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The other day, I heard on an evangelical station a preacher say that the RCC teaches that the fires of purgatory are as hot as the fires of hell and the only difference between the two is the duration. What does the Catholic Church teach about this? Exact quote: "The fire of Purgatory and Hell are the same, except in duration"

The week that terrorist demons took over that school in Beslam, Russia and murdered those children and their parents was a horrible week as I continued to follow the story. My heart and my prayers have gone out to them. I attend a large independent Baptist church, and I wondered if the pastor would even mention this and if anyone called upon to pray that morning would mention this evil and pray for the families at least. No. It was business as usual with the upbeat music and positive happy faces. I just couldn't focus or get into it. Ok,...

Here is a question for Catholics. I was watching a program on EWTN Catholic Network today, about Scripture and Tradition and the Magisterium. Two gentlemen were talking about the development of doctrines as taught by the Apostles. One of them said when we die, we go immediately to our reward (heaven or hell). I was a bit befuddled about that as I thought Catholics believed in Purgatory also. What's up with that? Gotterdammerung

So who cares whether righteousness is imputed or infused? I don't think the average joe christian in any age really tripped over whether he had imputed or infused righteousness. So, why do theologians agonize over this? According to RC Sproul in his book "Getting the Gospel Right", evangelicals and Catholics really don't agree. So what? Reformers say it's either/or, why not both/and???

I've just finished reading "Life of Thomas More". I found the book very interesting as it discussed what was happening in England around the time of the Reformation and how More dealt with Luther and the heretics in England. It was sad that the King turned against him, having been swayed by his lusts and the Reformers to take over as head of the Church. Contrary to what little I was told as a Protestant fundamentalist, the Reformers and Luther weren't such great guys. Ignorance is Bliss. Erasmus wrote much about the evils caused by them and asked where Christian...

Are there any former Protestants from Holiness denoms, who've found their ways out of them? Is this the right forum for a thread like this??

Why are the words 'religion' and 'ritual' demonized so much by evangelicals? It seems also they put down the role of the Church as necessary for faith. Isn't the personal relationship theme a bit over-emphasized? Why would the church be necessary if a personal relationship with Christ is all one needs? And, regarding 'ritual'; it seems to me that even the most free thinking evangelicals do ritual in many ways.

Anyone know how I can find on the internet a work by St. Lawrence of Brindisi circa 1600 called "Images of Lutheranism"??? It is described as most complete and extensive work on Lutheranism from a Catholic perspective.

In 1 Cor 15 Paul is talking about the ressurection of the dead and if the dead don't rise, our faith is in vain. He cites a practice there in vs 29: "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" How do you interpret this???

Our church is starting a 40-day campaign using Rick Warren's latest book (The Purpose Driven Life) to show us how to know what our purpose is here on earth as Christians. Could this be a gimmick to get people interested in Church? Just the title sounds like something from Corporate America. What are your thoughts?