Pope Benedict's Warning to Theologians

[ItalianScallion]

To ram home libby's point...
As an adult after much study of numerous religions and after studying various Christian practices I knew without a doubt that Catholic/Orthodox (i.e. Apostolic) was The Way ... and with no coersion but by the Holy Spirit. It wasn't until after I made my decision that I even stepped foot into a Catholic Church. I am a Catholic convert that nobody can claim was "indoctrinated".

Sorry Radiant1, I'm always the bad guy here it seems BUT I have no malice towards you either. The Holy Spirit will NOT lead anyone into a church that contradicts God's Word as much as they do. Dear lady, your study was flawed also. If it wasn't, then you too refused to change your mind to agree with the Bible. Ask yourself WHY people won't accept the Bible as the FINAL authority over every other doctrine? How can there be any writings that supercede it? Jesus said: Proverbs 14 v 6 "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" and Hosea 4 v 6 "knowledge comes easily to the discerning". Discernment is something that MANY people don't have because they don't ask God for it. to you too my friend.

 

[Starman3000m]

(I'm replying because you asked me to). It doesn't matter how they got there, the fact is they are there NOW, hook, line & sinker! If you did a true independent unbiased study, you wouldn't have used study materials that led you towards catholicism. (Use the Bible, it's very unbiased). And I wouldn't call someone a "Bible Christian" if they go backwards into a group that has many unbiblical practices. When I got saved, I tried to go back to a catholic church with my parents but I couldn't. After a short time, my Spirit was very uncomfortable there. God opened my eyes to the unbiblical things they did and He told me to get out. Also, I know 2 people that went from a very good Baptist church to catholicism. (FYI: they both had mental issues). I have another friend who's wife recently converted to catholicism but he can't accept it, so they go to 2 different churches now.

I know what I was taught. We were taught to BOW (kneel) DOWN and pray to Jesus, Mary, Joseph, St.Christopher & other statues & pictures and to ask them to help us. Anything we pray to in place of God is a "god".

NO to all of them Libby dear. I don't kiss, hug or bow down to my Bible. It sits on my desk in my basement where I do my nightly radio Bible study. I write in it and I underline some words. It's just a book physically and I have sat it on the floor when I clean my desk off. I ALSO have NO Jesus pictures or crosses or statues of ANY kind in my house. All my family was catholic and they had numerous artifacts all over their houses. For what?!! None of them can save you! Just more catholic indoctrination.

I can give you 3 full pages of heretical doctrines on them if you want but what's the use? I have not accused you by my own words but by the Words of God so, as I said earlier, your gripe is not with me it's with God. All I can do is refute false teachings as God told us to. I'm not judging whether you are saved or not. If you made ANY statement about my beliefs being wrong, I would still refer you to the Bible to disprove me, and not to ANY other writings.

Oh but I do understand it. Again, your sources are flawed. There is NO Biblical foundation for purgatory. If you are referring to 2 Macabees 12 v 39-46, you'll need to remember that it is an Apocryphal book and is not inspired by God. I have a Biblical command to expose false teachings. Jesus did and He told us to in many verses. Paul did too. I am a spectator here Libby. I don't judge someones motives, I watch what they do and then comment on it. I know ALL about the catholic "side shows". I went to an Italian festival last Sunday (AT A CATHOLIC NURSING HOME) and there were 2 HUGE stands where they were selling statues, pictures, rosary beads, holy water, and other "blessed" (right!) things. What judging of their motives could I MISS there? MONEY in exchange for false hopes. Indulgences, praying for someone WHO IS ALREADY DEAD, infant baptism, etc, etc, etc! Face it Libby, they're money changers! There's nothing wrong with making money for the church, but at least do it honestly.
Finally, if you would, answer one question for me. What does the catholic church believe the source of truth is? Thanks, Libby

I totally agree with what you have posted in your response ItalianScallion.
I have asked libby if she believes that a person needs to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church headed up by the pope in order to receive Salvation. She has skirted the question by replying one must belong to the catholic (Universal) church.

The whole beginning of this thread is because of pope Benedict's comment about "theological arrogance" to which my reply (in post #2) was that the Vatican is involved in such theological arrogance to make the claim that the Roman Catholic Church has the exclusive path to Salvation. I stand by my reply and state on the authority of the Holy Bible that the pope is NOT God's Vicar or "human representative" on this earth.
Islam teaches much the same thing with their plan to re-establish the office of "Caliphate" to create a One World Religion. http://www.Starman3000.com

BTW: Is there an icon that shows someone shaking the dust off their feet?

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:14-16)

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Mark 6:11)

 

[libby]

Starman,
I check in this morning to find that you have now accused me of not answering a question! This, after accusing me of worshipping false gods, including popes and statues!
You accuse me of not answering your direct question about whether or not one needs to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I'll cut and paste here from my post, #32 "As for whether or not a person must be a member of the RCC to obtain salvation, then the answer from me AND the RCC is no!"
I hardly call this "skirting the question". And you and Italian should give what others post more than a cursory reading, because I did not say that one needed to belong to the universal , catholic church either. I said that it is through the church that anyone is saved, because I believe that Jesus Christ established the Church.
This is no different than belief that a Muslim or heathen or Wiccan may even be saved, depending upon whether or not they had sufficient knowledge of Jesus Christ to truly reject Him as the Savior. Do you believe that it is possible for these folks to be saved? If you do, then your belief is no different from mine, and if you don't, you should reconsider whether or not it's your place to judge someone's soul.
The theology you and Italian hold to is inconsistent, which is evident throughout this thread, however, that does not reflect on your sincerity of belief in Jesus Christ. I urge you both to consider the points I've made (and, Italian, I will answer your last post later this morning when I've taken care of some business) and while I don't expect you to agree, perhaps you will at least stop accusing Catholics of doing exactly what you practice yourselves.

 

[Radiant1]

Sorry Radiant1, I'm always the bad guy here it seems AND I will continue to be so. The Holy Spirit will NOT lead anyone into a church that contradicts my interpetatation of God's Word as much as they do. Dear lady, your study was flawed also. If it wasn't, then you too refused to change your mind to agree with me.

:fixed:

Ask yourself WHY people won't accept the Bible as the FINAL authority over every other doctrine? How can there be any writings that supercede it?

That very same authoritative bible... Matthew 18:17, 1Corinthians 11:2, 2Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, John 21:25.

Jesus said: Proverbs 14 v 6 "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" and Hosea 4 v 6 "knowledge comes easily to the discerning".

Discernment is something that MANY people don't have because they don't ask God for it. to you too my friend.

Most assuredly had I asked God for discernment my conclusion would have been the same as the infallible Pope Italian Scallion! I'll have to start over again until I get your approval!

 

[libby]

Finally, if you would, answer one question for me. What does the catholic church believe the source of truth is? Thanks, Libby

The answer to this question is the same as yours, the Bible and Tradition. WHOA! You say you do not accept tradition?? Let's examine that...as far as I can tell, there are only a few possibilities.
#1-You, like Joseph Smith of Mormon fame, have a face to face, physical encounter with God the Father and God the Son, who then told you what books were to be contained in Holy Writ?
#2- In one of the books of the Bible we will find a comprehensive list of exactly which letters are to be contained in the Good Book. A list divinely inspired by God Almighty, for all men to have at their fingertips.
#3- Your Bible fell out of the sky in it's present form, nicely bound with golden edges.
#4- You have the original manuscripts in hand.
#5-Tradition, that is, you have trusted men, guided and protected by God even after the Apostolic age, to compile the books contained in our Bible today. You have trusted men to translate languages and pass down through 20 centuries an accurate source of wisdom from God.

You can label it anything else you want, but that will not change the fact that #5 is the answer.

 

[Bavarian]

Sorry, Bavarian, wrong again. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas, yes, but this was only so that the 12 thrones could be filled in Heaven since Judas didn't make it. (Matthew 22 v 30 & Revelation 4 v 4). The Apostolic age ended with the 12. Paul is called an Apostle of Christ but that is only an honorary title. He was never included in the 12.

You and your ilk are wrong. You think your made-up religion is right and those of us who follow the True Faith are wrong. You knew the Truth once and turned away, you will have to answer to God, the Blessed Trinity, for your actions. Whenever anyone tells you you are wrong, shows you you are wrong, you brush it off. You do not want to hear anything that might cut down the listernship of your radio program.
You have much errors. To cover your error in praying for the dead, that may be freed from Purgatory, "It is a Holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins", 2 Macc 12:46. Prayers are not needed for those in Heaven, and they cannot help those in Hell. That means some people must be in a third place, Purgatory, at least temporarily.

Since their is no icon to show shaking off the dust from ones feet, I will say that I shake the dust from my feet you and the others like "Starman" are hopeless to us. I suggest you attend RCIA and relearn the faith, turnaway from your meeting halls and return to The Church.

 

[Starman3000m]

Starman,
I check in this morning to find that you have now accused me of not answering a question! This, after accusing me of worshipping false gods, including popes and statues!
You accuse me of not answering your direct question about whether or not one needs to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I'll cut and paste here from my post, #32 "As for whether or not a person must be a member of the RCC to obtain salvation, then the answer from me AND the RCC is no!"
I hardly call this "skirting the question". And you and Italian should give what others post more than a cursory reading, because I did not say that one needed to belong to the universal , catholic church either. I said that it is through the church that anyone is saved, because I believe that Jesus Christ established the Church.
This is no different than belief that a Muslim or heathen or Wiccan may even be saved, depending upon whether or not they had sufficient knowledge of Jesus Christ to truly reject Him as the Savior. Do you believe that it is possible for these folks to be saved? If you do, then your belief is no different from mine, and if you don't, you should reconsider whether or not it's your place to judge someone's soul.
The theology you and Italian hold to is inconsistent, which is evident throughout this thread, however, that does not reflect on your sincerity of belief in Jesus Christ. I urge you both to consider the points I've made (and, Italian, I will answer your last post later this morning when I've taken care of some business) and while I don't expect you to agree, perhaps you will at least stop accusing Catholics of doing exactly what you practice yourselves.

libby, please accept my sincere apologies. You are right. In my haste, I recalled the part that you mentioned about the "universal church" and that's what came up. I should have been more careful and reviewed your response. Again, my apologies. The one thing I wonder though is about your speaking on behalf of the RCC. Hasn't the pope come out and publicly stated that the Vatican-led Roman Catholic Church is the True Church and that all other Christian churches are deficient in their faith?

 

[libby]

libby, please accept my sincere apologies. You are right. In my haste, I recalled the part that you mentioned about the "universal church" and that's what came up. I should have been more careful and reviewed your response. Again, my apologies. The one thing I wonder though is about your speaking on behalf of the RCC. Hasn't the pope come out and publicly stated that the Vatican-led Roman Catholic Church is the True Church and that all other Christian churches are deficient in their faith?

Yes, he has. Now, if you want to have a civil discussion about that we can. I am sure you would call the RCC deficient ( or in error, or whatever) because you do not accept that which she teaches. You believe that the Bible alone is the sole rule of faith, so therefore, while there may be some truth in my faith or some other faith, you would consider them lacking. If that is what you believe I would expect you to stand up for it as Truth. Pope Benedict is doing no less. It is fine with me that you do not accept the RCC as I do, I believe we are all on our own journey, and I pray that we all may be unified with Christ one day.

 

[Starman3000m]

Yes, he has. Now, if you want to have a civil discussion about that we can. I am sure you would call the RCC deficient ( or in error, or whatever) because you do not accept that which she teaches. You believe that the Bible alone is the sole rule of faith, so therefore, while there may be some truth in my faith or some other faith, you would consider them lacking. If that is what you believe I would expect you to stand up for it as Truth. Pope Benedict is doing no less. It is fine with me that you do not accept the RCC as I do, I believe we are all on our own journey, and I pray that we all may be unified with Christ one day.

Actually, libby, it is the Spirit of God that (in the here and now) unifies those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour. We are to be unified in this faith without denominational divisions, however, it is church dogma at all levels that has competed for the Gift of Salvation that God gives freely to mankind through the Atoning Blood of Jesus Christ.

The "Spiritual Body" of believers is what comprises the True Church on earth, it is not any organized branch of religion. However, in a document released by the Vatican in the year 2000, the RCC contention is as follows:

Article:
Vatican puts its foot down Reaffirms Catholicism is only religion that ensures salvation
Source: Los Angeles Times – Wednesday, September 6, 2000
By Richard Boudreaux and Larry B. Stammer

(Excerpt)

VATICAN CITY – “Censuring what it called the spread of “religious relativism,” the Vatican on Tuesday instructed Catholics to uphold the dogma that their church is the sole religion that assures spiritual salvation for all humanity.
“This truth of faith does not lessen the sincere respect that the (Catholic) Church has for the religions of the world, “ it said. “But it rules out, in a radical way, that mentality of indifferentism (that) leads to the belief that one religion is as good as another.”
The bluntly worded declaration by the Vatican’s guardian of orthodoxy said followers of non-Christian faiths have “gravely deficient” chances for salvation and that other Christian churches have “defects,” partly because they do not recognize the authority of the pope.

The above cited portion is somewhat contradicted by a continuation explanation that states in part:
“Meanwhile, the document said Catholic missionaries are obliged to preach to non-Christians that Jesus is “the sole redeemer.”

So the question is this: Since Protestant, Evangelical and non-Denominational Christians do not recognize the authority of the pope but through personal faith trust in Jesus Christ as sole Redeemer, would the Vatican agree that one does not have to belong to the Roman Catholic Church in order to receive God’s Eternal Plan of Salvation through Christ?
And, would the Vatican concede that members of other Christian Churches (not just the RCC) therefore, adhere to the same exact faith that assures spiritual salvation for all humanity?

 

[libby]

Before I answer you, would you please answer my question from my previous post? That is, would you agree that it is right and just for you to teach/preach exactly the same doctrine, only using "the Bible" instead of the "the Church", or "the pope"?
Is it best, in your heart and mind, to preach that the Bible Alone is the source of our path to salvation? Would you be compelled to tell non-Christians that their chances of salvation were "gravely deficient" because they do not accept Jesus Christ? Or, would you be comfortable re-affirming them in their non-Christian faiths?
Do you think Catholics are taking a greater risk with their salvation because they trust the office of the pope? Or do you think a Catholic has a harder time achieving a personal relationship with Christ?
And, lest you think I'm not going to answer you, you may have to wait until tomorrow to hear from me again, as I will be out all evening.

 

[ItalianScallion]

Finally, if you would, answer one question for me. What does the catholic church believe the source of truth is? Thanks, Libby
The answer to this question is the same as yours, the Bible and Tradition. WHOA! You say you do not accept tradition?? Let's examine that...as far as I can tell, there are only a few possibilities.
#1-You, like Joseph Smith of Mormon fame, have a face to face, physical encounter with God the Father and God the Son, who then told you what books were to be contained in Holy Writ?
#2- In one of the books of the Bible we will find a comprehensive list of exactly which letters are to be contained in the Good Book. A list divinely inspired by God Almighty, for all men to have at their fingertips.
#3- Your Bible fell out of the sky in it's present form, nicely bound with golden edges.
#4- You have the original manuscripts in hand.
#5-Tradition, that is, you have trusted men, guided and protected by God even after the Apostolic age, to compile the books contained in our Bible today. You have trusted men to translate languages and pass down through 20 centuries an accurate source of wisdom from God.
You can label it anything else you want, but that will not change the fact that #5 is the answer.

I said before; The Bible alone is the absolute truth, BUT any tradition is FINE if it doesn't contradict the Bible. The problem that even Jesus had was that people were letting traditions take precedence over His Word. That's my main point. MANY (not all) catholic traditions DO just that.
Just for the readers:
#1 Joseph Smith was proven to be a phoney.
#2 DUH! The Holy Spirit led the people as to which books to include in the Bible and there were ONLY 66. You and your church refuse to believe that.
#3 My Bible is the Holy Bible. It's the NIV but there are a few other translations that are safe to use.
#4 There are NO original manuscripts left but there are over 6,000 copies that agree entirely in meaning, so we can be sure that what we read is truth.
#5 That is NOT tradition. Traditions can be right or wrong, the Bible can't. Unless I don't understand you, you seem to have a lack of faith that God could preserve His word over thousands of years. That's not trusting men. If these men made mistakes, then God did too because He couldn't override their will and make them write what He wanted them to. I know that the Bible is divine, right from the hand of God. You don't believe it if you need other sources for "truth". Again, as long as traditions don't contradict the Bible I'm OK with them. The practices that I've talked to you about, DO. God would never approve of a tradition that the Bible speaks against. (Matthew 15 proves that). People can say they're "led by The Holy Spirit" ALL DAY LONG but if their actions prove otherwise, they aren't. Many people don't realize that there are many competing voices out there. We have to adjust our thinking to agree with the Bible.

 

[ItalianScallion]

To cover your error in praying for the dead, that may be freed from Purgatory, "It is a Holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins", 2 Macc 12:46. Prayers are not needed for those in Heaven, and they cannot help those in Hell. That means some people must be in a third place, Purgatory, at least temporarily.

Be very afraid Bavarian! NO ONE IS "loosed from their sin" after death. If you're saved, you get Heaven. If not, you get Hell. We live, we die, we face the judgment. There is a place called Hades where the lost souls go until judgment day but they NEVER get "prayed out or loosed from their sin". You might be partly responsible for someone going to Hell because you told them that they can be saved after they die. Satan loves that one and he loves "one of God's own" telling people that! (If you are one of God's own). BE VERY AFRAID!

 

[ItalianScallion]

However, in a document released by the Vatican in the year 2000, the RCC contention is as follows:
Vatican puts its foot down Reaffirms Catholicism is only religion that ensures salvation
Source: Los Angeles Times – Wednesday, September 6, 2000
By Richard Boudreaux and Larry B. Stammer

VATICAN CITY – “Censuring what it called the spread of “religious relativism,” the Vatican on Tuesday instructed Catholics to uphold the dogma that their church is the sole religion that assures spiritual salvation for all humanity.
The bluntly worded declaration by the Vatican’s guardian of orthodoxy said followers of non-Christian faiths have “gravely deficient” chances for salvation and that other Christian churches have “defects,” partly because they do not recognize the authority of the pope.

Isn't it amazing? Do catholics REALLY believe this too and still follow the pope? Hey, Joseph Smith said the same thing and the Church of Christ did too, along with some other cults. The truth: Jesus is the only way, but NO one church ever is.

 

[bdh802]

Isn't it amazing? Do catholics REALLY believe this too and still follow the pope? Hey, Joseph Smith said the same thing and the Church of Christ did too, along with some other cults. The truth: Jesus is the only way, but NO one church ever is.

Your subtle catholic bashing is really starting to get old. In this post, it's almost as if you are suggesting the catholic religion is a cult. I don't say much when I read your posts but they are really getting irritating. Who really has all the answers? I know one thing. It ain't you!

 

[ItalianScallion]

Your subtle catholic bashing is really starting to get old. In this post, it's almost as if you are suggesting the catholic religion is a cult. I don't say much when I read your posts but they are really getting irritating. Who really has all the answers? I know one thing. It ain't you!

Now you know 2 things; It ain't them either. I NEVER said that Catholicism is a cult, but if they keep putting people in place of God they might be soon. Sorry you can't handle the truth either but bashing is not the correct word. Pointing out false doctrine is not bashing. Bashing would be calling them names as many here do to me.

 

[Starman3000m]

Before I answer you, would you please answer my question from my previous post? That is, would you agree that it is right and just for you to teach/preach exactly the same doctrine, only using "the Bible" instead of the "the Church", or "the pope"?

Yes, I use the Holy Bible as the sole source of Christ's foundational message to receive Salvation, while the Vatican uses portions of the Bible as a primary source to establish her sovereign religious rule upon this earth, then the RCC introduces other teachings.

From what source did Rome base its foundation for Vatican rule if not through its own conclusion that Peter was tapped to be the "first pope"? The Holy Bible.

From what source does Peter state the revelation of Truth that Jesus is The Son of the Living God? The Holy Bible. (Matthew 16:13-19)

From what source does the world know that the Gift of Salvation is a Free Gift of God and that one cannot earn or merit heaven on their own? The Holy Bible. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

From what source are the teachings of Jesus sufficient knowledge to know how to find true peace and reconciliation with God, our Father in heaven?
The Holy Bible. (New Testament / New Covenant)

From what source are the teachings of the Gospels and writings of the Old and New Testaments pertinent to understand mankind's depravity, disobedience to God and need for a Saviour? The Holy Bible.
(Romans 3:23-31)

From what source is mankind shown that God is not willing that any should perish but come to repentance and accept His Plan of Salvation through the Atoning Blood of Christ? The Holy Bible. (2 Peter 3:9)

Is it best, in your heart and mind, to preach that the Bible Alone is the source of our path to salvation?

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness2 Timothy 3:16)

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
(1 Corinthians 12:5)

And there are instructors: "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"
(1 Corinthians 12:28-30)

From the basic scriptures shown above, The Holy Bible alone is all the "manuscript" needed for any person to read about how to obtain God's Divine Mercy, Forgiveness of sins and Eternal Salvation through faith in the Atoning Blood of Jesus Christ. The Holy Bible is an instruction manual for how a person should be led by the Holy Spirit of God in all areas of his/her life. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit of God that brings the Words to life, for the Word of God is spiritually discerned.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Would you be compelled to tell non-Christians that their chances of salvation were "gravely deficient" because they do not accept Jesus Christ? Or, would you be comfortable re-affirming them in their non-Christian faiths?

The evangelical message is to share the Gospel of Christ. There are two types of people in this world; The Saved and The Lost. Jesus proclaimed:
"I Am The Way, The Truth And The Life, No Man Can Come Unto The Father Except Through Me." (John 14:6)

Do you think Catholics are taking a greater risk with their salvation because they trust the office of the pope?

Yes, if an individual follows the tenets of indulgences, believes that the papacy is infallible, believes that a priest is able to "forgive sins" and maintains the false sense of security that being a devout follower of all rites and traditions set forth by the Vatican are exclusively ordained by God and are earning one's way to Salvation.

Or do you think a Catholic has a harder time achieving a personal relationship with Christ?

I believe Catholics may have a harder time understanding that a personal relationship with Christ is a one-on-one relationship with or without membership to an organized religion, specifically, that one does not need to be a member of the RCC and adherent to edicts from the Vatican in order to receive God's Plan of Salvation through the Atoning Blood of Christ. Most important, that there is only One Mediator - not several.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)

Also, "religion" can become a burden while a true relationship with Christ is freedom found through the Love, Peace, Joy and Forgiveness found in Christ.

Read this portion from Matthew 23:
1: Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2: Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4: For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5: But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6: And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7: And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9: And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10: Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.(John 8:36)

And, lest you think I'm not going to answer you, you may have to wait until tomorrow to hear from me again, as I will be out all evening.

No problem, answer when you have time.

 

[Dork]

Your subtle catholic bashing is really starting to get old. In this post, it's almost as if you are suggesting the catholic religion is a cult. I don't say much when I read your posts but they are really getting irritating. Who really has all the answers? I know one thing. It ain't you!

When it comes to ItalianIce and Starboy2007, you are better off just throwing them a smile and a wave but keeping your mouth shut. They are convinced they know the truth just as the muslims who flew the planes into the twin towers did. I too, don't like the anti-catholic comments they throw around and wish they'd realize we are all christians who should be working together even though we have our slight differences in our beliefs of Christianity. The truth according to ItalianDressing is pretty convincing stuff. If he says it's true, it must be.

 

[ItalianScallion]

It's amazing how a few of us here are saying the same thing but I am accused of bashing. The only reason that I go on (care) about catholics is because I was one and, if I hadn't got saved in 1989, I'd be on the highway to hell, STILL thinking I'm going to Heaven! There is a subtle voice saying that you are saved because you're catholic. All I'm saying is I thought the same way BUT I WASN'T SAVED. Is this bashing or caring?!! In both cases my friends; OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!!!!!! You can be catholic and go to Heaven BUT you can be catholic and NOT get there too. I had to work real hard to convince my late catholic parents of this and I did, but right at the end of their lives. How precious is that to me? If you really believe in Hell, it's priceless! Read Matthew 7 v 21-23 and see how there will be many SAD people on that day who THOUGHT they were saved but weren't and were cast into Hell! I don't want anyone within my reach to hear those words from God, so if you still think I'm bashing you, ROCK ON folks! I really love you ALL no matter how you feel about me!

 

[Starman3000m]

When it comes to ItalianIce and Starboy2007, you are better off just throwing them a smile and a wave but keeping your mouth shut. They are convinced they know the truth just as the muslims who flew the planes into the twin towers did. I too, don't like the anti-catholic comments they throw around and wish they'd realize we are all christians who should be working together even though we have our slight differences in our beliefs of Christianity. The truth according to ItalianDressing is pretty convincing stuff. If he says it's true, it must be.

Et tu, Dork, et tu?

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
(Galatians 4:16)

 

[Starman3000m]

It's amazing how a few of us here are saying the same thing but I am accused of bashing. The only reason that I go on (care) about catholics is because I was one and, if I hadn't got saved in 1989, I'd be on the highway to hell, STILL thinking I'm going to Heaven! There is a subtle voice saying that you are saved because you're catholic. All I'm saying is I thought the same way BUT I WASN'T SAVED. Is this bashing or caring?!! In both cases my friends; OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!!!!!! You can be catholic and go to Heaven BUT you can be catholic and NOT get there too. I had to work real hard to convince my late catholic parents of this and I did, but right at the end of their lives. How precious is that to me? If you really believe in Hell, it's priceless! Read Matthew 7 v 21-23 and see how there will be many SAD people on that day who THOUGHT they were saved but weren't and were cast into Hell! I don't want anyone within my reach to hear those words from God, so if you still think I'm bashing you, ROCK ON folks! I really love you ALL no matter how you feel about me!

Good words, ItalianScallion. If only these friends would realize that your love and concern for their eternal life emanates from your pointing out God's Truth from the Bible, even though they view it as getting "bashed".
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Proverbs 27:6)

Before my wife and I were saved, I too believed I was a "Christian" just because I believed in God and thought as long as did my best to live a clean life it would be enough. Wrong!

Keep up the good work, ItalianScallion. Evangelizing the Truth of Jesus Christ's message is always bound to be met with ridicule, denial and accusations of "bashing religious dogmas and heirarchies." This too has been foretold.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)