The Rosary

Stay Catholic.com ^ | Sebastian R. Fama

[pegleg]

I mean really how many ways can I say I don't agree with you?

It is interesting to get other perspectives but in the end that’s the response you typically get. But then we have the posters who blatantly declare Catholics aren’t Christians. I can’t let that kind of stuff go without a comment.

[Desdemona]

You really think so???

Not really. But since you're so clueless, I thought maybe a graceful exit might be appealing.

[pegleg]

Catholicism has become comical by selectively taking certain of these literally.

So I can mend the error of my ways, which Church has got it right?

[Onelifetogive]

...help Onelifetogive overcome the hate and bitterness in his heart...

Why must you ruin your otherwise charitable sentiment with this line?

I don't hate Catholics and I am not bitter. I DISAGREE with the Catholic interpretation of Christianity and I am interested in discussing our differences. I would hope we could all teach and learn from each other.

[dramagirl1341]

yeah...it's ridiculous... as i said before, Christian means one who believes in Christ, or follows Christ.
also, it's almost comical when Protestants tell me I'm going to hell...how do they know that? That is between me and God- only He knows me perfectly. They judge you, based on what denomination you are. They think that they are God. (im not saying all Protestants, but some I've encountered can be particularly vicious.)

[conservonator]

I have learned that no Catholic teaching has a certain enough meaning that it cannot be denied as needed.

If you mean that we will err to the side of mercy in regard to our "separated brethren", you may be right. I only wish they (some non-Catholic Christians) were likewise disposed.

[Onelifetogive]

it's almost comical when Protestants tell me I'm going to hell...how do they know that?

I certainly have not said that and will not. I won't say that Catholics, or Muslims, or Scientologists, or Mormons, etc. are going to Hell.

I will say that I do not find what they are practicing to be consistent with what the Bible says.

[dramagirl1341]

I didnt mean you....or Protestants in general... I was referring to some of the Protestants i've talked to who have told me that.

I dont know, I couldnt say, who is going to hell and who isn't...I dont know that, and nobody does. Only God knows.

[pegleg]

I will say that I do not find what they are practicing to be consistent with what the Bible says.

It would be more accurate if you said ;

“I will say that I do not find what they are practicing to be consistent with what I think the Bible says.

So which Church has it right?

[pegleg]

I dont know, I couldnt say, who is going to hell and who isn't...I dont know that, and nobody does. Only God knows.

Agreed. So where do you attend Church?

[dramagirl1341]

A quote I saw somewhere...

"I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off.  So I ran over and said 'Stop!  don't do it!'  'Why shouldn't I?'  he said.  I said, 'Well, there's so much to live for!'  He said, 'Like what?'  I said, 'Well...are you religious or atheist?'  He said, 'Religious.'  I said, 'Me too!  Are you Christian or  Buddhist?'  He said, 'Christian.'  I said, 'Me too!  Are you Catholic or Protestant?'  He said, 'Protestant.'  I said, 'Me too!  Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?'  He said, 'Baptist!'  I said, 'Wow!  Me too!  Are you Baptist church of god or Baptist church of the lord?'  He said, 'Baptist church of god!'  I said, 'Me too!  Are you original Baptist church of god, or are you reformed Baptist church of god?'  He said, 'Reformed Baptist church of god!'  I said, 'Me too!  Are you reformed Baptist church of god, reformation of 1879, or reformed Baptist church of god, reformation of 1915?'  He said, 'Reformed Baptist church of god, reformation of 1915!'  I said, 'Die, heretic scum,' and pushed him off."

[Onelifetogive]

So I can mend the error of my ways, which Church has got it right?

I'm glad you asked that!

My answer: "I have no idea. And I really don't care." The Bible never relates salvation and Church membership.

From Acts 17:

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

God considered the Bereans to be noble (something I would love for Him to think about me!) because they searched the scriptures to verify things for themselves.

Church attendence is important as it provides supportive friends. From Hebrews 10:

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

[dramagirl1341]

I'm Catholic by baptism...but I have more non- denominational Christian views.

[pegleg]

My answer: "I have no idea. And I really don't care." The Bible never relates salvation and Church membership.

OK. I was recently on a thread that this was discussed and asked a question that never got answered so I’ll try it again.

If what you say is true, then why didn't a Church emerge from the NT that is still with us today that holds your same views? I would think that Truth would not have been withheld from the faithful for 1500+ years.

[Scupoli]

I have learned that no Catholic teaching has a certain enough meaning that it cannot be denied as needed.

Otherwise known as the Gospel According to Me.

Pope Pius XII's Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel

Holy Virgin, moved by the painful uncertainty we experience in seeking and acquiring the TRUE and the GOOD, we cast ourselves at Thy feet and invoke Thee under the sweet title of MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL. We beseech Thee: come to our aid at this moment in our worldly sojourn when the twin darknesses of error and of evil plot our ruin by leading minds and hearts astray.

Seat of Wisdom and Star of the Sea, enlighten the victims of doubt and of error so that they may not be seduced by evil masquerading as good; strengthen them against the hostile and corrupting forces of passion and of sin.

Mother of Good Counsel, obtain for us from Thy Divine Son the love of virtue and the strength to choose, in doubtful and difficult situations, the course agreeable to our salvation. Supported by Thy hand we shall thus journey without harm along the paths taught us by the word and example of Jesus our Saviour, following the Sun of Truth and Justice in freedom and safety across the battlefield of life under the guidance of Thy maternal Star, until we come at length to the harbour of salvation to enjoy with Thee unalloyed and everlasting Peace.

[pegleg]

I'm Catholic by baptism...but I have more non- denominational Christian views.

So it would be accurate to say you are a non practicing Catholic but rather a non denominational Christian?

[Onelifetogive]

“I will say that I do not find what they are practicing to be consistent with what I think the Bible says."

I can accept that slight modification.

Whose thoughts should I trust more than my own?

Every priest, orgainzation,... has some motive in his interpretation. Is the Catholic Church not an incredible rich and powerful organization. Is maintaining it's status not even possibly a motivation to interpret things in a certain way. It would be absurd to claim that there have not been instances of abuse of power by the Catholic hierarchy.

I know my heart and my motives. Whose brain should I trust over the one God gave me. I return to Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

[dramagirl1341]

sort of =)

[pegleg]

sort of =)

Well I'm not sure what that means but like you stated, only God knows your heart.

Peace be with you

[Onelifetogive]

If what you say is true, then why didn't a Church emerge from the NT that is still with us today that holds your same views? I would think that Truth would not have been withheld from the faithful for 1500+ years.

I reject the notion that God's truth is dependent on some minimum number of humans believing and espousing it.

Do you claim that there are few or no people who believe the passages of the Bible that I quoted?

Even Christ said that most people will get it wrong. (i.e. Matthew 7:)

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

He was talking about "Christians" here. Not the world.

Catholics make up about half of the "Christian" world. How could half possible make up the "few" that find the right path and the other half (non-Catholics) make up "many there be which go in" the gate to destruction.