What difference does it make that there are dozens of "Catholic" denominations? Does the fact that the Eastern Orthodox - which your magesterium calls brethren - refuse to bow to the authority of the Pope of Rome or accept papal infallibility make any difference? Does the fact that all who name the name of Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior and as God in the flesh and are called the body of Christ regardless of denomination make a difference? When Jesus prayed for unity of the body, are you presuming he meant a human institution or was he speaking of a spiritual body united in the one faith and one Lord and one baptism? Do you think the "one faith" meant the Roman Catholic Church or the faith that actually saves which is Jesus Christ who died for our sins?
What I find profoundly sad is the amnesia that seems to come over some of you guys when you say such things as The only thing you seem to be able to agree on is a universal rejection ("protest") of all things Catholic, when you should know very well that is not a true statement. Do we "all" disagree about the major tenets of the Christian faith? The virgin birth, the incarnation of God the Son, the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation, the necessity of saving faith and the work of the Holy Spirit with the life of each believer moving us to show our love and gratitude by being obedient to the commands of God. The inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, the community of the saints, the commission to go into all the world to preach the Gospel.
I do not see how you can make such a statement that not one of us find it in themselves to even admit one good thing about anything Catholic. Even Mother Teresa is trashed. I know that it may be difficult to hear that someone can refuse to accept what you are convinced is the one, true church and that your Magesterium is not held in the same awe by genuine Christians, but I sure try very hard to prove why I cannot accept some of what they have generated over the centuries and it is NOT because I hate anyone. If you could put yourself on the other side for once and read the condescending, insulting and hatefully snide comments that come from some on your side, you may get a glimpse of why these threads take a hostile turn at times. It is hardly all on one side. If you want respect, show respect. This is a forum of ideas and discussion of beliefs, participating on it requires the ability to not get personal nor take things personally. It also helps to rid oneself of feeling persecuted just because some may disagree. That is HARDLY cause for verbal wars. God's desire is for us to live peacefully with each other "as much as lieth in us". When we can't, maybe we need a time-out.
That was a pretty lame statement wasn't it?... Most Protestants have catholic friends and we can fellowship about the things of Lord regardless of some of those differences...... We can also debate those differences because our catholic friends don't see themsleves as victims.
It would seem there are some who have great difficulty getting beyond the middle age mentality.....and realizing truth can be discussed and sought after among friends.
Step off the soap box. I'm not buying the fake righteous indignation act. History, Scripture and the facts are not on your side. The gates of hell are not going to prevail against the Church. A pack of virulent anti-Catholics posting anonymously from the comfort of their double wide trailers isn't going to leave a mark.
OIh, please. The garbage and junk we have had to read in order to read from your side in these threads over the years is enough to create a landfill. You think Catholics are "hatefully snide?" We aren't the ones who called Pope Benedict a Nazi. Maybe you can understand why these threads take a hostile turn at times, if you go back and read over some of the "loving" things Quix posts. Or Metmom. Just look in the mirror! Why are you so afraid of facing your vicious sinful natures? Are you unsure of your salvation? Are you not convinced Christ loves you enough to give Himself for you? If you had all that surety you boast about, you'd proclaim your own sinful nature in order to glorify Him. Sadly, you can't. Fear of being hellbound prevents you from accepting your salvation.