Comments on: Can someone explain to me the Catholic Religion?

By: cristoig

cristoig — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

It's really impossible to answer all the questions that have appeared on the limitations of this forum.
Most of what you believe to be misconceptions of Catholic doctrine and practice. It would be better if you asked a question at a time to get more complete answers. That is, if you really want to know the answers and the truth about Catholic doctrine.
You can answer many of your questions by referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church that is available online. This is the official teaching of the Church of Christ, the teaching authority of the Magisterium.
He answered most of these questions in my blog. I am a Catholic convert to Christianity, after 25 years as a Protestant pastor. He graduated from two of the best seminars Protestant and my writings are a Protestant who was like you. You can access my blog here: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-S6YMuFYya …
God bless!
In Christ
Fr Joseph
Note:
"If you're confessing directly to God," then why do you need an outside witness to it? Why ask how long since your last confession …. Who cares !?!!?!?"
The only way that Jesus taught to confess our sins, is a priest in the apostolic succession. They are never taught to go directly to him with his confession. That is the teaching of the doctrines of men and false teachings. In the confession, the priest acts in persona Christi are the hands and mouth of our Lord. The priest merely in power and authority of Christ to his Church. The reason that questions about the length of time since the last confession, the priest is to give an idea of how long one may have been living in unrepentant sin. Sin, especially mortal sin makes the soul die with Christ and an eternal separation of its promise.
If you do not care or know the answer why the Church teaches as it does, why ask questions?

By: Yessuh!

Yessuh! — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

Where it says in the Bible to be "just pray to Jesus Christ?
Why so many Catholics do not follow blindly, or that this pastor? After all, he / she is only human - even though they act like everything that comes out of his mouth is gospel.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

Catholism was very contradicting to the Bible
melted fool cannonized Catholic Bible
Why you should be Catholic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqfn75wgf …
Why do Catholics confess their sins to the people because the Bible says do not read so http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_JX7Ufr3 … ..
Matt. 19:11-12 - Jesus says celibacy is a gift from God and whoever can bear to bear. Jesus praises and recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church. Because celibacy is a gift from God, those who criticize the practice of the Church of God, celibacy and criticize this wonderful gift that gives to his elect.
Matt. 19:29 - Jesus says that whoever gives up their children for the sake of His name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. Jesus praises celibacy when it is done for the sake of his kingdom.
Matt. 22:30 - Jesus explains that in heaven there is no marriage. Bring Jesus to reign on earth, priests living heavenly consecration to God by not having a wife in marriage. In this way, priests are able to focus exclusively on the spiritual family, and no more pressure of the biological family (which is for the vocation of marriage). This also makes it easier for priests to be transferred to different parishes where they are most needed without having to worry about the effects of their transfer to the wife and children.
1 Cor 7:1 - Paul teaches that it is okay for a man not to touch a woman. This is an option for Catholic priests of the Roman rite freely.
1 Cor. 7:7 - Paul also acknowledges that celibacy is a gift from God and wishes that all were celibate like he is.
1 Cor. 7:27 - Paul teaches that men are not looking for marriage. According to Paul, marriage introduces worldly temptations that can interfere with the relationship with God, specifically in relation to those who become full-time ministers in the Church.
1 Cor. 7:32-33, 38 - Paul recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church so that they can concentrate fully on the creation of God and his kingdom. "The couple who abstains from doing better."
1 Tim. 3:2 - Paul instructs that bishops must be married only once. Many Protestants use this verse to prove that the Church's celibacy law is in error. But they are mistaken because this verse refers to bishops that widowers. Paul is instructing that these widowers could not remarry. The verse also refers to those bishops who were married. Also, can not marry (in the Eastern Rite Catholic Church, priests are allowed to marry, celibacy is only a rule of discipline for the clergy of the Roman Rite). Therefore, this text has nothing to do with the imposition of a condition of marriage to become a bishop.
1 Tim. 4:3 - this verse, Paul refers to doctrines that forbid marriage misleading. Many non-Catholics also use this verse to challenge the Church of the practice of celibacy. This is totally wrong because the Catholic Church (unlike many Protestant churches) exalts marriage to a sacrament. In fact, marriage is raised to a sacrament, but consecrated virginity is not. The Church states that the sacred marriage, and lifegiving pact. Paul refers to doctrines that forbid marriage and other goods when done outside the teaching of Christ and a good landlord. Celibacy is an act of abandoning a well (marriage and children) for a greater good (complete spiritual union with God).
1 Tim. 5:9-12 - Paul recommends that older widows have a commitment to celibacy. This was the beginning of women religious orders.
2 Tim. 2:3-4 - Paul instructs his bishop Timothy that no soldier in the civil service become entangled in activities, as they aim to satisfy his one who recruited him. Paul uses an analogy to describe the role of priestly celibacy in the Church.
Rev. 14:4 - unlike our sinful world of the flesh, in heaven, those consecrated to virginity are honored.
Isaiah 56:3-7 - the eunuchs who keep God's covenant will have a special place in the kingdom of heaven.
Jer. 16:1-4 - Jeremiah was told by God not to have a wife or children.

By: Darth Eowyn

Darth Eowyn — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

I can not really add a lot to me other than Catholic Answers. But here are a few websites for you to read that you can answer most of your questions: http://www.davidmacd.com/catholichttp://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/reasons. … Http: / / http://www.salvationhistory. comhttp: / / http://www.catholicmass.org

By: Josia

Josia — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

Why are not priests, popes, or any kind of spiritual leader allowed católico ge married? This is a tradition. Many early Christian leaders were not married … Jesus, Paul, Jerome, Augustine, etc. It is not a priest who is not married, who is married to the church.
Why do Catholics worship the pope as if he were God …. Catholics DO NOT worship the Pope …. …. you respect him and look for leadership and advice …. Where did you get that idea?
Why are the majority of Catholics to pray to the Virgin Mary or the saints as much when you should only pray to Jesus Christ …. never asked for a loved one to pray for you? The same thing is happening here. When a Catholic "worships" a saint, they are asking to pray for them …. eg ….." Hail Mary pray for us sinners. "The Bible encourages praying for each other several times … this is what is happening here.
Why do Catholics have over their knees for so many saints, Virgin Mary, Pope, priest, etc (see above explanation).
It also stated so many times that God wants us to praise and worship. Why not to do during the "mass" and if it is why it seems so boring? Mass was more like a lecture rather than a cult ….. you've never done "listened" to what was said in the Mass … is very beautiful and touching ….. whole service is a great worship Christ …. try to focus more on the body …. will have to put forth some effort here … Unlike most "feel good Fundy" Service, the church marketing is not very large in Catholicism.
I have soooooo many questions but I will ask one more because one kills me the most. Why do Catholics confess their sins to those who know little or error in camera because they can not take a wife. No one could be forgiven for their sins. Why not have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior, was baptized, and in your heart you know you are forgiven, instead of making a confession … here is a common error. The priest is not making the waiver. which is one of a range embassdor (Christ) who is making the waiver. Do you think that when someone lays hands on a person and are cured, which are healing. Just as it is a healing ministry of the church (which usually requires the involvement of someone in the church, the forgiveness of sins is a ministry of the church, which requires the participation of "body of Christ"
John 20:23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. "

By: Wolfebla

Wolfebla — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

Most of your questions have been answered many times in this Forum, and you could do a search on Google for more details we can give in this brief space. I will give the best information possible in the limited space you have:
1) Ask any married Protestant minister how difficult it is to juggle the responsibilities of wife, children, and a congregation / parish. The Church does not forbid anyone to marry, but if a man decides to become a priest, and has also chosen to remain single.
2) Short answer: no. We love and respect for the hard work that has to lead the church, but worship is for God.
3) We ask Mary and the saints to pray for us, just as you ask a friend or family member to pray for you. Jesus is our only mediator in the matter of salvation, but it is not our only intercessor. If, then Paul was wrong when he asked others to pray for him.
4) We kneel to show respect to God. Go to church and see at some point, when kneeling. It is always a point where we will focus our minds and hearts to God, and consecration. We bow to show our love and honor Mary and the saints, as well as others bow to the Queen of England or the Emperor of Japan.
If you are good to show respect to a simple human being, then there is nothing wrong with showing respect to the Mother of our Savior and the men and women who dedicate their lives to His service.
5) For those of us that love of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist, the Mass is a banquet given by that love and that are anything but boring. * Those who are bored, obviously * do not understand what it is all about mass. . . or not the value of spending time with Jesus.
6) We go to confession because Christ established the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance, when told that the disciples had the power to withhold or remit the sins of a person, based on their sincere repentance. This is to convey God's forgiveness in a way that we can understand and benefit.
And unlike the Protestants who are often tormented by guilt, even after asking God's forgiveness, I know that I am forgiven of my sins when he confessed and absolved. When the devil - that slyboots old - comes around and starts with "Are you * sure * that God forgive sin?" I can say, "You bet I am. He was pardoned in such and such a date when he confessed. "
I hope this helps you understand our Catholic faith a little better. I love my church and I respect for their loyalty to God, Scripture, and His love for our Savior Jesus Christ.
Oh, and one more thing. The Church can not teach or practice anything that contradicts the understanding of Scripture: If a doctrine does not line up with the Bible will never be approved by the Church. Simple as that.

By: Lady92

Lady92 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

Hello, you have some good questions. I will try to answer as best you can:
1. Priests, popes, etc are not allowed to marry carnal pleasures, because the experience that during the marriage "in the way of having a real relationship with the Divine pure. I'm not saying sex is dirty or bad, but not the kind of pleasure that can be lived by someone who strives to live in purity, simplicity, etc, I think this is to "complete" the love of father offering his only love for him.
2. Catholic worship, because the Pope is the representation of God. That is supposed to have God in it. In other words, as the "tool" to get closer to God.
3. * Why should pray only to Jesus Christ? The Virgin Mary and the saints have their own important roles. Why a mother should not be as important as a father and son?
4. This type of issue related to three, all figures have their own importance. If you're wondering why in fact get on his knees, is to demonstrate and express our total devotion, humility and submission.
5. It may depend on the mass. Some of those who are spiritually immature not experienced / read the mass as it should be.
6. The confession is made by a priest who is supposed to have a very close and deep relationship, therefore, when you confess to a priest is like a confession to God. In relation to my second response, a priest is a tool to get closer to God. Also, the priest to confess may be a familiar.
This is all I can give you, from my own knowledge and personal beliefs. If you have other questions, just edit your question and do not hesitate to ask! I hope this helps.

By: tebone03

tebone03 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

The tradition of Canon Law is the only priests, not a dogma, which means that it is not immutable and may change. The married priesthood is not unbiblical per se (ie, Peter was married), but is much scriptural and historical data support celibate priests. One thing is certain. A family man has to put his family first, not the Church. Leading to a major dilemma if he is a priest pastor.A puts God and the church first.
Writing quite consistent spiritual celibacy awards call marriage.
… is to remain unmarried as I am … is so that you remain as you are … not looking for a woman … which refrains from marriage will do better … (I Cor., 7-8 and 32-38)
Paul says that celibacy provides "unhindered devotion to the Lord." (1 Cor 7:35) Jesus tells us "it is better not to marry … let anyone who can accept this. " (Matthew 19:10-12)
In Jewish law the priesthood was passed on by blood and marriage, it was necessary, but even so, the priests of the Old Testament Jews were required to abstain from sex during the periods when serving in the temple grounds spiritual. Catholic priests serve in the Temple every day.
The valuation of celibacy Scripture verses:
Matthew 19:10-12
… His disciples said to him: "If this is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." But he said: "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. Because there are eunuchs who have been since birth, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Come on, nobody can accept this. "
1 Cor 7:6-9
… I say this by way of concession, not of command. I wish all were like me. But each has a gift of God, one with a different type and other. To the unmarried and the widows I say that is good to remain unmarried as I am. But if you do not practice self-control, they should marry. Since it is better to marry to be burn with passion.
1 Cor 7:24-35
… In any condition that is called, brothers and sisters are with God. Now, concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but give my opinion as a person who through the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. I think that in view of the impending crisis, is so that you remain as you are. Are you forced the woman? Not trying to be free. Are you free from a wife? Not looking for a wife … But those who marry with the anguish of the experience in this life, and I would like to spare. I mean, brothers and sisters, the time has grown short, from now on, let even those who have wives as if they had none, but the married man is concerned about the affairs of the world, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin are anxious about the affairs of the Lord, so they can be holy in body and spirit, but the married woman is concerned about the affairs of the world, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restrictions on you, but to promote good order and unhindered devotion to the Lord.
1 Cor 7:38-40
… Then, he marries his girlfriend is right, and that marriage is not to do better. The wife is bound while her husband lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry anyone you want, only in the Lord. But I think it is more blessed if she remains as is.
We confess to a priest, because it is the way that Jesus instituted the sacrament. It is at its command to confess to one another. When you sin against the Father our sins also affect our Christian family. Confess sins to a priest is something that was not a universal practice and discussed in the Early Church.
Jesus himself was able to heal the sick not only physically but also spiritually disease. Christ had the power to forgive sins (see Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:5-12).
Spent in power to forgive sins in his name to his Apostles.
"Amen, I say unto you, which bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you agree on earth about anything for which to pray, was granted by my Father in heaven. " (Matthew 18:18-19)
"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I sent him. "And when he had said this, breathed on them and told them:" Receive the Holy Spirit. Who forgives sins are forgiven, whose sins you retain are retained. " (John 20:21-23)
Jesus entrusted his Church with the power to forgive sins through this wonderful sacrament. The priest is acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) in the confessional, but it is our Lord who forgives our sins. The priest grants absolution (sets us free from our sins), using the power Jesus entrusted to his Church. It is through Christ, however, that our sins are forgiven.
We make our confession to God through the priest. As noted above, the priest is acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ)
Any further questions my email

By: Bella C <3 v3.0

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

I will respond to my responses as well.
From what I understand (I do not speak about it) The Catholic priests can not marry because they are completely dedicate her life to God. The idea is not distracted by having a family, a wife, etc, because God needed to be 100% dedicated to him in every way.
Catholics do not worship the Pope, but Pope is believed to be the representative of God on earth. They believe it is infallible and it is kind of speaking of God. He is a holy man who is highly respected.
Do not worship the saints or Mary. Mary was the mother of Jesus, so it was obviously a very holy woman. The Saints also led lives very tight. Catholics often pray through them, their kind of "support request" in your prayers.
When Catholics get on your knees, its simply a sign of great respect. Your worship in any way.
Catholic mass is a huge amount of praise and worship, its just different from some other churches I guess. The Catholic mass is a very reverent and for showing respect and submission to God. But there are a lot of songs (hymns) that are praise, and prayers. The priest's homily is the opportunity to speak to the parish on current issues and give a sort of lecture on pertinent issues related to the Gospel.
The sacrament of confession is not confessing his sins to a priest. The priest listens, but the idea is that he is there to support him in his confession. You will confess to God, and since the priests were regarded as men of God, they are there to help him in his confession. Actually its tradition, but the point is that you're not confessing to the priest, he confessed to God.
Anyway, I'm certainly not trying to defend the church. I was raised Catholic but am now an atheist. This is precisely what I have learned from 18 years in a Catholic household, 14 years in Catholic school! To get some answers really in-depth, I recommend visiting a Catholic church and ask a priest yourself. Most of the priests are very nice and will be more than willing to help answer your questions.

By: Dana the Great Marlboro Queen

Dana the Great Marlboro Queen — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:41:36 +0000

1. The priests are not allowed to marry, because their main duty is to the parish, not the family. It would be a very lonely life of the family of a priest. If you do not, then do not become a priest. They chose. Are essentially married to a life dedicated to Jesus Christ and His Church.
2. Addressing his "where in the Bible" - a lot of it is not. However, Catholicism is also much in common sense and tradition, which is usually just as reliable, because our religion was founded by Jesus Christ Himself.
3. Do not worship the Pope. He is a spiritual leader, like the Dalai Lama, I guess.
4. The reveration of the saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, is part of the catechism. These are women and holy men of God, we seek to be equal, since they have won grace. So win our respect.
5. Mass is a wonderful service for me, and praise him all throughout the day, including the mass
6. We confess our sins to a priest, but in fact is the confession directly to God himself.
I am having a hard time believing that once a Catholic, because you know these things if you did.
"… You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church … To you I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. What bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. "- Matthew 16:18-19
The confession of sins to a priest gives us the assurance that our sins are forgiven, although they may not be perfectly penitent. For that is what God requires beyond the sacramental confession: a man who goes to God for forgiveness of sin can be forgiven, but only if it is perfectly contrite and resolved to sin no more. Those who are outside the Church by birth and circumstances can be saved and forgiven of sins, but only if they are penitent and not fully aware of the divine institution of the Church. A Catholic who does not consent to a sacramental confession, is the man of the Church grieves for the majority. He has all the instruments of salvation in his feet, but his pride to lay at the foot of the Cross to pick them up.