today like that. So many have not the interest in their own bible study...let alone one held in a church.
Another church I attended had a study using the William Barclay study bible series of books. We all had to get the full series and make a commitment to the group each was in. The whole church was involved...each taking one of the books of the Bible. There were things we agreed that Barclay wrote and things we disagreed on..but oh my what a study for all it was. I've often believed if the scriptures seem to be dry...or one feels like they are in a desert time....Barclay Bible study books do enhance ones understanding and enlarges ones take on the scriptures...fun too!
Yes, I went to a home bible study led by a disenchanted Pastor who had left the "Organized" church. A friend invited me to critique the guy. I questioned some of the things He was saying because He was without a doubt off in left field. He wasn't happy about that but the others there were challenged to look closer...and they did. That man had the makings of a future cult leader!
I think you are very wise to delve in on your own...asking God to show you ...crossreference and use some bible study commentaries etc. as you go. Halley's Biblehandbook is very good too.
BTW what did your friend say when you piped up with questions? Ha! I give you much credit for asking questions. I think Christ wants us to question and not just accept things that are taught us.
Avoiding what issue? That you do not know what the word “cult” really means? That you take an internet, left wing mashup as a definitive source for the meaning of words says much.
“......no matter what denomination or place of worship. “
Really? The “Reverend” Wright meets your definition? The “Reverend” Vicki Eugene Robinson does? How ecumenical of you! An embrace of racism and sodomy. Not very Christian though.
I go to church on Sundays. I vote, I own a dog, I listen to Rush, and I don't eat green bean casserole. Anything else/
“I go to church on Sundays.”
Good for you. Now in that place you call church, is there a pastor?
” Catholicism arose as a syncretism between Christianity and paganism, and generally developed into its present form between the 5th-7th centuries. “
In what odd psuedo history do you find that collection of lies?
Bullingerite?
10-4
I’ve already told you the kind of church I attend. If you were as curious about Scripture as you are about my church, you might find the kind of grace that saves, not enslaves.
And I think "they" should continue to refuse to identify their particular "denomination". We already know if it's not "Catholic", it won't be considered viable anyway. What is the point?
I've been reading all the posts on this thread and got this far before I just HAD to respond. Really, what difference will it make what denomination is mentioned? They are all "cults" to many RC posters here. There is no point in the clarification since the process will then go into finding fault with every nuance of the faith.
From what I see, Roman Catholics have placed all their chips on the proclamations of the "Church". You have very little "wiggle room" to disagree with any doctrines mandated by the magisterium. Very few have the courage to step outside and evaluate the dogmas with the only true authority Christians have - the Holy Scriptures. That this former priest (of the original post) - or any of us former Catholics - testifies to a heartfelt and sincere search for truth and rejoices in the reward from God for that diligent search meets with such hostility, anger, accusations of lying, slander, bigotry and hatred, only proves captivity to the slavery of religion.
That is what happens when you place your trust in man-made religions and not in the only savior of mankind, Jesus Christ.
Just for the record, I’d rather be a “failed Catholic” than unsaved.
Why not?
I am a member of the Church the Body of Christ. That SHOULD be enough. It is for me, anyway.
It looks that way to me as well. Though a prescious few can and do "step outside and evaluate dogma"... via the scriptures. When they do the debates get very interesting and insightful I think.
How's beloved?
As for "What do you mean “dead” saints?", why do you turn my word "departed" into"dead." Etymology?
lol!
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