Another question for Christians, concerning the Pope's comments...?

Question

Earlier, I asked how the Pope's comments affected Christians on this site. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArAj.2g_zn6au8AZfHk15rPsy6IX?qid=20070710090439AA6Pnl0

The majority of the responses seem to indicate a common theme: The pope's comments do not affect me, because I am not Catholic. (So, to paraphrase, the fact that your religion has been called false and defective by someone outside of your faith/religion means little to you.) This is a fair enough response, but leads me to make a point.

Seeing as the opinion of one of the world's most powerful religious leader means little to you, CAN ANY OF YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR OPINION REGARDING MUSLIMS, JEWS, PAGANS, HINDUS, BUHHDISTS AND ALL OTHER RELIGIONS (or lack thereof) BEING FALSE RELIGIONS MEANS LITTLE TO US/THEM?

Amazing, how few of you get the actual point.
The point I was trying to make is that, despite all your condemnation, all your ridicule of all other religions, despite your intolerance for others lifestyles and religions, your own faith and religion is no more true than any other. Your religion is just as "false" to the Pope as a Jews religion is to you. Your religion is just as "defective" as you claim Islam is.

Thats all Im saying. And, to the few that said "but Christianity is right" - youre simply too deluded to get any point.

Answer 1

A star for you for saying this. I know it is a common thought among those of the "false" religions you listed, but to actually say it - good.

Now if someone can only answer "Why are the Protestants that have, for years, called Catholics 'not Christian' suddenly crying foul? This is the same way they have treated us."

Answer 2

Actually, they weren't the Pope's comments, at least not directly.

They were part of a document put out by the Vatican's Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. The Pope merely approved them.

The document said absolutely nothing new. It simply reiterated the teaching that the Orthodox Churches are bona fide churches because they have the sacraments and virtually all the same doctrines as Catholicism -- they err only in not recognizing the authority of the Pope.

It also simply reiterated the teaching that Protestant denominations, because they abandoned the Eucharist and the other sacraments, are not bona fide churches -- although they do contain a great deal of religious truth and can possibly enable their followers to find salvation.

The Pope did not -- contrary to media reports -- say that other Christian communities have no means of salvation. Nor did he say, as the Toronto Globe and Mail claimed, that Catholics are better than other Christians.

.

Answer 3

I can see your point. I don't doubt my views on many things concerning other religions has very little impact on anyone, except for someone who is searching, and someone who is a fellow believer.

It is still a good exercise for people of all faiths. Understanding each others views is not a bad thing. I don't agree with people of other faiths, but still value their views and opinions.

I assume there are some of other faiths who feel the same way.

Answer 4

The only thing that matters is Jesus.

You are either born of God, through faith in Jesus or you're not. There is no other way.

So? Spiritual birth isn't provided for anyone who rejects Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the cross & resurrection. So? (Jews aren't a religion. They are a people.
) The other religions you mention don't believe in the Jesus Christ of the Gospels.

The Pope's comments affect me because this is a 'tare' statement, but it can't take my salvation away from me. I'm saved & I know that I am. Pope is a human being who is just wrong about this. So? But, I still believe he believes in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the cross & resurrection. So, is saved.

Answer 5

Actually, calling Islam and Hinduism can get you killed in other countries. It means an awful lot to them. If you are born into a muslim family and become a Christian (outside the U.S. and Western Civ), they treat you as dead or worse. Our ambivalince (wrong spelling) to religious truth in this country is not shared with most of the world.

Answer 6

Yeah, so? Like I said before, we all have to have a hobby. Why not? If you have faith in what you believe, and truly believe it, then what does it matter what others think? We can get upset at what someone says, but does it matter in the long run? Nope. They can think what they will. That won't change the way I believe, or what I think. It might help me to understand them better, and understand where their views are coming from, but that still doesn't mean that I have to endorse or support their beliefs.

Answer 7

Personally, I think it shows Christians (Protestant and Catholic) how much work there is yet to be done towards bring all believers into a single Christian church. I don't agree with what the Pope said because that's not what the Bible says.

If my opinions on your faith or lack there of mean little to nothing to you then why do you post questions here? If you don't want to hear responses don't post the question.

Answer 8

My friend,

Religion is a captilized business to produce money. Not all, but most.

I could care less what this man has to say about other Religions, because the Religion that he condones in is just as bad.

Trust me...in the next few years this man will have a rude awakening. We almost say it a few months ago :)

Answer 9

Not the same thing. Those not being paid (whether in money or in goods and services) for their opinions have a more valid outlook. Those of us capable of independent thought are more inclined to listen to the opinions of others who also think things through without agenda.

Answer 10

This pope that is in session now should be watched very carefully...it has been stated that he will be the one to fall away and cause a falling away of the church...it has also been said that he will be the last pope before the return of Christ..so in my opinion what he say's is only prophecy being fulfilled as to the end of times...you may want to check it out...I intend on doing more research on this...