Comments on: Catholisism And Christianity?

By: Diana

Diana — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

I've heard people say that Catholics are not Christians, but I disagree. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is our Savior. However, I agree that some of their practices are not biblical. It is my understanding that praying to Mary and the saints, go to a priest to confess their sins and ask forgiveness, and the priest tells them to carry out works, like so many Hail Marys. Jesus also told us to call anyone Father except Our Father which art in heaven, and call their priests father.
It all began when Constantine decreed that all of their empire was converted to Christianity. The problem was that he had the first clue what it means to be Christian. They combined their pagan rituals, festivals and holidays with his new religion. Thus the Catholic Church began. In fact, this is where we call Easter. It derives from the name of the pagan goddess Ishtar, but he can not and should not stop all the Christians in celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
The Catholic Church is usually but not always, people who were bred and raised as Catholics to worship God in the way they do and they do not question the Church, even when in contradiction with Scripture.
All this being said, I think most Catholics sincerely love God and try to follow Jesus. I have some reservations about the administration of the church itself, but I will not go into that now. Remember, God used a Catholic (Mel Gibson) to bring us the movie "The Passion of the Christ."
As you are aware of the fact that they are doing certain things that contradict the Scriptures, you should think carefully and pray hard before making any decision regarding membership of the church. May God bless you and may His Holy Spirit guide you in all you do.

By: primoa19

primoa19 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

Well said ….. is idolatry ….. simply refuse to see it that way.
If you are a true Christian has the Holy Spirit of God living and dwelling within you ….. who guides us to the truth …. clearly see the fallacy that is the Catholic Church.
I thank God for people like Martin Luther ….. that exposed this heresy
Edit:
Luther made no change in the writing …. merely stated the truth in him.

By: Eric T

Eric T — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

You will never find a verse from the Bible to support Mary and the priest! It Idolitary!

By: Pinkribb

Pinkribb — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

Yes, it is idolatry. However, Catholicism and Mormonism does not teach that the Bible is God's final word. Revisions have been made and go through what the Pope says. He is the final authority agreed with them. For Mormons, say they are going by the Bible, if properly translated. This means that if you are going through their teachings, then it is correct. Mormons and Catholics have additions to the Bible than most others do not.

By: Be me

Be me — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

I've wondered the same thing. I could not find anything to support or pray to the Virgin of the priests for forgiveness. I honestly do not believe that these practices are bibilical. That was the purpose of Jesus coming to this earth - that the veil was torn and could have a direct relationship with God and pray to Him and ask forgiveness - not Mary or a priest. But to be honest, I had the most interaction with the Catholics either. If not lump all Catholics, but Catholics have known several that I've found to be critical and critical of Christians who are not Catholic.

By: ganges

ganges — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

no man, woman or idols should be asked to grant him forgiveness in the only way to achieve this is through worship to God that your prophets and priests, but they should ask forgiveness for their sins, except the Muslim-oriented time or Christian. But thats just my view

By: .::rainbow armadillo::.

.::rainbow armadillo::. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

Many Protestants feel Catholic worship is idolatry and therefore are Protestants. Think of the word "protest" and is where it comes from. They were protesting how he behaved and the Catholic Church selling indulgences for sins erase was the final straw for many. This was in 1500 I think.
Then, of course, is the controversy Mary, honor their … And the priest for forgiveness of sins, so read the Bible and church history and make its own decision, no one rushes you …

By: Earl D

Earl D — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

So we have to remember Peter and Paul and later Constantine was converted to a pagan people in the ways of Jesus.
Technically, you must first have trained them for being Jewish. Jesus, you know, was Jewish, not Christian. He was a Reform Jewish rabbi, basically.
Jesus and his disciples were about to have or have a meal on Seder night is rather traditional in Jewish tradition with 24 ounces of wine, meat, flatbread, egg burned. You should also read the Torah, singing, singing.
These are the traiditions Jesus was raised.
Where all single men have beards and cover their heads.
So all of Christianity has been far from the age Jesus was trained on Earth.
I suppose that Jesus could find interesting.
I also hope that Jesus would take issue with just about every Christian religious sect for some of the things that they embrace.
On the basis of Jesus in the Bible that would be so controversial, ornary, suggesting, contrary to logic and many of the people and things and concepts.
So if to announce that it was Jesus, which Christians would be calling for his execution for being a fraud.
Prehaps that's what it is Revelations. The second coming of Jesus and his rejection by man as a fraud.
The following mistaken prophet.

By: LadyG

LadyG — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

You raised some points I made to myself when I left the Catholic church. Catholics understand that while affirm that it is idolatry (s), when they pray to Mary and the saints is no different than asking a friend to pray for them. I see it differently. There is nothing in the Bible that tells us to do so. We pray directly to God and Jesus intercedes for us. We confess our sins directly to God and not a human intercessor. Mary and other saints were not taken directly to heaven, but are buried in the ground and not yet risen. Mary was chosen for a particular role, but also many others.
Baptizing a baby is another problem for me. Baptism is a commandment and must be old enough to know the reason for it, and be able to make their own choice. In other churches, babies are dedicated to God, but baptism comes later.
Many of the Catholic traditions were created by man, and are not bibically correct. I have in the laws that are Catholic, and we turned around and back on some issues. I saw an ad recently that said you have the right to believe what you believe, but you have the responsibility to learn the truth. None of the above is not intended to offend anyone, which reflects my own beliefs and teachings. Keep in mind, I was raised Catholic.
Continue to explore, ask whenever you have questions, pray for guidance and wisdom. May God bless you!

By: John 1:1

John 1:1 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:29:53 +0000

As well explained in a number of posts over the division between the RCC and Protestantism is contained in a number of issues, idolatry, intercession and masterly being predominant.
Everything almost comes down to this. The CCR is not practicing idolatry by the use of the cross, images of Mary and / or the Saints. The idols as seen in the Bible are the pillars, obelisks and statues that prays to the gods AS. That is not the case of the RCC or Protestantism.
Teacher refers to the symbols, traditions and church government.
Intercession is the biggie! The CCR believes that the Pope and the bishops of extension, priests and deacons are direct descendants through the apostolic succession and is the vicar of God on earth with all the power given to the original Apostles, especially Peter. Although the way, the truth and the life is Christ, Christ's way is through his apostles.
Protestants on the other hand I believe that all men are capable of having a personal relationship with Christ (Everyman a priest) and that the only "mediation" is Christ in our behalf with God.
Either way, it is Christ who is the root of our salvation, and Christ alone. I do not know that it matters whether you believe it is personal and has to go through another time ensuring that the final destination is Christian and his salvation.
That said there are some sects (Mormons, JW, and others) that do not teach the Trinity. These are not Orthodox Christians. The divinity of Christ is essential to Christianity.