The official name is the Catholic Church (even though the media refers as Roman Catholic). The Catholic Church has over 2 billion baptized members although some are not actively practicing their faith and may not reach Heaven. Even in the early church, members had difference of opinions and some heresies resulted. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always until the close of the age”.
So I believe the Catholic Church was established by Jesus and He will protect the Catholic faith from error. Some priests and bishops may stray from some of God’s truths, but they have not changed the teachings of Jesus. catholic with a small c means universal and refers to all Christian baptized members.
How valid is the consecration of the bread and wine in a Lutheran or Episcopal Holy Eucharist liturgy? I am a Lutheran considering becoming a Catholic, and I have always believed/sensed that holy communion in the Lutheran church is in fact holy, and not a sham.
Answer:
For the consecration of the elements to take place, it must be performed by a ministerial priest, whose role is different from that of the universal priesthood all believers. Since the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the other ancient Christian churches have preserved the ministerial priesthood through the apostolic succession of bishops, their Eucharist is valid.
This does not mean that Protestants such as Lutherans and Anglicans do not experience a real encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. They can receive Jesus spiritually in communion, they just do not receive him in the full, sacramental manner he intended and which he wants them to experience. These communions are not just “a sham” but can be genuine spiritual encounters with Christ.
Our family is Catholic and my mother converted with the help of Bishop Sheen. An outstanding teacher of our Catholic faith. A couple siblings have strayed away. My youngest brother after some good discussions came back to the Mass and Sacraments including Confession before he died.
If you care to share why the Catholic Church has strayed from God’s truth, I will be glad to share my perspective or some books that explain it better. Catholic church were built from the generosity of Catholics that want to provide a beautiful building to worship God, including the Vatican. Jesus established his church with men as leaders and expected it to grow larger. While there has been bishops and priests that have misused these resources (that is their sin). We have some very holy leaders and some weak and sinful leaders (just like the world). As Christians, Jesus told us to expect the world to hate us.
It should be clear by now that I do not agree with the your several assertions that the RCC is the only and most Biblically correct church, including the above opinion.
I corrected your misinformation about orthodox Lutheranism on this thread against your insistence that your beliefs are superior—aaaaand now we are back where we started.
So, I am now done.
Only God can convert and save.
May God bless you and give you peace.