Have you actually read the Pope's document or are you letting someone tell you what is says?

Question

The news reports on the Pope's document are totally incorrect. The quotes in the news reports are not even in the document.

I suggest people read the actual document at http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html

Here are some quotes:

there are "numerous elements of sanctification and of truth" which are found outside her structure, but which "as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, impel towards Catholic Unity"

It is possible, according to Catholic doctrine, to affirm correctly that the Church of Christ is present and operative in the churches and ecclesial Communities not yet fully in communion with the Catholic Church, on account of the elements of sanctification and truth that are present in them

"It follows that these separated churches and Communities, though we believe they suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation.

In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church

My point is that people are so prejudiced against teh catholic Church (pre-judging), that they will eat up a lie that agrees with their prejudged notion of what the Church teaches instead of actually finding out what teh document really says.

I read one comment in another question that said "No, I will not read the document. It is Catholic propoganda"

Jonathan...it is obvious that you did not read my entire question. There is no way you can get "my way or the highway" from what is in the document unless you have already made up your mind about what the catholic Church teaches.

He who has eyes should see. he who has ears should hear.

Answer 1

Thank you for pointing that out. Unfortunately, those that "swallow up the lie" will not want to know the truth. They are so happy to have more ammo against Catholicism, that they will never search for the real meaning behind this truth.

Answer 2

I find it ironic that those who regularly bash the Catholic faith and tell us that we aren't "real" Christians were the ones having the biggest hissy fit when they thought they were getting the same treatment. "How can the Pope say we're not real Christians?" (whimper, sob)

I've read the entire document, and nowhere in it does the Pope say that non-Catholics are not "real" Christians. He does say that Protestant churches are "wounded" in the sense of being incomplete without the spiritual authority handed down through the apostolic succession.

I hope and pray that those people who say that Catholics aren't real Christians will learn from this. Maybe they'll remember how *they* felt and think twice before they hurt a brother or sister in Christ again -- no matter what denomination they belong to.

Answer 3

Yes i read it, and you tried to say that he used a wrong choice of words.

In all honesty all i can say, is no one uses words they dont want to say. they say what they mean and he said it.

He doesnt consider Christian Churches true churches, and he thinks we dont have the means of salvation.

The pope is just a man, not some super hero. So im over it now. But it was disrespectful.

Thank you, for your time. Goodbye.

Answer 4

Yes, I have read it and ithe sensationalizing of it in most of the media comments bears no relation to the text but shows how unreliable they are in presenting religious news. Always go for the primary sources.

Answer 5

Yes, I did.

What's your point?

edit: And what is the lie that people are swallowing up?

Answer 6

no not really

Answer 7

Nothing new, he is just REAFFIRMING what the catholics, like yourself have believed all along, when it comes to "religion" it's his was or the highway (to hell).

Christians know that Jesus said: He who is not against us is for us (Luke 9:50).

And the pope is against anyone who will not BOW to him.

he's lower than a MAGGOT and we know MAGGOTS come from ROTTING GARBAGE.

I did read your question, remember "thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor" .... but does it really matter, what i read from the Catholic church today will just as quickly change tomorrow, they change their doctrines so frequently, yes I was born into the slavery of catholicism, went to catholic school and saw the abuse of children and how they keep their members enslaved like brute beasts and let me tell you leaving the Catholic cult was one of the greatest things God ever did for me. Open your eyes there is NO LOVE, NO MERCY, NO COMPASSION, NO LIFE. But, praised be God for His wonderful salvation and FREEDOM from child abuse and slavery! It is ONLY GOD who can open ones spiritual eyes and ears ....

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.