[longfellowsmuse]

I find this an interesting topic as I have been called out on other threads in which I offered a catholic viewpoint and received the faith not works chastisement ( these were not ecumenical threads)

I did not take this as antagonistic but as an opportunity for catholics to respond to the faith not works argument.

honestly I have trouble when both catholics and protestants get so caught up in semantic differences that we lose sight of our christian mission. to me this is odd

I believe that faith nudges (sometimes subtly sometimes not) people into action. I also have trouble understanding how salvation can be granted without faith taking action..is faith all that is needed to love one’s neighbor... perhaps I am too simplistic in my understanding.

Finally, I find it bothersome when anyone of any denomination perseverates over who will be saved and who will not... we should strive to find God’s will in our lives and follow the commandments.... judging the soul of another is certainly way beyond my pay grade

[narses]

But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.

[Iscool]

I believe that faith nudges (sometimes subtly sometimes not) people into action. I also have trouble understanding how salvation can be granted without faith taking action..is faith all that is needed to love one’s neighbor... perhaps I am too simplistic in my understanding.

You do not need to love your neighbor for salvation...In fact, you can not love your neighbor...

You can reject to do the Lord's will but you can not do the Lord's will on your own...

Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

[Salvation]

“Regarding the debate about faith and works: It’s like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most important.”

~C.S. Lewis

[Country Gal]

Well, I certainly respect your opinion. My understanding of my salvation is that there is nothing I can do to earn it. The cost is way too high. Jesus paid it for me. However, if my actions (works) do not display a changed life - if I do not try to care for the orphans and widows and those less fortunate, if I do not care more for my fellow man than myself, then my faith is dead - it’s not real. I think scripture makes this very clear. However, I respect other points of view and will not call anyone “odd” for their opinions. This would not reflect Christ’s attitude if I did.

Just a note - that’s one thing I get so frustrated with in the Catholics - how quickly they sink to name-calling and just absolute sarcasm. Now, just the other day I received a very kind response from a Catholic and it was so refreshing that it made me think that not all were that way. I certainly hope not.